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Introduction
On October 18, 1990, with the Apostolic Constitution Sacri canones, Pope John Paul II promulgated the common law of the Eastern Catholic Churches, the Codex canonum Ecclesiarum orientalium. Together with the promulgation of the canon law of the Latin Church, the Codex iuris canonici (1983), and the reform of the Roman Curia, Pastor bonus (1988), the promulgation of the Eastern Code completed the disciplinary renewal of the entire Catholic Church mandated by the Second Vatican Council.
Following some sixty years in preparation--the codification of Eastern canonical legislation had its true beginnings in 1929--the Eastern Code recently celebrated its tenth-year anniversary of promulgation. Anniversaries seem to be those unique occasions which create an atmosphere for nostalgia and sentimentality, providing individuals and entire communities an opportunity to reflect upon the past and to ponder the future. The anniversary of the promulgation of the Eastern Code is no exception.
Several approaches can be taken in commemorating this event. The Congregation for the Eastern Churches, for example, organized an international symposium which took place in Vatican City in November 2001. The symposium, marking ten years since the Code obtained the force of law on October 1, 1991 (the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God in many of the Eastern Churches), was entitled "Ius Ecclesiarum -- Vehiculum caritatis," and included an extensive program presented by a distinguished group of canonists and academics.(2) Others undoubtedly will be more modest in their approach, organizing conferences and seminars on the local level, or promoting perhaps the publication of articles and books to mark this occasion.
What then should practitioners of the Latin Code know about their sister Code, the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, and why? In order to respond to these questions, I have divided my presentation into three parts: 1) some thoughts on the Eastern and Latin Codes in comparison; 2) an overview of significant differences between the two Codes concerning the administration of the sacraments; and finally, by way of an attempt at humour, 3) a look at the lighter side of the Eastern Code.
Again, my reflections and observations are intended here not so much for members of the Eastern Churches themselves--though they may also find something of interest in what follows--but...