I think that if the EO and OO were to unify first, there is a good chance that a lot of the unity might come from a implicit mutual rejection of Western theology.
I'm hopeful that the RCC and the EO unify first because I think that this would create a unified apostolic church where both eastern and western theological concepts compliment and reinforce each instead of of one where they are constantly in conflict.
I'm certainly optimistic about EO and RCC will eventually accomplish this, especially given that the current pope has at one point said that the catholic church would be willing to revert to a pre-schism church structure if necessary for unity. Beyond this, I think it is only a matter of redefining (or in very extreme cases even repealing) the newer Catholic dogmas that are currently anathema to the EO. For example, in this scenario I see the filioque as being something that is eventually accepted as theologically correct (if meant in the sense of the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father through the Son. Even EO saints have accepted this interpretation), but ultimately removed from the creed because of it's novelty and the rather offensive way it was inserted into the creed without the consent of the whole church.
Anyway, that's the outcome I'd like to see (or more accurately, I'd like my descendent's to see)
Western Christianity is structurally and functionally different from Eastern Christianity.
Originally Posted by
Gxg (G²)
One individual I know had a similar situation - as she was Orthodox (and Jewish) while her husband was Catholic - and consequently, they went to two churches: Orthodox (OCA jurisdiction) and Melkite Catholic (Eastern Catholic). It was a bit difficult for them on some levels but they managed to work through it and help each other grow in the knowledge/image of CHrist.
For more:
For more clarity on her experiences, she worked with others in the Eastern Catholic world for a long time even while she was Orthodox before meeting her husband, as far as I can recall. As she noted best,
in her words (for brief excerpt):
A couple of years ago I spent nine months in Western Ukraine, working at the Ukrainian Catholic University. Though an Orthodox Christian by choice (including the explicit choice not to become Roman Catholic, which was my other serious alternative), I worshipped regularly and enthusiastically with the University’s Byzantine Catholic community; I came to love those people and admire their piety, and bought into a fair chunk of their nationalist narrative. I also came to see their Eastern Catholic Church as they see it: as an ecumenical bridge between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, rejecting neither, and working and praying for the unity of the two. That is not a typically Orthodox position..... But here is why I came to think the way I do. The Ukrainian Church has always been wedged, geographically and spiritually, in the middle of the battle – over land, souls, and doctrinal purity – between Rome and Constantinople, and later Moscow. The Great Schism, from the Ukrainian perspective, was a fight between the big dogs in the neighborhood. Taking a side in this fight was a painful choice forced upon the Western Ukrainian community from the outside, by both Rome and the Orthodox world; not surprisingly, their bishops resisted it, staying in communion with both centers of Christianity as long as they could get away with it. When the alternatives have been defined by those outside one’s community in the course of their own conflict, one can take a stand if one must, but it is impossible to make a meaningful choice about one’s identity.
I've enjoyed keeping up with her since she's very passionate about helping others seek
connection where many have said such isn't possible and doing as
Psalm 133 and Ephesians 4:1-8 talk on with unity in the Gospel....
For more reference on her journey if wanting to investigate yourself:
She tripped me out once e when it came to her sharing on
Ecumenism as Household Decoration and that she/her husband hadn't even planned this particular mix of Jewish-Catholic-Orthodox religious imagery…
Gxg (G²);61945423 said:
Eastern Catholicism/Byzantine Catholics stand out in many ways (having
much in common with Orthodoxy/
beauty)
For the record, the Catholic Church does not believe that Eastern Orthodoxy adheres to anything heretical. Obviously we do disagree on the issue of the Pope of Rome, but that is more a juridical and disciplinary disagreement rather than a dogmatic one.
The relationship between the Catholic Church (both the Western and Eastern halves) and Eastern Orthodoxy is so incredibly close it is remarkable. Part of that closeness comes from the fact that while we were still in communion with one another we cleaved to the Holy Orthodoxy of the Ecumenical Councils and holy Hierarchs. Both Rome and Constantinople suffered much in being faithful, and both carried on the "correctness" if you will of the Roman Empire when it too held to and promoted the teachings of the Fathers and Councils. Perhaps by remembering our common roots, and where we ultimately come from historically, will aid in increased charity, brotherhood, and true ecumenism.
Gxg (G²);61945713 said:
Heard a lot of other Catholics note the same as what you just did. Thanks for noting it.
There has been a lot of cross polinization in terms due to the ways others tend to see things. I think you brought some of it up in one of the older threads you made entitled
Reclaiming the Word "Orthodox"???
The relationship between the Catholic Church (both the Western and Eastern halves) and Eastern Orthodoxy is so incredibly close it is remarkable. Part of that closeness comes from the fact that while we were still in communion with one another we cleaved to the Holy Orthodoxy of the Ecumenical Councils and holy Hierarchs. Both Rome and Constantinople suffered much in being faithful, and both carried on the "correctness" if you will of the Roman Empire when it too held to and promoted the teachings of the Fathers and Councils. Perhaps by remembering our common roots, and where we ultimately come from historically, will aid in increased charity, brotherhood, and true ecumenism.
I would like to point out that I said about the Catholic Church not believing Eastern Orthodoxy has any heresy is actually the official opinion of the Church as expressed at Vatican II and by Bl. Pope John Paul II.
That is, in part, why the Catholic communion does not object to an Eastern Orthodox Christian receiving Holy Communion. I myself know of many Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox who actively attend and communicate at an Eastern Catholic (Melkite) parish. Any thoughts about it being problematic are not even conceived...which is quite remarkable.
Gxg (G²);61946855 said:
There've been a lot of Oriental Orthodox who attended Eastern Catholic parishes - be it Melkite or Syriac Catholic Church or Maronite Church and many others. And it's always wild when you see Eastern Orthodox going/having friendship with others present there.
