Dear Michael:

Schismatic Bishops are valid bishops and are a valid authority in their schismatic groups and for the members of that group, my dear.

If a person comes to an understanding that the Orthodox are schismatic and wishes to leave the Orthodox and come to the Catholic Church, they should not just show up for Mass in a Catholic Church and that be the end of it.

To attend Catholic Mass with no intention of returning to one's own church is disingenuous. Integrity dictates that if one wishes to enjoy the benefits of the Catholic Church, then formally come into communion with her.

As to the issue of sin, if you read my original answer you will notice that I DID NOT declare that the poster's nephew was in sin by attending Catholic Masses instead of his own Orthodox Masses. I said that he MIGHT be in sin. The issue is one to be determined by the Orthodox Church for its own members. I do not know the answer to that question and it appears that neither do you.

This is NOT a matter for your opinion. This is determined by the rules of the Orthodox Church on such matters whatever they may be.

As for the Catholic Church, an Orthodox person may receive communion in a Catholic Mass if he presents himself on his own initiative and is properly disposed.

For an Orthodox person who intends to never return to the Orthodox Church, but regularly attends the Catholic Mass, he needs to formally come into communion with the Catholic Church. Jesus did not intend for Christians to be free-lancers or wanderers. We are to connect ourselves specifically with a particular Church and a local parish. We are not to be perpetual guests.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

P.S. This is not a discussion group so please do not post any further followups. The matter has been answered.