Eastern Catholics

[Mr.Cat]

I had a curious conversation with someone claiming to be an "Eastern Catholic", but they said they either rejected or didn't accept/observe the Second Vatican Council, furthering that they are only expected to observe the first several Councils of the Church. I was under the impressions that while different Rites and Sub-Rites work just a bit differently, they were still within the scope of these Councils. They likewise called the Second Vatican Council something like a "particular synod" of the Latin Rite. Considering I am a Latin Rite Catholic, I admit I don't know how it would be for them. I expressed my uncertainty about the matter but that's about it.

1) May Eastern Catholics reject or not accept/observe the Second Vatican Council?
2) Which Councils are the Eastern Catholics expected to observe or accept?
3) Would the Second Vatican Council be considered by Eastern Catholics to be a "particular synod" of the Latin Rite?

Edited September 15, 2010 by Mr Cat

[Brother Adam]

1) May Eastern Catholics reject or not accept/observe the Second Vatican Council?

No, they are not free to reject any of the ecumenical councils. This would be especially strange considering many of these councils deal directly with the Eastern Catholic rites. The Second Vatican Council's document Orientalium Ecclesiarum is dedicated to the preservation of the Eastern Catholic rites and traditions. Many of the other documents also deal with the Eastern Catholic Churches.

2) Which Councils are the Eastern Catholics expected to observe or accept?

All 21. The Eastern Orthodox, who are not in union with Rome, only accept the first seven councils.

3) Would the Second Vatican Council be considered by Eastern Catholics to be a "particular synod" of the Latin Rite?

I can't answer for Eastern Catholics, so I don't know. Hopefully another scholar has some insight.