itäkatolisen

Itäkatolinen refers to Eastern Catholic Churches, which are Eastern Rite churches in full communion with the Pope of Rome. These churches are distinct from the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, which is the largest and most widespread tradition. Eastern Catholic Churches retain their own unique liturgical, theological, and spiritual traditions, which often have roots in the early centuries of Christianity and are distinct from those of the Roman Catholic Church.

The origins of the Eastern Catholic Churches can be traced back to the Great Schism of 1054, which divided Western Christianity (led by Rome) and Eastern Christianity (led by Constantinople). Some churches in the East, while maintaining their distinct Eastern traditions, later re-established communion with the Pope. These reunited churches became known as Eastern Catholic Churches. They are diverse, with many different rites and traditions, each with its own history and cultural heritage. Examples include the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Maronite Church, and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Despite their differences in rites and traditions, all Eastern Catholic Churches recognize the authority of the Pope as the successor of Saint Peter and the visible head of the universal Church. They share the same sacraments and fundamental doctrines as the Latin Rite Catholic Church.