Vatican II In A Year Day 100: OE 12-14: Baptism & Confirmation in the East
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Apr 10, 2025 A clear look at restoring ancient sacramental practices in the Eastern Churches. A comparison of who ordinarily administers confirmation in East and West. An exploration of baptizing, chrismation, and first Communion as a single rite for infants. Practical rules for priests confirming across rites and how delegations or emergencies are handled.
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Return To Ancient Practices
- Vatican II emphasizes restoring ancient practices rather than innovating endlessly.
- Fr. Matthew links this to the resourcement movement that returns theology to the Church Fathers and earlier liturgical forms.
Eastern Immediate Confirmation Explained
- Eastern churches historically delegated confirmation to priests and often confirmed immediately after baptism.
- Fr. Matthew explains this enabled infants to receive baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist together in local parishes distant from a bishop.
Why Western Confirmation Was Delayed
- Western practice moved confirmation later because bishops could not visit every parish frequently.
- Fr. Matthew contrasts sparse episcopal travel with rural parishes, explaining delayed confirmations at ages like 12 or older.