Orientalium Ecclesiarum

Decree on the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite

Second Vatican Council; solemnly promulgated by St. Paul VI1964-11-21Current

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Return to library

Overview

Affirms the dignity and traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches and addresses their governance, sacramental discipline, and role in Christian unity.

Why This Document Matters

It teaches that legitimate Eastern Catholic traditions are treasures of the universal Church, not departures from a Latin norm.

Historical Context

Promulgated in Vatican II's third session alongside the decree on ecumenism and amid renewed attention to Eastern Christian traditions.

Authority and Status

Genre: Ecumenical Council Decree
Authority class: Ecumenical council decree
Juridical force: Doctrinal, pastoral, and disciplinary
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1964-11-21

Legal or historical note: Current; read with later governing legislation and discipline.

A decree of an ecumenical council, solemnly promulgated by the pope. Its disciplinary provisions must be read with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and later law.

Key Points

Eastern Catholic ChurchesRitesPatriarchsSacraments

Major Themes

Eastern Catholic ChurchesRitesPatriarchsSacramentsChristian Unity

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Orientalium Ecclesiarum

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Source verified 2026-08-25 · Opens in a new tab