September 5, 2014

Conference to explore differences of Eastern Catholics and Orthodox Christians

Criterion staff report

St. Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, 1117 S. Blaine Ave., in Indianapolis will host “Light of the East, The Eastern Catholic Churches: Orthodox in Communion with Rome,” from 8 a.m. through evening Vespers, which start at 4 p.m. on Sept. 13.

The conference, sponsored by Abba, Father Chapter of Catholics United for the Faith, will explore such questions as: “Who are Eastern Catholics?,” “How did the Eastern Catholic Churches originate?,” “Who are Orthodox Christians?,” “How do Orthodox Christians differ from Eastern Catholics?” and “Why do so many diverse Eastern Churches exist?”

By learning now of these differences and similarities, people of faith will be more prepared to embrace the coming unity our recent popes have worked for, conference organizers said.

Father Bryan R. Eyman, pastor of St. Athanasius, and Father Christiaan Kappes, a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and a faculty member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa., will lead the conference.

St. Athanasius the Great Parish is part of a Byzantine-Ruthenian Catholic eparchy based in Parma, Ohio. It is in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Registration is required. Lunch will be provided for a free-will offering.

For more information and to register, call 317-889-1251 or e-mail abbafather.cuf@gmail.com. If registering, please include your name and phone number. †

Local site Links: