Institute for Eastern Christian Studies
Helping the West come to know the East.
Chancellor
Our jurisdiction cherishes the Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and the Western liturgical heritage. We describe our pastoral life across these traditions as bi-ritual. The Institute for Eastern Christian Studies carries this commitment into education, inviting clergy and parishioners to encounter the Christian East with reverence and care.
Our jurisdiction is independent and is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The Institute's teaching offers a path toward greater understanding; it does not speak or act on behalf of Rome or the Orthodox churches.
For Roman Catholic priests who choose to explore bi-ritual ministry, the Institute seeks to teach the prayer, theology, and practice of the Divine Liturgy. Orthodox priests are also available to assist in this teaching, sharing the living tradition of Eastern worship, spirituality, and theology with their Roman Catholic brothers in the priesthood.
Priests can bring what they learn back to conversations with their bishops and share the richness of Eastern Christianity with their parishioners. Any Catholic authorization to celebrate the Divine Liturgy belongs to the appropriate Catholic authorities; completing Institute studies does not grant liturgical faculties.