Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 250.  Fri  2-28-92  9:24  (NO KILL)  (RECV'D)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Jim Krupnik
 Subject: Orthodoxy

+-
| My modem is fighting me on this question, but I'll try it again. Father,
| can you explain (even a short answer would help) the doctrinal differences
| between the Roman and the Greek/Russian Orthodox churches? I understand
| that the Sacrements are valid between the churches, and I enjoy the
| eastern liturgy. The problem is that there is not much information
| available here in the Atlanta area about Catholic belief in general, and
| even less about "in house arguments". I enjoy your comments, and I pray
| that God will bless you in this ministry for years to come.
| .
|      Thank you,
|       Jim K.
+-[JK=>FM]
 
Dear Jim,
 
The New Catholic Encyclopedia is a readily available source for study
of Orthodoxy.  It has two major articles: Orthodox Churches (v.10, pp.
789-801) and Orthodoxy (pp. 801-802).  Each article has a bibliography
and a list of cross-references.
 
The differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism lie in these areas:
the biblical canon, tradition, ecclesiology, Filioque, mariology,
sacramental theology, and eschatology.  The Encyclopedia devotes a
special article to each of these areas.
 
The Orthodox Churches have valid sacraments and, under certain
circumstances, we permit Orthodox people to receive Communion in
Catholic churches.  However, the Orthodox forbid their own people to
receive Communion with us.  Also they deny the validity of Catholic
marriages.
 
If you wish to receive the Sacraments and go to Mass in Eastern rites,
there are several Catholic Eastern rite churches in your area:
 
1) St. John Chrysostom Church (Melkite-Greek rite)
   Rev. William Haddad
   1003 Merry Street
   Augusta, GA  30914-3351
   Tel:  404-738-5623
         404-738-9388
 
2) Epiphany Catholic Church (Byzantine-Ruthenian rite)
   Rev. Philip Scott
   2030 Old Alabama Road
   Roswell, GA 30076
   Tel: 404-993-0973
 
3) St. Joseph Church (Maronite Rite)
   Rev. Msgr. Joseph Bistany
   502 Seminole Avenue, N.E.
   Atlanta, GA  30307
   Tel: 404-525-2504
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo