EASTERN RITE PATRIARCHS
7.
The patriarchate, as an institution, has existed in the Church from the earliest
times and was recognized by the first ecumenical councils.8
By the
name Eastern patriarch, is meant the bishop to whom belongs jurisdiction over
all bishops, not excepting metropolitans clergy and people of his own territory
or rite, in accordance with canon law and without prejudice to the primacy of
the Roman Pontiff.9
Wherever
an hierarch of any rite is appointed outside the territorial bounds of the
patriarchate, he remains attached to the hierarchy of the patriarchate of that
rite, in accordance with canon law.
8.
Though some of the patriarchates of the Eastern Churches are of earlier and
some of later date, nonetheless all are equal in respect of patriarchal
dignity, without however prejudice to the legitimately established precedence
of honor.10
9.
By the most ancient tradition of the Church the patriarchs of the Eastern
Churches are to be accorded special honor, seeing that each is set over his
patriarchate as father and head.
This Sacred
Council, therefore, determines that their rights and privileges should be
re-established in accordance with the ancient tradition of each of the Churches
and the decrees of the ecumenical councils.11
The
rights and privileges in question are those that obtained in the time of union
between East and West; though they should be adapted somewhat to modern
conditions.
The
patriarchs with their synods are the highest authority for all business of the
patriarchate, including the right of establishing new eparchies and of
nominating bishops of their rite within the territorial bounds of the
patriarchate, without prejudice to the inalienable right of the Roman Pontiff
to intervene in individual cases.
10.
What has been said of patriarchs is valid also, in harmony with the canon law,
in respect to major archbishops, who rule the whole of some individual church
or rite.12
11.
Seeing that the patriarchal office in the Eastern Church is a traditional form
of government, the Sacred Ecumenical Council ardently desires that new
patriarchates should be erected where there is need, to be established either
by an ecumenical council or by the Roman Pontiff.13
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