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A proposal for Catholic-Orthodox eucharistic sharing during the pandemic [Orthodox-Cathodic Caucus]
National Catholic Reporter ^ | 05-25-2020 | Bishop John D. Faris

Posted on 06/01/2020 1:39:43 PM PDT by NRx

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis March 27 characterized the worldwide trauma as: "God's call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on." Can this occasion also be a time of deeper communion among us?

Catholics, Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox hierarchs, pastors and faithful agree that the Eucharist, the body and blood of the Son of God, is the most precious gift of God to the church. It is of paramount importance to us!

Nevertheless, while sharing the same belief in the supreme importance of the Eucharist, we still refrain from sharing the bread and cup with each other because of doctrinal divergences.

Perhaps this pandemic is an occasion for those committed to fostering the unity of Christians to consider a leap forward: Would the Catholic, Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches consider an expansion of sacramental sharing, especially eucharistic sharing, on a reciprocal, ordinary basis?

A basis for such consideration can be gleaned from the common declarations and statements already issued by the churches. For example, the 1996 Armenian and Catholic Common Declaration stated that the leaders of the two communities, Pope John Paul II and Catholicos Karekin I, recognized "the deep spiritual communion which already unites them and the Bishops, clergy and lay faithful of their Churches."

(Excerpt) Read more at ncronline.org ...


TOPICS: Catholic; Ecumenism; Orthodox Christian; Worship
KEYWORDS:
"It should be understood that an expansion of sacramental sharing with one church would not be indicative of a greater degree of communion with the Catholic Church."

Such a statement is (or should be) profoundly embarrassing to anyone with a patristic understanding of communion. The fact that a Catholic bishop could make a statement like that is an added reason for why restoration of communion is unlikely to occur in my lifetime.

1 posted on 06/01/2020 1:39:43 PM PDT by NRx
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To: NRx

I would think that when the first Novus Ordinary parishioners decide to get in on this “sharing” deal and show up at the Eastern O’s church doors clad proudly in shorts, sneakers and a G.B. Packers jersey - I think the Patriarch’s would have a cow, and maybe rethink this idea...maybe


2 posted on 06/01/2020 2:16:10 PM PDT by MurphsLaw ("Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven...")
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To: MurphsLaw

LOL


3 posted on 06/01/2020 2:51:33 PM PDT by ElkGroveDan (My tagline is in the shop.)
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To: NRx
A proposal for Catholic-Orthodox eucharistic sharing during the pandemic

The Catholic Church has allowed the Holy Eucharist for all Orthodox. It's been that way for a long time.

The reverse, however, has never been allowed, ever.

Why the change now, I wonder.

4 posted on 06/01/2020 4:49:08 PM PDT by cloudmountain
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To: cloudmountain

I think you are misreading this. The proposal is not from the Orthodox. And I can safely state that while well intentioned, it is dead on arrival. The man does not grasp the Orthodox understanding of communion.


5 posted on 06/01/2020 7:13:30 PM PDT by NRx (A man of honor passes his father's civilization to his son without surrendering it to strangers.)
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To: NRx
I think you are misreading this. The proposal is not from the Orthodox. And I can safely state that while well intentioned, it is dead on arrival. The man does not grasp the Orthodox understanding of communion.

I was.
The Orthodox will ever change.

6 posted on 06/01/2020 10:10:11 PM PDT by cloudmountain
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To: NRx
I think you are misreading this. The proposal is not from the Orthodox. And I can safely state that while well intentioned, it is dead on arrival. The man does not grasp the Orthodox understanding of communion.

=================================================
I was. The Orthodox will never change.

7 posted on 06/01/2020 10:21:14 PM PDT by cloudmountain
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