Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CONGREGATION FOR ORIENTAL CHURCHES

Originally created in 1862 by Pope Pius IX as part of the Congregation of Propaganda, it became autonomous in 1917. Its jurisdiction extends to all bishops, clergy, religious, and laity of the Oriental rites, comparable to the authority of such bodies as the Congregation of Bishops, Clergy, Religious, and Catholic Education for the Latin Rite. Moreover, it has exclusive authority in certain countries where Oriental Rite Catholics are dominant.