This 142 page publication covers many of the traditions of the Eastern churches in a way that is understandable for the
ordinary reader. There are clear explanations of many topics which may seem a bit strange to some readers. The book is intended for people belonging to the Eastern tradition but also for those interested in the West. The book includes instructions about the history, the sacraments, style of worship, family customs, art works, church services, prayer forms, and much more.
Chapter five is especially one to study thoroughly for it treats of ways to work toward unity between the East and West. How to unite the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Eastern Catholic Church sometimes seem to be just on the horizon and then something disrupts the process. Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paull II were popes who tried in many ways to establish unity.
The East celebrates the same seven sacraments as the West. The sacraments communicate one reality, namely the reality of a communion with God in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Regarding the sacraments in the Eastern churches, they are neither aids to the spiritual life or mere adornments to it. The sacraments ARE the spiritual life. Baptism is the first one mentioned in this book, and includes the rite of Christian Initiation and
the Sacrament of Chrismation, known as Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church. The sacramental life IS life in Christ, consequently care of the poor and all good works proceed from the Eucharist, after the model of Jesus washing the feet of the apostles.
While a Catholic would say that Jesus is present in the Eucharist “body, blood, soul, and divinity”, the
Eastern Christian would say that Jesus is present “through and through” under the appearance of bread and wine. It is the same thing.
The sacrament of marriage is very solemn and detailed. Divorce is permitted for those who find living together impossible, and a reconciliation like that of early penitents is followed before a second or third
marriage can occur. A 4th marriage is absolutely forbidden. Priests are allowed to be married, but the bishop must be a celibate monk.
The sacrament of penance is called a second baptism. “Through praise, prayer, sacramental absolution, spiritual advice and a penance, the sacrament empowers a person to turn to God and to turn away from sin and
centeredness on one’s self.” After the actual confession of sins and the advice from the priest, he lays his hands and the end of his stole on the head of the penitent as a sign of the power of the Holy Spirit, by whom sins are forgiven and healing imparted.
The practice of fasting is quite different and more extensive. The Great Fast is six weeks
before Easter. The Apostles’ Fast is as short a one week and as long as six before June 29. The Assumption Fast is two weeks before Aug. 15. The Christmas Fast is forty days before Christmas. Every Wednesday and Friday are fast days, as are the vigils of Epiphany, St. John the Baptist, and the Holy Cross. On most days of the Great Fast, these foods are not to be eaten: meat, fish, butter, cheese, eggs, wine, oil, and milk. “Fasting is intended to assist the Christian vision so that all things on
earth are seen in relation to things in heaven.”
(Any TAKERS from the West?)
Even though the author writes that there are seven sacraments in the Eastern rites, there does not seem like there is any
reference to the anointing of the sick.
(Thanks to Sr. Irene Hartman OP for this review.)
