Eastern Catholic Churches

Definition and Characteristics

Eastern Catholic Churches are 23 particular churches that are part of the Roman Catholic Church, yet retain their Eastern ("Oriental") rites. They share a close tradition and hierarchical constitution with the Orthodox and Old Oriental Eastern Churches, but are distinct from them in recognizing the supremacy of the Pope's jurisdiction and being in communion with the Latin Church.

History

The concept of "union" refers to the re-establishment of ecclesial unity between the Catholic Church and an Eastern Christian church. This process has occurred throughout history, resulting in the formation of Eastern Catholic Churches that are part of the Catholic Church but retain their unique traditions and rites.

Classification

Eastern Catholic Churches can be broadly classified into two categories:

### 1. Uniting Churches

These churches never broke communion with the Roman Catholic Church and include:

* The Maronite Church
* The Syro-Malabar Church (sometimes considered part of this category)

### 2. United Churches

These churches were formed through the partial or integral passage of an Orthodox church into communion with the Roman Catholic Church, also known as "uniting" churches. This category includes:

* The Greek Catholic Church in Romania, Western Europe, and the United States
* Other Eastern Catholic churches that have united with Rome

Jurisdiction and Canon Law

Eastern Catholic Churches are not subject to the canon law of the Codex Iuris Canonici (CIC), but rather to the Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium (CCEO).

Geographic Distribution

Eastern Catholic Churches can be found in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India, and among diasporal communities in Western Europe and the United States.

Rites and Traditions

Eastern Catholic Churches use various Oriental rites, including the Byzantine Rite.