Do Catholics and Orthodox already share Eucharistic communion?

ciero · #1 Oct 10, '11, 4:37 pm

If Christ is truly present in both Catholic and Orthodox communion, do we already share communion? It is not as if there were 2 different Jesus' in the communion of the 2 different churches. So being that we are already sharing the same Eucharistic Christ are we already in communion, and is it just human politics standing in the way?

Share your thoughts please!

SonCatcher · #2 Oct 10, '11, 4:48 pm

An interesting question. Since we say that in going to Mass we join at the one feast that Jesus shared with His disciples and partake of the one loaf that He broke with them, your supposition does seem a logical conclusion.

Hesychios · #3 Oct 10, '11, 4:57 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciero

If Christ is truly present in both Catholic and Orthodox communion, do we already share communion? It is not as if there were 2 different Jesus' in the communion of the 2 different churches. So being that we are already sharing the same Eucharistic Christ are we already in communion, and is it just human politics standing in the way?

Share your thoughts please!

I have been saying this for years, There is one cosmic liturgy.

So yes, from a Catholic perspective.

ConstantineTG · #4 Oct 10, '11, 5:24 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hesychios

I have been saying this for years, There is one cosmic liturgy.

So yes, from a Catholic perspective.

Please do share the Orthodox perspective, if its any different.

ciero · #5 Oct 10, '11, 6:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hesychios

I have been saying this for years, There is one cosmic liturgy.

So yes, from a Catholic perspective.

The thought was put into my head by an Orthodox Bishop, so I'd be interested in why you say from a Catholic perspective.

JamestheOlder · #6 Oct 10, '11, 6:22 pm

Do we? Are we really "in communion" with each other? Maybe not quite yet.

ConstantineTG · #7 Oct 10, '11, 6:25 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamestheOlder

Do we? Are we really "in communion" with each other? Maybe not quite yet.

If we are in communion with Christ, how are we not in communion with each other? If we believe that the Eucharist we receive is the real Body and Blood of Christ, how can we be apart? Is there a Catholic Christ and an Orthodox Christ?

JamestheOlder · #8 Oct 10, '11, 6:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConstantineTG

If we are in communion with Christ, how are we not in communion with each other? If we believe that the Eucharist we receive is the real Body and Blood of Christ, how can we be apart? Is there a Catholic Christ and an Orthodox Christ?

I make no theological statements, Constantine. Please refer to the response to ciero.

JamestheOlder · #9 Oct 10, '11, 7:02 pm

And, evidently, some Orthodox priests may believe we are not "in communion" with each other either: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o7UGLTauHI

ciero · #10 Oct 10, '11, 7:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamestheOlder

And, evidently, some Orthodox priests may believe we are not "in communion" with each other either: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o7UGLTauHI

My point was are we in Eucharistic communion.......NOT doctrine or anything else.......do we share the Eucharist? Is it politics that keeps us separated?

I Thirst · #11 Oct 10, '11, 7:45 pm

Are Orthodox sacraments considered valid by Catholics, and are Catholic sacraments considered valid by Orthodox?

ciero · #12 Oct 10, '11, 8:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Thirst

Are Orthodox sacraments considered valid by Catholics, and are Catholic sacraments considered valid by Orthodox?

Yes,,,,for the most part.....of course you have radicals in both churches who would say otherwise.....but for the most part the answer is YES.

JamestheOlder · #13 Oct 10, '11, 8:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciero

Yes,,,,for the most part.....of course you have radicals in both churches who would say otherwise.....but for the most part the answer is YES.

Agreed. And, yes, ciero, it is "politics" or some such devilish roadblock that keeps us separate. And it is unfortunate.

We need to pray for true reconciliation....probably St. Athanasius should be invoked for his intercession.....that we may be ONE.

Peace be with you!

I Thirst · #14 Oct 10, '11, 8:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciero

Yes,,,,for the most part.....of course you have radicals in both churches who would say otherwise.....but for the most part the answer is YES.

Ok, thanks! Not sure what is meant by "for the most part"? Do you mean that some sacraments are valid, but others are not?

I know that Catholic/Orthodox relations have a historic dimension that creates some problems with being in communion with each other, but I don't know much about what these are and need to do some reading.

Sepp · #15 Oct 11, '11, 12:29 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciero

Yes,,,,for the most part.....of course you have radicals in both churches who would say otherwise.....but for the most part the answer is YES.

Speaking from an Orthodox perspective, I would qualify this. In my experience, the view that sacramental grace only exists within the Orthodox Church is quite common. For example, it seems to be the position of the monks of Mount Athos. To them, there are serious matters of faith at the root of the separation.

I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but I think it is important to understand that this view is sincerely held by many Orthodox. Some become quite offended at the suggestion that it's all "just politics," and I think this can be harmful to actual dialogue if great care is not taken.