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Orientalium Ecclesiarum
Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches
What Is Orientalium Ecclesiarum?
Orientalium Ecclesiarum is a decree of the Second Vatican Council concerning the Catholic Eastern Churches.
It teaches that the Eastern Catholic Churches are fully Catholic and have their own lawful liturgical traditions, spiritual heritage, theology, and discipline.
Main Themes
- The dignity of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
- The preservation of Eastern liturgical traditions.
- The role of Eastern patriarchs.
- The importance of legitimate diversity within Catholic unity.
- The relationship between Eastern Catholics and separated Eastern Christians.
Why It Matters
This document helps Catholics understand that the Catholic Church is not limited to the Latin Rite.
The Church breathes with both East and West, preserving many ancient traditions while remaining united in one Catholic faith.
Read the Document
Read the full Vatican text here:
Open Orientalium Ecclesiarum ↗