Can a Roman Catholic receive the Eucharist in a Greek Orthodox Mass?

Answer 1

Orthodox sacraments are not illicit. Illicitness comes from a violation of the norms/canons that govern the particular Rite. The Orthodox Churches operate under a different Rite than the Roman Rite so the canons of the Roman Catholic Church do not apply to the Orthodox Church (nor would they if the Orthodox were in communion with the Roman Rite). In my reading on the subject, schism doesn't make a sacrament illicit, rather receiving a schismatic sacrament makes the sacrament illicit for those of the Catholic Rites, unless they have a grave/just reason for doing so.

It is therefore my understanding from Vatican II and other documents that.

1. If you, as a Catholic, have a grave/just reason for receiving the Eucharist in a Schismatic Church, you may do so.
2. Attendance of an Orthodox Mass (they call it Divine Liturgy) does not fulfill your Sunday Mass obligations.
3. However, because there is a lack of communion between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, you should not receive communion at a normal Divine Liturgy unless invited to by the Orthodox priest.
4. If you plan on attending a Divine Liturgy, and have a just reason (as in you cannot attend a Catholic Mass or have an strong sence of theological communion with the Orthodox while being fully Catholic) call the priest before hand, tell him that you are Catholic, will be attending the Divine Liturgy, that you would like his permission to partake of the Eucharist.
5. IF HE SAYS NO UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO RECEIVE!!!

suggested reading CALLED TO COMMUNION by Ratzinger (B16)

Answer 2

Yes. And Orthodox can receive Communion at a Catholic Mass.

This is because the Greek Orthodox and other Orthodox churches hold the exact same beliefs about the Real Presence in the Eucharist that Catholics do.

in fact, Catholic and Orthodox doctrines are all virtually identical.

It's a different case with Protestant churches, which have significant doctrinal differences with the Catholic Church -- especially with regard to the Eucharist, which Protestants do not believe is the actual Body and Blood of Christ.

Answer 3

Actually, a Catholic can receive the Holy Eucharist from any Orthodox Church so long as: (1) it is for a very grave reason (most often, the impossibility of receiving Holy Communion from a Catholic parish -- for example when you are in a country where it is almost impossible to have access to a Catholic Church); and (2) the bishop of the particular Orthodox Church gives his permission.

The Orthodox do have valid Sacraments, however these Sacraments are illicit. This is because these Churches are not in full communion with the Vicar of Christ. It is beautiful to see that they have maintained all 7 Sacraments intact (contrary to the Protestant communities); however, there is more that is required: submission to the Authority set up by Jesus Christ as Head of His Church here on earth. Let us pray for full union.

Answer 4

According to this 2005 Catholic News Service story, Catholics cannot yet receive the Eucharist in an Orthodox Church or vice versa:
http://www.americancatholic.org/News/Synod/synodecumenism.asp

With love in Christ.

Answer 5

Yes. In the late 1960s, the excommunicaton between the two churches was lifted. You can, so long as you understand the Eucharist to be the Eucharist - the same transformation/transubstantiation occuring.

Answer 6

Thedifferences between catholics and Greek orthodox doesnt reside in the essence or nature or Christ but more in the power of the pope and Virgin Mary. They are both cristians, so why not?

Answer 7

Neither has jurisdiction over the opposite; the church buildings could also be viewed "in communion" however that best manner they agree at the most important matters. Neither belongs to the opposite's church. One can not excommunicate any person in the event that they were not within the church to start with.

Answer 8

Not being either, I'm not sure. I'd say the Roman Catholic should be able to, though.

Answer 9

Depends - some G.O. clergymen will permit it, others won't. Ask before the service begins.