An Eastern Catholic Church, also known as an Eastern Rite Catholic Church or Eastern Catholic Church, is a branch of the Roman Catholic Church that follows the traditions, liturgy, and theological heritage of the Eastern Christian traditions. These churches are in full communion with the Pope of Rome, which means they recognize the Pope as the supreme authority within the Catholic Church.
Eastern Catholic Churches are distinct from the Western or Latin Rite Catholic Churches, which are more commonly known and associated with the Roman Catholic Church. The Eastern Catholic Churches maintain their unique liturgical practices, theology, and cultural traditions while being part of the broader Catholic communion.
There are multiple Eastern Catholic Churches, each with its own distinctive liturgical and theological traditions. Some of the largest and most well-known Eastern Catholic Churches include the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Maronite Church, the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, the Coptic Catholic Church, and the Syro-Malabar Church, among others. Each of these churches has its own hierarchy, clergy, and followers who adhere to the Eastern Christian traditions and customs, while still acknowledging the authority of the Pope in matters of faith and doctrine.
Eastern Catholic Churches are found in various regions of the world and are particularly prominent in areas where Eastern Christianity has historical roots, such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. They play a vital role in preserving and promoting the diverse Eastern Christian heritage within the wider Catholic Church.
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Fenwick, J. (2005). Eastern-rite Catholic churches. In Christianity: The Complete Guide. Continuum. http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781472972835.0080a
Kalaitzidis, P. (2022). The Eastern Catholic Churches: The Catholic Church and its Orthodox Sister Churches Twenty-Five Years after Balamand (pp. 91-118). Peeters Publishers. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2zx9p71.8
Kaptijn, A. (2020). Ecclesiological and juridical impact of the Eastern Catholic diaspora context within the Catholic Church. In Eastern and Oriental Christianity in the Diaspora (pp. 57-76). Peeters Publishers. DOI: 10.2307/j.ctv1q26p6t.6.
