Blessed to be Catholic, but missing her Orthodox roots

[Angelic_Rose]

I come from a Russian background and grew up in the Russian Orthodox Church. It was the beauty I found in the church-- even though I couldn’t understand a single word being said (no, my parents never taught me Russian, though I do know a tiny bit). I won’t go into detail about why I do not feel called to be Orthodox at this time, but I left the O.C. in 1997 to become Protestant. In 2005, I came home to Catholicism. I currently attend a Roman Catholic church, but I am interested in learning more about the Eastern Rite of Catholicism (because of my roots).

I’ve attempted to learn about the Byzantine Catholicism a few times now— each time I’ve ended up confused about it. Once I was even scared off by a Catholic when I was told that I’m automatically a Byzantine Catholic because of my R.O. roots. I’m not sure why it scared me but I think because of how the person didn’t share in a kind fashion… more of a pushy, “this is how it is” method.

Anyways, while I like my parish, I’m a traditional lady who misses the way the Russian Orthodox Church said their services and what I experienced there. It’s sorta the same but also very vastly different… it’s something I can’t exactly put my finger on but I would like to try to see if its what I’m missing from my church right now.

For those who may have started out as a Roman Catholic, what should I do next? And if one of the recommendations is to attend Mass at a E.R. church, what should I expect? (For example, I know I have to have a dress/skirt on and my head covered if I entered a R.O. church.)

I’m hoping this time it’ll be less confusing and overwhelming to me… I don’t want to keep turning away from something that might help me become stronger in my faith as a Catholic.

 

[malphono]

Technically and officially, an Orthodox person does automatically translate to the equivalent EC, irrespective of where that person was received. One who wishes to join the Roman Church would have to petition for a transfer of Church. That could be concurrent with, or subsequent to, the “profession of faith.”

The header says you’re in New Jersey, and there are quite a few Slav-Byzantine churches (both UGCC and Ruthenian) around. (I could be wrong, but I believe the Russian CC has only 2 or 3 parishes in the US: there’s one in NYC if I recall correctly.) Anyway, while I’m not Byzantine, I suggest you just go to one of the Slav-Byzantine churches and act just as you would do at the RO. There will, of course, be some minor liturgical differences, but you should feel “right at home” (particularly if the DL is in staroslavenski).

 

[Angelic_Rose]

Technically and officially, an Orthodox person does automatically translate to the equivalent EC, irrespective of where that person was received. One who wishes to join the Roman Church would have to petition for a transfer of Church. That could be concurrent with, or subsequent to, the “profession of faith.”

The header says you’re in New Jersey, and there are quite a few Slav-Byzantine churches (both UGCC and Ruthenian) around. (I could be wrong, but I believe the Russian CC has only 2 or 3 parishes in the US: there’s one in NYC if I recall correctly.) Anyway, while I’m not Byzantine, I suggest you just go to one of the Slav-Byzantine churches and act just as you would do at the RO. There will, of course, be some minor liturgical differences, but you should feel “right at home” (particularly if the DL is in staroslavenski).

Thank you malphono— I didn’t think one faith translated into the other: the Sacraments I received were considered valid by the priest at the parish I first joined (another Catholic priest told my boyfriend that the Confirmation would not so I’m still not sure ) but I still had to make a profession.

I am in NJ and I know about the RCC in NYC-- I live in Montclair so I’m not far away but the train near by doesn’t run on the weekends and I’m too terrified to actually drive into the city. I could drive to another train station that does run on Sundays, but I just haven’t done so yet. From my search at Google, there seems to be a few Byzantine churches I could attend. I still would like to do some searching before attending one, hence my hunting online.

Just checking… “staroslavenski” means the old Slavic language that the churches use, correct? My knowledge of the Russian language still stinks— even after studying it for years and being brought up around it my whole life. At least I’m more inclined to learn the language compared to when I was a child.

I could like also ask if anybody knows of some online resources I should read about the topic. I’m currently reading over the document “Orientale Lumen” that John Paul II wrote.

 

[malphono]

Thank you malphono— I didn’t think one faith translated into the other: the Sacraments I received were considered valid by the priest at the parish I first joined (another Catholic priest told my boyfriend that the Confirmation would not so I’m still not sure ) but I still had to make a profession.

The first priest was correct: the “profession” is the only thing an Orthodox Christian is asked to do. If your boyfriend was also Chrismated in the Orthodox Church, it is valid. If the second priest has a question about that, it would be best for him to consult with the bishop or the Vicar General.

I am in NJ and I know about the RCC in NYC-- I live in Montclair so I’m not far away but the train near by doesn’t run on the weekends and I’m too terrified to actually drive into the city. I could drive to another train station that does run on Sundays, but I just haven’t done so yet. From my search at Google, there seems to be a few Byzantine churches I could attend. I still would like to do some searching before attending one, hence my hunting online.

I think there are churches north of you as well. The Ruthenian Eparchy is in Passaic, and I think there are other churches in the Paterson-Clifton-Passaic area as well. Since there are a few options, you might want to try a couple “on for size” and see where you feel most comfortable.

Just checking… “staroslavenski” means the old Slavic language that the churches use, correct? My knowledge of the Russian language still stinks— even after studying it for years and being brought up around it my whole life. At least I’m more inclined to learn the language compared to when I was a child.

Yes … staroslavenski is Old Church Slavonic.

I could like also ask if anybody knows of some online resources I should read about the topic. I’m currently reading over the document “Orientale Lumen” that John Paul II wrote.

That last I will have to leave for one of our Byzantine regulars to answer.

 

[Patchunky]

Hi Angelic Rose,

Some of the parishes in Jersey also have web pages. Why not check them out and see when they’re having Matins for the Resurrection and come share the joy… walking around the church with candles, the bells ringing and hearing CHRISTOS VOSKRES!!!

There is still time… most of the churches will have Matins at 8pm or as soon as it gets good & dark…

Wishing you a joyous Paska!

XPUCTOCb BOCKPEC!

 

[Angelic_Rose]

Hi Angelic Rose,

Some of the parishes in Jersey also have web pages. Why not check them out and see when they’re having Matins for the Resurrection and come share the joy… walking around the church with candles, the bells ringing and hearing CHRISTOS VOSKRES!!!

There is still time… most of the churches will have Matins at 8pm or as soon as it gets good & dark…

Wishing you a joyous Paska!

XPUCTOCb BOCKPEC!

I would love to but my boyfriend is being Confirmed into the Catholic Church tonight at our parish and we’re planning on attending Easter Mass tomorrow there as well. My boyfriend isn’t really aware (yet) of my intentions with the Byzantine faith, though I’m sure he’ll be supportive (he’s asked me if I’ve wanted to attend a Russian Orthodox service with him before). I think the Roman Catholic mass is enough for him right now— I at least grew up knowing some of the Orthodox services.

But anyways… I’m wondering if someone could explain the Mass in a Byzantine Catholic church to me. I’m not familiar with the terms of each part.

 

[Hesychios]

But anyways… I’m wondering if someone could explain the Mass in a Byzantine Catholic church to me. I’m not familiar with the terms of each part.

Ifyou understand the RC Mass, you will recognize the parts of the Divine Liturgy as you experience them.

Here is a common English text (the translation varies from church to church but the sense is the same). If you wind up attending the UGCC at some point you may have the same problem you grew up with, they tend to worship in Ukrainian more than any other language, and the UGCC has been losing it’s young people in the same way.

This might help, but it is geared toward Orthodox worship. As I recall Byzantine Catholics are usually more reserved in their personal practice in the temple.

Happy Pascha!