Attending Melkite liturgy for the first time. What to expect?

[ae22]

Hi,

I am a Latin Rite Catholic who has never attended a Byzantine liturgy (or a TLM, for that matter). On Sunday, I plan on attending a Melkite Divine Liturgy. Will the service be easy to follow? I have no idea about the proper posture and behavior there. Could someone please give me a sort of primer? I don’t want to come across as completely clueless. I am just very interested in the Eastern tradition (not just Melkite; there are also Ukranian Greek Catholic and Maronite churches that I plan on attending in the near future (as well as attending a Tridentine Latin Mass and Anglican Ordinariate Mass within my own Rite).

Any help would be appreciated. The Divine Liturgy IS in English (they also offer it in Arabic, in which case I don’t think I would get much out of it), which is a plus.

Thank you and God bless.

 

[Milasol]

Hi,

Any help would be appreciated. The Divine Liturgy IS in English (they also offer it in Arabic, in which case I don’t think I would get much out of it), which is a plus.

Thank you and God bless.

Here are a couple of video guides for the Divine Liturgy (Byzantine) as well as others.

Intro to Divine Liturgy of Eastern Catholics: Byzantine St. Chrysostom
youtube.com/watch?v=n3zurm-jcVU

Eastern Catholics explained by various priests
youtube.com/watch?v=3m1AmPUGH34&index=17&list=WL

 

[SyroMalankara]

Here’s a light-hearted, well-done presentation:

youtube.com/watch?v=n3zurm-jcVU

 

[Aramis]

Hi,

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you and God bless.

Layered clothing is usually a good idea, sleeves are a “must have” (Short sleeve is usually fine), generaly slacks or knee or longer skirt.

Comfortable shoes are a definite requisite. You’ll be standing most or all of the liturgy.

 

[iepuras]

Hi,

I am a Latin Rite Catholic who has never attended a Byzantine liturgy (or a TLM, for that matter). On Sunday, I plan on attending a Melkite Divine Liturgy. Will the service be easy to follow? I have no idea about the proper posture and behavior there. Could someone please give me a sort of primer? I don’t want to come across as completely clueless. I am just very interested in the Eastern tradition (not just Melkite; there are also Ukranian Greek Catholic and Maronite churches that I plan on attending in the near future (as well as attending a Tridentine Latin Mass and Anglican Ordinariate Mass within my own Rite).

Any help would be appreciated. The Divine Liturgy IS in English (they also offer it in Arabic, in which case I don’t think I would get much out of it), which is a plus.

Thank you and God bless.

Be prepared for a lot of standing and singing. Also, Divine Liturgy will be a bit longer than a Novus Ordo Mass.

 

[Angel_Gabriel]

Hi,

I am a Latin Rite Catholic who has never attended a Byzantine liturgy (or a TLM, for that matter). On Sunday, I plan on attending a Melkite Divine Liturgy. Will the service be easy to follow? I have no idea about the proper posture and behavior there. Could someone please give me a sort of primer? I don’t want to come across as completely clueless. I am just very interested in the Eastern tradition (not just Melkite; there are also Ukranian Greek Catholic and Maronite churches that I plan on attending in the near future (as well as attending a Tridentine Latin Mass and Anglican Ordinariate Mass within my own Rite).

Any help would be appreciated. The Divine Liturgy IS in English (they also offer it in Arabic, in which case I don’t think I would get much out of it), which is a plus.

Thank you and God bless.

Lots of chanting, incense, standing, bowing and crossing oneself at the mention of the Trinity…don’t worry about following along perfectly your first time…just take it in and experience heaven on earth

on a side note, why would language be an issue since you also want to attend a Tridentine Mass?

 

[ae22]

As far as the language is concerned…I know that they have the English written next to the Latin in thd missals for Tridentine Masses. That makes it easier to follow. Besides, the actual format in the EF is virtually the same as the OF (Confiteor/Kyrie/Gloria/Collect/Epistle/Gradual/Alleluia/Gospel/Creed/Offertory/Eucharistic Prayer/Reception of Holy Communion/Postcommunion prayers/Ite missa est). I am not sure if that is the case during the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysosom. I am guessing there are major differences. Therefore, I feel like I would probably get the most out of it if I could understand everything.

Regarding the time aspect, I have no issue with the length. The longer, the better, if you ask me.

 

[Miserissima]

As far as the language is concerned…I know that they have the English written next to the Latin in thd missals for Tridentine Masses. That makes it easier to follow. Besides, the actual format in the EF is virtually the same as the OF (Confiteor/Kyrie/Gloria/Collect/Epistle/Gradual/Alleluia/Gospel/Creed/Offertory/Eucharistic Prayer/Reception of Holy Communion/Postcommunion prayers/Ite missa est). I am not sure if that is the case during the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysosom. I am guessing there are major differences. Therefore, I feel like I would probably get the most out of it if I could understand everything.

Regarding the time aspect, I have no issue with the length. The longer, the better, if you ask me.

This may help:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=12003252