by Brent Kostyniuk
If at times Both Lungs seems to take on a bit of a defensive tone, it is, perhaps, justified. It is, after all, nearly 120 years since Pope Leo XIII issued the apostolic constitution Orientalium Dignitas. In it, the Pope praised the Eastern Churches and extolled their place in the Catholic Church. “The Churches of the East are worthy of the glory and reverence that they hold throughout the whole of Christendom in virtue of those extremely ancient, singular memorials that they have bequeathed to us. For it was in that part of the world that the first actions for the redemption of the human race began, in accord with the all-kind plan of God. They swiftly gave forth their yield: there flowered in first blush the glories of preaching the True Faith to the nations, of martyrdom, and of holiness. They gave us the first joys of the fruits of salvation.”
More recently, in the Apostolic Letter Orientale Lumen Blessed John Paul II wrote of the importance of the Eastern Churches and the need for all Catholics to make themselves aware of this spiritual heritage. “Since, in fact, we believe that the venerable and ancient tradition of the Eastern Churches is an integral part of the heritage of Christ’s Church, the first need for Catholics is to be familiar with that tradition, so as to be nourished by it and to encourage the process of unity in the best way possible for each.”
The Pope continued by putting the need for communion with the East in even stronger language. It would be a stepping stone towards a restored universal Christian church. “Our Eastern Catholic brothers and sisters are very conscious of being the living bearers of this tradition, together with our Orthodox brothers and sisters. The members of the Catholic Church of the Latin tradition must also be fully acquainted with this treasure and thus feel, with the Pope, a passionate longing that the full manifestation of the Church’s catholicity be restored to the Church and to the world, expressed not by a single tradition, and still less by one community in opposition to the other; and that we too may be granted a full taste of the divinely revealed and undivided heritage of the universal Church which is preserved and grows in the life of the Churches of the East as in those of the West.” Perhaps Blessed John Paul’s love for the East was instilled by his Ukrainian Greek Catholic grandmother.
This past week a Divine Liturgy was held at the Altar of the Confession of the Vatican Basilica, in honour of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr, whose relics were placed exactly 50 years ago under the altar of Saint Basil the Great. It was concelebrated by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, the Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, and bishops of the Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, Pope Francis addressed the celebrants and the 3000 pilgrims who took part. His words echoed those of his predecessors. “If the communion of the Church is such, every aspect of our Christian life can be animated by the desire to build together, to collaborate, to learn from one another, to witness the faith together. Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, who is the centre of this path, accompanies us on this path. This desire of communion drives us to seek to understand the other, to respect him, and also to receive and offer fraternal correction.”
Despite these admonitions, the spirit of communion is far from commonplace. Recently, a Ukrainian Catholic priest serving a rural centre was forbidden from visiting schools by the local Latin bishop. Was there some fear of proselytizing or a misconception that Ukrainian Catholics are not really Catholic?
With only just over 5 million members, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is miniscule compared with the 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide.
Still, there are signs those in the West are coming to appreciate what the East has to offer. While in London, I was delighted to find a Byzantine icon of the Theotokos in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, a centre for the Anglican Church. Similarly, one is placed in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, regular place of worship for the royal family, and, significantly, burial place of Henry VIII! Closer to home, last month’s column on the nativity icon jigsaw puzzle brought numerous requests to purchase one.
As those in the East prepare for Christmas with Phillip’s Fast, and those in the West with Advent, it is worthwhile to reflect on Orientale Lumen, the Light from the East…the star which shone in the eastern sky; the Light who was born in a manger; and the Eastern light which is “an integral part of the heritage of Christ’s Church.”
Finally, for all Both Lungs readers, I would like to share a very ancient Christmas prayer, given by the head of the household on Christmas Eve. “O most merciful Lord, and you Son of Righteousness, we greet You with Holy Christmas. Last year You gave us a harvest, You gave us wealth, You gave us health. Then help us this year so it will be better.”
This piece first appeared in The Prairie Messenger. Reprinted with permission.
