The Eastern Catholic Churches : a historical and local perspective

Abstract

The dissertation is on the Eastern Catholic churches, which share the same traditions of other non Catholic Eastern churches. The research included all Eastern Christian Churches. Chapter one illustrates the Catholic ecclesiology regarding the Eastern churches, the events leading to the division between East and West and the ecumenical commitment to restore unity. Chapter two is a detailed description of each Eastern Church which is not in communion with the Catholic Church. Chapter three then delves onto the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches governing them. Chapter four illustrates the Byzantine legacy in Malta leading to the history and pastoral relevance of the Greek Catholic Church of Our Lady of Damascus in Valletta.