A Byzantine Catholic visiting Orthodox church

[Schieffelin]

Hi everyone,

Is it OK for an Eastern Catholic to partake in Orthodox services sometimes? We just moved to a new city and it’s difficult to get to the Byzantine Catholic church, especially during the week. I would really like to attend pre-sanctified at the Greek Orthodox church down the street.

Are they going to think I’m crazy or presumptuous if I come in as a Catholic and ask to worship with them? And will I be able to receive the Holy Mysteries?

I’m very sad because the Byzantine parish is far, and quite honestly somewhat lukewarm anyway. My husband already likes Roman Catholic better (we were both raised Roman) and he’s perfectly happy to be part of the Roman parish, but that’s not where my heart is

 

[Sepp]

Hi everyone,

Is it OK for an Eastern Catholic to partake in Orthodox services sometimes? We just moved to a new city and it’s difficult to get to the Byzantine Catholic church, especially during the week. I would really like to attend pre-sanctified at the Greek Orthodox church down the street.

Are they going to think I’m crazy or presumptuous if I come in as a Catholic and ask to worship with them? And will I be able to receive the Holy Mysteries?

I’m very sad because the Byzantine parish is far, and quite honestly somewhat lukewarm anyway. My husband already likes Roman Catholic better (we were both raised Roman) and he’s perfectly happy to be part of the Roman parish, but that’s not where my heart is

I don’t think there is any prohibition on Catholics attending Orthodox services, though perhaps someone else can confirm this. My experience is that the Orthodox will be happy to have you as a guest, though you will not be able to receive communion. While Catholics will commune Orthodox in some circumstances, the Orthodox only commune fully initiated members of the Orthodox Church.

 

[Nine_Two]

You will be welcomed as a guest, but no, you won’t be able to partake in the presactified gifts unless the priest is pretty liberal.

 

[Schieffelin]

Thank you for your responses Sepp and Nine_two. Well this makes me one confused lady I guess it’s better to go and not receive communion than to not go at all.

 

[anjoh66]

I think it would be better to go to a parish where you can recieve the eucharist and i dont think going to a orthodox parish will fullfill your sunday obligations.

 

[ExGratia]

I hope you reconsider giving up the Eucharist. You receive so many graces when you worthily receive the Sacrament. Also, I’m pretty sure that you are obligated to go to Catholic liturgy if it is available. Therefore, it seems that you should go to a Roman Catholic Mass if Eastern Catholic isn’t available. It would be best to talk to a priest within your rite. I wish you the best!

 

[Schieffelin]

I think it would be better to go to a parish where you can recieve the eucharist and i dont think going to a orthodox parish will fullfill your sunday obligations.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear. I don’t intend to go to the Orthodox church on Sundays. I’m talking about being able to partake in Lenten services during the week.

 

[Schieffelin]

I hope you reconsider giving up the Eucharist. You receive so many graces when you worthily receive the Sacrament. Also, I’m pretty sure that you are obligated to go to Catholic liturgy if it is available. Therefore, it seems that you should go to a Roman Catholic Mass if Eastern Catholic isn’t available. It would be best to talk to a priest within your rite. I wish you the best!

Don’t worry, I’m not giving up the Eucharist. I go to Catholic church on Sundays. I just want to be able to go to pre-sanctified liturgies on weekdays.

 

[countertenor]

It’s totally fine to go to an Orthodox parish during the week, to participate in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during the Great Fast.

No problem whatsoever.

 

[Schieffelin]

It’s totally fine to go to an Orthodox parish during the week, to participate in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during the Great Fast.

No problem whatsoever.

Thanks for the reassurance.

It feels a little weird hopping around between different churches like this (I’m used to feeling very at home and invested in a single church) but I guess you gotta do the best with what you have, right?

 

[5Loaves]

Hi everyone,

Is it OK for an Eastern Catholic to partake in Orthodox services sometimes? We just moved to a new city and it’s difficult to get to the Byzantine Catholic church, especially during the week. I would really like to attend pre-sanctified at the Greek Orthodox church down the street.

Are they going to think I’m crazy or presumptuous if I come in as a Catholic and ask to worship with them? And will I be able to receive the Holy Mysteries?

I’m very sad because the Byzantine parish is far, and quite honestly somewhat lukewarm anyway. My husband already likes Roman Catholic better (we were both raised Roman) and he’s perfectly happy to be part of the Roman parish, but that’s not where my heart is

The Orthodox are quite used to having Catholics present at any time. I have a number of times when leaving a service (Bridegroom, Great Canon, Pre-sanctified. etc.) had someone at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral near my home ask me where is my parish and when I let them know I’m Eastern Catholic they’ve said “We’re almost the same aren’t we?” or something similar. I’ve never had a Russian Orthodox say that. (Partly that may be because at least around here there are a lot of converts to Orthodoxy in the OCA, Antiochian and ROCOR parishes, and most of the Orthodox at the Greek church are cradle Greek Orthodox.)

My own Russian Greek Catholic parish will only have Presanctified on Fridays. I plan to be at the local Greek Orthodox Cathedral next week at least one night for Great Compline, possibly two. There will probably be a total of about 10 of us in the pews, of whom several are certain to be Catholics. It’s not much better attended for Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts either. The other nights I’ll be at the Russian Orthodox for Great Canon and Compline. It is much further plus a bridge toll so I tend to not get there all 4 nights even though I am very attached to that parish and I prefer the way they celebrate their services.

I hope you do go to the Greek Orthodox for any and all of these services in Great Lent. There is no reason not to be there also for Pascha. (I’ve been feeling kind of funky that it seems like yesterday we were celebrating Theophany and next week is Great Lent… now just thinking about all this is getting me excited ) Sadly, many times as I said there are few of the actual Orthodox parishioners there for these services. They are very likely to appreciate your piety.

There will be some services artoklasia/litya when they will anoint people-- I don’t mean the Holy Mystery/Sacrament of Anointing-- which you are familiar with from your ECC parish, and the priest or bishop is likely to be quite fine with anointing you.

For many of us who have tiny churches with limited services we are very much dependent on the Orthodox services. One’s life as a Byzantine is very different if you miss all these services and are only there on Sundays, and some of the major Feastdays.

What will be a little weird is that you will be on a different calendar at your Latin Church which is especailly odd if you go to Easter there and, this year, that will be Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem/Palm Sunday, the beginning of Great and Holy Week for the Orthodox parish. I hope you will go there during Great and Holy Week, too.

Is the Greek Orthodox the only Orthodox near you?

 

[Schieffelin]

The Orthodox are quite used to having Catholics present at any time. I have a number of times when leaving a service (Bridegroom, Great Canon, Pre-sanctified. etc.) had someone at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral near my home ask me where is my parish and when I let them know I’m Eastern Catholic they’ve said “We’re almost the same aren’t we?” or something similar. I’ve never had a Russian Orthodox say that. (Partly that may be because at least around here there are a lot of converts to Orthodoxy in the OCA, Antiochian and ROCOR parishes, and most of the Orthodox at the Greek church are cradle Greek Orthodox.)

My own Russian Greek Catholic parish will only have Presanctified on Fridays. I plan to be at the local Greek Orthodox Cathedral next week at least one night for Great Compline, possibly two. There will probably be a total of about 10 of us in the pews, of whom several are certain to be Catholics. It’s not much better attended for Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts either. The other nights I’ll be at the Russian Orthodox for Great Canon and Compline. It is much further plus a bridge toll so I tend to not get there all 4 nights even though I am very attached to that parish and I prefer the way they celebrate their services.

I hope you do go to the Greek Orthodox for any and all of these services in Great Lent. There is no reason not to be there also for Pascha. (I’ve been feeling kind of funky that it seems like yesterday we were celebrating Theophany and next week is Great Lent… now just thinking about all this is getting me excited ) Sadly, many times as I said there are few of the actual Orthodox parishioners there for these services. They are very likely to appreciate your piety.

There will be some services artoklasia/litya when they will anoint people-- I don’t mean the Holy Mystery/Sacrament of Anointing-- which you are familiar with from your ECC parish, and the priest or bishop is likely to be quite fine with anointing you.

For many of us who have tiny churches with limited services we are very much dependent on the Orthodox services. One’s life as a Byzantine is very different if you miss all these services and are only there on Sundays, and some of the major Feastdays.

What will be a little weird is that you will be on a different calendar at your Latin Church which is especailly odd if you go to Easter there and, this year, that will be Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem/Palm Sunday, the beginning of Great and Holy Week for the Orthodox parish. I hope you will go there during Great and Holy Week, too.

Is the Greek Orthodox the only Orthodox near you?

You’re right that the different calendars thing will be weird. It took me a minute to figure out why the Greek Orthodox church didn’t have any lent services listed and then I realized it’s not time yet!

It is not the only Orthodox church near us, but it is within walking distance which is very good since my husband works late and often has our only car with him. We actually have quite a few Eastern Catholic and Orthodox options around here–I just haven’t found the ideal fit yet for a variety of reasons.

it’s good to hear that Catholics often go to the services. I will check it out next week and see how it goes.

 

[Hesychios]

I think it would be better to go to a parish where you can recieve the eucharist and i dont think going to a orthodox parish will fullfill your sunday obligations.

I hope you reconsider giving up the Eucharist.

When I was in that situation I went to the early 7:30AM “speedy quick” recited Mass.

I still had plenty of time to grab a bite after Mass and get to the temple for Orthros and Divine Liturgy.

This might not work out in Sweden

 

[paglione]

Hi everyone,

Is it OK for an Eastern Catholic to partake in Orthodox services sometimes? We just moved to a new city and it’s difficult to get to the Byzantine Catholic church, especially during the week. I would really like to attend pre-sanctified at the Greek Orthodox church down the street.

Are they going to think I’m crazy or presumptuous if I come in as a Catholic and ask to worship with them? And will I be able to receive the Holy Mysteries?

I’m very sad because the Byzantine parish is far, and quite honestly somewhat lukewarm anyway. My husband already likes Roman Catholic better (we were both raised Roman) and he’s perfectly happy to be part of the Roman parish, but that’s not where my heart is

Thank you for your responses Sepp and Nine_two. Well this makes me one confused lady I guess it’s better to go and not receive communion than to not go at all.

Dear Schiefflin,
I am a Latin rite Catholic who loves Byzantine and its beautiful Lirurgy. Recently on a Sunday morning I went to a nearby Greek Orthodox church where I encountered the pastor before the Liturgy. I asked him if I would be welcome and he replied “Yes!”. Then I asked if it would be possible to receive the Holy Eucharist. He asked me a few questions concerning my beliefs about the Holy Eucharist. When he was satisfied that I understood the sacredness and the meaning of the Eucharist he gave me permission. That was one of the happiest days of my life.
I pray daily for the reconciliation and reunion of all the churches of Christ, especially Catholic and Orthodox.
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
paglione

 

[5Loaves]

Dear Schiefflin,
I am a Latin rite Catholic who loves Byzantine and its beautiful Lirurgy. Recently on a Sunday morning I went to a nearby Greek Orthodox church where I encountered the pastor before the Liturgy. I asked him if I would be welcome and he replied “Yes!”. Then I asked if it would be possible to receive the Holy Eucharist. He asked me a few questions concerning my beliefs about the Holy Eucharist. When he was satisfied that I understood the sacredness and the meaning of the Eucharist he gave me permission. That was one of the happiest days of my life.

This further confirms my sense of the Greeks.

I have a number of times when leaving a service (Bridegroom, Great Canon, Pre-sanctified. etc.) had someone at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral near my home ask me where is my parish and when I let them know I’m Eastern Catholic they’ve said “We’re almost the same aren’t we?” or something similar. I’ve never had a Russian Orthodox say that.

I myself would not ask an Orthodox priest if I could receive a sacrament from him, other than confession if I were dying and I would hope the good Father would hear it and absolve me, or some other extraordinary situation where I could not receive from a Catholic priest because there was none. I would certainly not refuse Eucharist if the priest suggested I take it. I would joyfully receive.

Several of us were at a Holy Unction service at the same Greek Cathedral during Advent. One of us Catholics went up to be anointed. Father had clearly spoken of the “Holy Mysteries” during his homily or whatever it was. I don’t know if our friend didn’t understand that Mystery meant Sacrament, or what… anyway when he reached Father, the priest said something to him, and gave him a blessing, not the anointing. (We’re all well known to these local Orthodox clergy from various places including services. There is mutual respect. There are some churches I choose not to go to. I’ve met their clergy and clergy wives at various Pan Orthodox events and from those conversations I don’t think it would be a comfortable experience going to their church. I have other good options, happily. )

 

[5Loaves]

It is not the only Orthodox church near us, but it is within walking distance which is very good since my husband works late and often has our only car with him. We actually have quite a few Eastern Catholic and Orthodox options around here–I just haven’t found the ideal fit yet for a variety of reasons.

Lucky you!
Since you have ECC options I would encourage you to check them out. There may well be people in the parish happy to give you a ride. We have various kinds of ride sharing that goes on in our parish.

 

[BusterMartin]

You are only to receive the sacraments from an Orthodox priest if no Catholic priest is available to you and the Orthodox priest has been informed that you are not Orthodox and has given permission. With that being said, you may certainly go to any Orthodox service (Divine Liturgy, Vespers, or otherwise) and prayerfully and actively join in the service. As you mentioned, though, continue to fulfill your Sunday obligation through a Church in full communion with the Holy See. I hope you find great blessings from going to your local Orthodox Church. I know I do!

 

[BtR]

You are only to receive the sacraments from an Orthodox priest if no Catholic priest is available to you and the Orthodox priest has been informed that you are not Orthodox and has given permission. With that being said, you may certainly go to any Orthodox service (Divine Liturgy, Vespers, or otherwise) and prayerfully and actively join in the service. As you mentioned, though, continue to fulfill your Sunday obligation through a Church in full communion with the Holy See. I hope you find great blessings from going to your local Orthodox Church. I know I do!

This is actually not the decision of the priest, whose job is to guard the Eucharist and give it only to Orthodox Christians.

However, sometimes Catholics or Oriental Orthodox are permitted to partake by blessing of the local bishop. This is highly-debated within Orthodoxy and is very rare. I have my own opinion on the matter which may or may not be seen in my writing here. I simply write to inform you that many Orthodox consider this an abuse and gross neglect by the priest, who should not be deciding whether non-Orthodox may partake.

 

[BusterMartin]

This is actually not the decision of the priest, whose job is to guard the Eucharist and give it only to Orthodox Christians.

However, sometimes Catholics or Oriental Orthodox are permitted to partake by blessing of the local bishop. This is highly-debated within Orthodoxy and is very rare. I have my own opinion on the matter which may or may not be seen in my writing here. I simply write to inform you that many Orthodox consider this an abuse and gross neglect by the priest, who should not be deciding whether non-Orthodox may partake.

Understood…and I appreciate the (name removed by moderator)ut. My view was from that of the Catholic Church (or at least from what I’ve read and been informed of pertaining to the view of the Catholic Church on this matter), but I’ve heard/read varying opinions on this from Orthodox Christians. I recognize that just because one side feels one way doesn’t mean the other side agrees…but from a Catholic viewpoint, this is what I’ve been told we need to be sure of.

 

[dcointin]

This is actually not the decision of the priest, whose job is to guard the Eucharist and give it only to Orthodox Christians.

However, sometimes Catholics or Oriental Orthodox are permitted to partake by blessing of the local bishop. This is highly-debated within Orthodoxy and is very rare. I have my own opinion on the matter which may or may not be seen in my writing here. I simply write to inform you that many Orthodox consider this an abuse and gross neglect by the priest, who should not be deciding whether non-Orthodox may partake.

I believe that my priest does commune Coptic Orthodox, but I don’t know more beyond that.