uniat church
Proper noun A church, or one of several churches, in Eastern Europe or the Middle East that is in communion with the Roman Catholic Church and acknowledges the authority of the Pope, while maintaining its own distinct liturgical rites, traditions, and canon law.
The term is used to refer to these specific Eastern Christian churches in full communion with Rome. * The Uniat Church in Ukraine has a complex history intertwined with national identity. * Scholars study the theological agreements between the Uniat Church and the Holy See.
- The term can be considered dated or even pejorative by some, with "Eastern Catholic Churches" or "Churches of the Eastern Rite" being the preferred modern designations.
- Historically, the term was used to distinguish these churches from the Orthodox churches from which they originated.
- Uniate (adjective or noun): Of or relating to a Uniat Church; a member of such a church.
- The Uniate liturgy is beautiful and ancient.
- Eastern Catholic Church (noun): The modern, preferred term for a Uniat Church.
- Greek Catholic Church (noun): A common name for several Uniat Churches, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Eastern Catholic Church
- Church of the Eastern Rite (in communion with Rome)
The term specifically denotes a church that has entered into communion with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) while retaining its Eastern Christian liturgical and disciplinary heritage. It is distinct from the Roman Catholic Church (which uses the Latin Rite) and from the Eastern Orthodox Churches (which are not in communion with Rome).
- any of several churches in eastern Europe or the Middle East that acknowledge papal authority but retain their own liturgy