Not at all similar. These are not converts. As noted above, it is Vatican policy for Eastern Rite priests serving communities in the West, that they respect the Latin culture of celibacy. Though I am Roman Catholic, I practice my faith in a Maronite (Eastern) Catholic Church, that respects those norms. To address the shortage of priests, the local bishop has arranged with a monastery in Lebanon, to provide priests to serve for 10 years. At the end of that time, they may be moved to another country or allowed to renew their ministerial contract for another 10 years. Currently, our parish is served by a priest from that monastery. He has adapted very quickly to our culture and brings a wealth of spirituality to our community. The Maronite Catholic Church allows married men to apply for the priesthood but may only serve in Lebanon. The church strongly embraces priestly celibacy and only sends celibate priests to the diaspora.
The Melkite Catholic Church is taking a serious step in ordaining married men to serve in the US. I believe it will backfire on them.
Also noteworthy:
The previous Melchite bishop abruptly closed a seminary in Newton, MA, forcing Melchites to use the Lebanon (as in Syria’s puppet, not Pennsylvania) for ordination, to the shock of MY Melchite community anyway, or go to a Ruthenian monastery in Pittsburgh.
I’ll be sure to ask the bishop when I see him Saturday ;^)