Jubilee of the Eastern Churches

 The days 12th - 14th May 2025 are due to be marked as a Jubilee of the Eastern Churches. The proposed programme of events in Rome for this Jubilee recognises a particular gift of the Eastern Churches, namely, their liturgical rites, though by the time that this post publishes the programme may have been "modified" in the light of "events".

The existence of a dicastery of the Holy See dedicated to the relationship of the Holy See to Eastern Catholic Churches dates as far back as Pope Benedict XV in 1917. It is now known as the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. In Rome there is a presence of the Eastern Churches in the Pontifical Oriental Institute, a mission of the Gregorian University; and in colleges affiliated to different Eastern Churches. The faithful of the Eastern Churches live not only in the geographical territories particularly associated with their rites but frequently in diaspora communities spread throughout the world. For many of us, our encounters with the faithful of these Churches occur by way of the parishes making provision for these diaspora communities. The suffering of these communities in former Communist countries and, today, in the countries of the Middle East contributes to the existence of diaspora communities. In the Bull of Indiction Pope Francis extended a particular invitation to them to take part in the Jubilee:

In a particular way, I would like to invite the faithful of the Eastern Churches, particularly those already in full communion with the Successor of Peter, to take part in this pilgrimage. They have suffered greatly, often even unto death, for their fidelity to Christ and the Church, and so they should feel themselves especially welcome in this City of Rome that is also their Mother and cherishes so many memories of their presence. The Catholic Church, enriched by their ancient liturgies and the theology and spirituality of their Fathers, monks and theologians, wants to give symbolic expression to its embrace of them and their Orthodox brothers and sisters in these times when they endure their own Way of the Cross, often forced by violence and instability to leave their homelands, their holy lands, for safer places. For them, the hope born of the knowledge that they are loved by the Church, which does not abandon them but follows them wherever they go, will make the symbolism of the Jubilee all the more powerful.

The Second Vatican Council addressed the Catholic Eastern Churches in its Decree Orientalium Ecclesiarum. 

History, tradition and abundant ecclesiastical institutions bear outstanding witness to the great merit owing to the Eastern Churches by the universal Church. The Sacred Council, therefore, not only accords to this ecclesiastical and spiritual heritage the high regard which is its due and rightful praise, but also unhesitatingly looks on it as the heritage of the universal Church. For this reason it solemnly declares that the Churches of the East, as much as those of the West, have a full right and are in duty bound to rule themselves, each in accordance with its own established disciplines, since all these are praiseworthy by reason of their venerable antiquity, more harmonious with the character of their faithful and more suited to the promotion of the good of souls (n.5).

Pope St John Paul II visited Lebanon in May 1997, a visit which marked the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation Une esperance nouvelle pour le Liban that concluded a special Assembly for Lebanon of the Synod of Bishops. Preaching on that occasion, the Holy Father greeted the different Churches of the region and recognised the suffering of the region:

These circumstances enable me to be in your land, for the first time, and to tell you of the love that the Church and the Apostolic See have for your nation, for all Lebanese: for the Catholics of the different rites — Maronite, Melkite, Armenian, Chaldean, Syrian, Latin; for the faithful belonging to the other Christian Churches; as well as for the Muslims and the Druze, who believe in the one God. From the bottom of my heart I greet you all on this very important occasion. We wish now to present to God the fruits of the Synod for Lebanon. ...

People often spoke of the "martyr Lebanon", especially during the period of war which afflicted your country more than ten years ago. In this historical context, the words of Saint Peter can well be applied to all who have suffered in this land. The Apostle writes: "In so far as you share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice because the Spirit of God rests upon you, and that is the Spirit of glory" (cf. ibid.). I am mindful that we are gathered near the historic heart of Beirut, Martyrs' Square; but you have also called it Freedom Square and Unity Square. I am certain that the sufferings of the past years will not be in vain; they will strengthen your freedom and unity.

This last paragraph continues to reflect the experience of the Churches in Lebanon.

Pope Benedict XVI, in convening a Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in October 2010, also reflected a concern of the Successor of Peter for the regions inhabited by the faithful of the Eastern Churches. As did his predecessor, Pope Benedict visited Beirut for the consigning of the resulting Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente.

96. Christ entrusted to Peter the specific mission of feeding his lambs (cf. Jn 21:15-17) and it is upon him that he built his Church (cf. Mt 16:18). As the Successor of Peter, I cannot overlook the trials and sufferings of Christ’s faithful and especially those who live in the Middle East. In a particular way, the Pope continues to be spiritually close to them. That is why, in the name of God, I ask the political and religious authorities of the Middle East not just to relieve these sufferings, but to eliminate the causes which produce them. I ask them to do all in their power to ensure that peace at last prevails.

97. Nor is the Pope unmindful that the Church – the holy city, the heavenly Jerusalem – whose corner stone is Christ (1 Pet 2:4-7) and which he has received the mission to care for on earth, is built on foundations adorned with precious stones of various colours (cf. Rev 21:14, 19-20). The venerable Eastern Churches and the Latin Church are these brilliant jewels, worn down and made smooth by constant worship before “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb”
(Rev 22:1).

 In Great Britain we can note the presence of the Ukranian Catholic Church and the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. In both cases, there is an Eparchy - equivalent of a diocese - that covers the whole country. There is a mission of the Maronite Catholic Church, serving a diaspora community from Cyprus and from Lebanon; and a mission of the Melkite Church, also serving a diaspora community.