incommunion

THE HOLY BYZANTINE CATHOLIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
La Iglesia Bizantina Catolica Ortodoxa / Le Saint Église Bizantine Catholique Orthodoxe
A TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY

All Blessings in Christ,

Thanks for your inquiry about being in Communion with the Holy Byzantine Catholic Orthodox
Church.

This are some answers to frequently asked questions about entering in communion with the
Holy Church.

Also, carefully read our church Canon, Liturgical Rites and About us in this website.

If you have any specific questions we will answer them via direct mail or email.

1) What is the process for entering into communion?

The first step is to read about us on our websites, ask questions, and then if you would like to
be considered entering into communion, download and complete the application.

Communion is open only to:

A) Lectors and Acolytes in Minor Orders and Deacon/ness,
(18 years or older and open to females also)

B) Priests * and Bishops * ordained in the Catholic Orthodox tradition by a church with
valid lines of Apostolic Succession.

* Married or un-married males.

While our Patriarchal Council makes the final determination on each applicant, generally
speaking we welcome clerics from most mainline (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican,
Episcopal, Lutheran and independent Catholic (too numerable to list).

Obviously, conformity to reception of the sacraments of Baptism and Ordination administered
in the traditional Catholic Faith manner, and faith compatibility to our Statements of Beliefs are
significant criteria for acceptance into Communion.

The application which you may download or request to forward to you upon request should be
thoroughly and thoughtfully completed. That application and the requested documentation will
need to be submitted before communion decision is made. It is acceptable to send the
application first and then supply the documentation as it is gathered.

2) Are there expenses involved in being in Communion in your church?

No fee or charge is ever paid for entering into Communion! There are, however, some
expenses that are passed on to the applicant.

This is the current total list:

A. There is an application fee of $150.00. That covers printing, mailing, background
  check, and follow-up telephone conversations. It is non-refundable.

B. As part of the application process, the applicant is required to visit in person with the
  Presiding Primus or other clergy more proximate to the applicant’s home city. Travel
  expenses related to that visit are the responsibility of the applicant.

C. It is requires that all clerics in Communion attend and participate every year in our
Church Synod/Retreat wherever it is held. The travel costs and registration fee are the
annual responsibility of the cleric.

3. How long does it take to be enter in Communion?

The applicant is led through the process in an individualized and personal manner.

Orthodox Church presents the application with his recommendation to the Holy Synod who then
send their recommendation to Patriarchal Council. So, the “how long?” time-line varies.

I hope this information helps you as you look at the possibility of entering in Communion with
The Holy Byzantine Catholic Orthodox Church.

If you would like to move on to the next step, please download Communion Application If you
have any questions or would just like to talk with me to see if we can be partners in the ministry
of the Lord contact me at the following: byzanpater1@aol.com.

Peace and blessings,

THBCOC