Of course, no one person can speak for all the various Eastern Orthodox Churches since they are in schism with the Pope of Rome since the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1054 went into schism with the pope. Thus there is no one who can claim that all the nationalistic Eastern Orthodox Churches teach this, that or the other in a unified manner. They really do need a pope, the true pope, The Bishop of Rome!
A google AI summary:
Yes, the current Patriarch of Constantinople, Patriarch Bartholomew, and the Orthodox Church generally recognize the validity of Catholic sacraments, including baptism, Eucharist, and holy orders. This recognition is based on the belief that the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church share apostolic succession and that their sacraments are validly administered. While there are historical and ongoing theological differences, there is a mutual recognition of the validity of each other's sacraments.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- The Orthodox Church, including the Patriarchate of Constantinople, acknowledges that the Catholic Church possesses valid sacraments, meaning they believe the sacraments are properly performed and possess the intended spiritual effects. This includes sacraments like baptism, where the Orthodox recognize the Trinitarian formula used by Catholics, and the Eucharist, where they believe the bread and wine are truly transformed into the body and blood of Christ.
- A key factor in this recognition is the shared belief in apostolic succession, meaning that both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches trace their ordained ministry back to the apostles of Jesus. This unbroken line of succession is considered essential for the valid administration of sacraments.
- While there have been historical divisions and disagreements between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, there has also been a long history of attempts at reconciliation and dialogue. The mutual recognition of sacraments is one aspect of this ongoing process.
- This recognition of the validity of Catholic sacraments has practical implications. For example, in cases where a Catholic person is in danger of death and a Catholic priest is unavailable, an Orthodox priest could administer the sacrament of extreme unction(anointing of the sick), and it would be recognized by the Catholic Church, according to Quora.
- While there is a general recognition of validity, it's important to note that there are also nuances and differing perspectives among Orthodox Christians regarding the extent to which they fully accept or participate in Catholic sacraments. However, the general stance of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Orthodox Church is one of recognizing the validity of Catholic sacraments.
2 comments:
I will need to come back and read this and the other Eastern/Orthodox post that I couldn't get to yesterday.
Fr. AJM, I'm a dedicated Catholic who has, given proximity, both fondness and empathy for the Orthodox. Many within my peer group do as, particularly in the Pennsylvanian "Holy Land" that's lush with gold domes across the state, we know, see each other and are related.
That being said, a patriarch is not analogous to the pope. A patriarch is the leader of a particular church, mostly national, that were created as orthodoxy spread across the middle east and Eastern Europe. Similar to states of the United States. The pope of Rome, was formerly the Patriarch of the West. Bartholomew, is simply first among equals. There is no papacy, nor any claim to that title and role within the traditional Orthodox Communion. Now, splinter groups like the Orthodox Church, Inc. (whatever they are called), might have a someone playing the part of pope, similar to the Palmarian "Catholics", but, such individuals enjoy no universal recognition. Please be both careful and fair. Historically, and despite opinions and passions, no one knows with absolute certainty who left who first.
Marc, although an American, belongs to one of the nationalistic Eastern Orthodox Churches. He claims that Eastern Orthodoxy does not recognize the sacraments of the Catholic Church. He claims this as though there is a unity about this belief within Orthodoxy. There isn’t. There is no pope in Orthodoxy to make such a unified statement. In Marc’s belief, your Eastern Rite Church would have invalid sacraments too.
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