One paragraph to be clarified (from the article):
Over time it became the norm for priests in the West to remain unmarried, though that tradition never took hold in Eastern churches. Catholic bishops, whether part of the Eastern or Latin rite, however, have always been expected to remain celibate, as are unmarried men who already serve as priests.
(pinging NYer, who worships in a Maronite parish, for validation of the following)
Married people are allowed to be clergy, but clergy must not be married after their ordination (that holds true for both Eastern Churches and Latin Churches, where married permanent deacons are allowed).
Although a married presbyteriate and diaconate are allowed in Eastern Churches, the episcopate must all be celibate. (The following is the part that I want to get verified by NYer) To my understanding, the reason for this is that taking monastic vows, including celibacy, is a requirement for being elected to the episcopate.
If my understanding of that requirement of the episcopate in the Eastern Churches is correct, I'm honestly not sure about the background of that (as I do not claim to be any kind of a subject matter expert on Eastern Christianity). Perhaps NYer can expound some on the background and rationale of that.
Although a married presbyteriate and diaconate are allowed in Eastern Churches, the episcopate must all be celibate. (The following is the part that I want to get verified by NYer) To my understanding, the reason for this is that taking monastic vows, including celibacy, is a requirement for being elected to the episcopate.
You are absolutely correct. It is also my understanding that married priests (in the Maronite Church), serve in an auxiliary capacity. Here in the US, the Maronite Church, like the Latin Church, suffers from a shortage of priests. To resolve this problem, the bishops have an agreement with a monastic community of missionaries in Lebanon whereby they solicit volunteers from their community to serve for a 10 year term in the US or other country. All of these priests are celibate.
The situation at St. Raymond’s Maronite Cathedral is also quite unique. The newly ordained priest is Lebanese (hence, he grew up in a culture where married priests serve), he previously (to his marriage) attended Holy Spirit University in Lebanon and Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington DC. He and his wife have been married for 10 years and he has served at the Cathedral in the capacity of a deacon. This is a very large parish and probably places a great strain on one priest. Essentially, all of the elements normally applied in the Maronite tradition for a deacon to be ordained, were present in this particular situation. Perhaps that is why Pope Francis approved it, without lifting the rule for celibate priests.
Keep in mind that regardless of which Eastern Church, the sequence of vows is followed. Hence, a married man ordained a priest, must place his marriage vow first. For that reason, a celibate priest serves in the position of pastor. That is my understanding. Hope this clarifies the matter.