Thoughts on 'Western Rite'
Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 05:34PM
Embryo Parson in Anglo-Catholicism, Continuing Anglicanism, Demise of the Orthodox Western Rite, Eastern Orthodoxy, Liturgy, Traditional Anglicanism, Why Anglicanism?

From Orthodox England.  Yet one example of many that can be adduced showing that the so-called Orthodox Western Rite isn't too popular with the Byzantine Riters, who constitute the vast majority of the Eastern Orthodox.

Whatever reservations most Orthodox have, it must be said that bishops can give their blessing for the formation and practice of a Western rite in the Orthodox Churches. This is if they consider it pastorally necessary, if, in other words, there are people who can be brought into genuine Orthodoxy through it.

It may be that with the dissolution of Anglicanism in particular, there is now a place for a ‘Western rite’ in Orthodoxy. Despite all manner of disadvantages and difficulties, a ‘Western rite’ could perhaps fill a temporary pastoral need for some specific small groups.

However, it is doubtful if this need extends beyond a handful of individuals. In any case, whether we are for or against, interested or bored by the question of, ‘Western rite’, it is not up to us. It is ultimately up to those who have pastoral oversight, our bishops, to encourage or discourage a ‘Western rite’, according to whether they find anyone who needs it or not.

Article originally appeared on theoldjamestownchurch (http://www.oldjamestownchurch.com/).
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