Word of the Day: Eastern Churches

EASTERN CHURCHES. Christian churches whose members follow the Eastern rites as a body. Historically they were the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem before the schism in the thirteenth century. They follow the ceremonies originally used by the Patriarch of Constantinople. The groups not in communion with Rome are called the separated Eastern Churches; the others are Catholic Churches of their respective Eastern rites. ++++++ Again, I have to question Father's knowledge of the East. The Schism is generally dated from the mutual excommunications of Rome and Constantinople in 1054 (the 11th century). There are those who would argue that it took place after the Council of Florence in the 15th century, but I know of no reason to date it to the 13th century, as Father does.