Byzantine Catholism (Ruthenian Rite)?

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dolly_finn

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Hello, I am new to this forum. Thank you in advance for reading my post!

I converted to Roman Catholism in college. Previous to that my father had brought me up as a Buddhist. But, his family traditionally had been Byzantine Catholics (they are ethnically Carpathian Rus). I keep feeling myself pulled in that direction and I am fortunate enough to actually have a Byzantine church (Ruthenian Rite) a mile from my house.
My problems are these:
  1. I don’t know much about the Byzatine side of things and can’t find any good resource in order to learn more. Can anyone point me in a good direction for websites or books on the subject.
  2. I understand that the Byzantine church is in union with Rome. Are the services that different?
  3. At the Roman Catholic Church I now attend jeans and casual wear are the norm. Is this also the case with most Byzantine churches or are they more formal. Would I need to wear a head scarf?
  4. Would anyone else have any advice about attending a service??
Anyway, thank you all so much. I appreciate your help:).
 
Just go and enjoy.

You say you converted to Roman Catholicism, but from what?
 
Cluny said:
Just go and enjoy.

You say you converted to Roman Catholicism, but from what?
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Cluny,
Not sure what I was before becoming a Catholic. I guess you could say I was what my dad had taught me to be which was kinda a Buddhist. Religion and God were not topics of discussion in the house I grew up in. And, my father actually gets quite annoyed with me for being involved in Christianity and Catholism. Oh well:confused:

Thank you for your help!!
 
I don’t know a whole lot about the Byzantine Catholic Church but I’m reading about it here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Catholic_Churches

I would consider it to be a likely be a basic necessary introduction before you talk to someone ‘on the inside’ who would give you more a in-depth education on the subject.
 
dolly_finn, here are some answers from one Catholic (Latin) that has regularly assisted the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church.
  1. The Byzantine approach is different. Read here:
    eparchyofpassaic.com/spirit.htm
    There are some catechismal books offered by the Melkites.
  2. The Divine Liturgy (St. John Chrysotsom, and rarely St. Basil, and Presanctified Gifts during Lent) is sung by all and is traditional, with incense, and there is a cantor to lead and deacon for the readings. The Byzantine Catholic Church in USA uses English, and some hymns may also have Slavonic.
  3. My experience is that casual wear is the norm, but not jeans, and some wear suits. The women wear skirts, and some wear head covering (very few).
  4. Simply attend on Sunday to see, you may be able to meet the Priest about a half hour before start, but they have some preparation to do just before starting. If you go on Saturday evening it may not be sung (as this may be mostly Latin people).
Customs:
The sign of the cross is reversed from Latin. Make the sign whenever blessed.
No genuflection, rather a bow and make the sign of the cross.
The only kneeling is during Lent at the presanctified gifts liturgy (weekdays).
Sundays are when the consecration occurs.
Benediction and Eucaristic Adoration are not a Byzantine tradition, nor is the Rosary, but you can still do the Rosary, but there may not be a group. Typically no station of the cross either. But there are Icons, candles to light, and the Iconostasis in front of the altar.
The Jesus prayer (100 x “Lord have mercy on me a sinner”) is a Byzantine tradition.
You are going to need a prayer book to follow along (they probably have some there to use).
Sacrament of Penence is similar, either the Latin or Byzantine style prayers will work.
Communion is of both species and given by spoon (which does not touch the tongue). You can cross arms at the wrists, right hand on top, receiving communion, watch others.
 
Vico said:
dolly_finn, here are some answers from one Catholic (Latin) that has regularly assisted the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church.
  1. The Byzantine approach is different. Read here:
    eparchyofpassaic.com/spirit.htm
    There are some catechismal books offered by the Melkites.
  2. The Divine Liturgy (St. John Chrysotsom, and rarely St. Basil, and Presanctified Gifts during Lent) is sung by all and is traditional, with incense, and there is a cantor to lead and deacon for the readings. The Byzantine Catholic Church in USA uses English, and some hymns may also have Slavonic.
  3. My experience is that casual wear is the norm, but not jeans, and some wear suits. The women wear skirts, and some wear head covering (very few).
  4. Simply attend on Sunday to see, you may be able to meet the Priest about a half hour before start, but they have some preparation to do just before starting. If you go on Saturday evening it may not be sung (as this may be mostly Latin people).
Customs:
The sign of the cross is reversed from Latin. Make the sign whenever blessed.
No genuflection, rather a bow and make the sign of the cross.
The only kneeling is during Lent at the presanctified gifts liturgy (weekdays).
Sundays are when the consecration occurs.
Benediction and Eucaristic Adoration are not a Byzantine tradition, nor is the Rosary, but you can still do the Rosary, but there may not be a group. Typically no station of the cross either. But there are Icons, candles to light, and the Iconostasis in front of the altar.
The Jesus prayer (100 x “Lord have mercy on me a sinner”) is a Byzantine tradition.
You are going to need a prayer book to follow along (they probably have some there to use).
Sacrament of Penence is similar, either the Latin or Byzantine style prayers will work.
Communion is of both species and given by spoon (which does not touch the tongue). You can cross arms at the wrists, right hand on top, receiving communion, watch others.
Click to expand...
Vico-thank you so much. You post of chuck full of wonderful information. Thank you, thank you, thank you:) God Bless!!
 
Dear All,
I just wanted to thank every one from the bottom of my heart for how kind and helpful you all have been to me. You are all just wonderful and have made me feel very welcome.
Thank you all and God Bless!!
 
dolly_finn said:
Dear All,
I just wanted to thank every one from the bottom of my heart for how kind and helpful you all have been to me. You are all just wonderful and have made me feel very welcome.
Thank you all and God Bless!!
Click to expand...
I frequently go to the Ruthenian Catholic Church, but it is about 25 miles away, so I most often go the local Roman Rite Church near me. I would strongly suggest that you go to the Ruthenian Parish near you, I think you fill find it to be a wonderful spirituality and liturgy.

Please let us know what you think after.

God Bless.
 
If one is a Catholic Christian in hard coal country I can’t think of anything better than attending a Divine Liturgy with the Byzantine Ruthenian Sui Iuris particular church! 👍

CNEWA has more information on all of the Christian traditions, thanks to Father Roberson. If or when you have the means, please consider making a donation to this fine organization.

For reading material and spiritual support, I suggest checking out the Byzantine Seminary Press, or the Light and Life company.

One book I would like to recommend, if you can get it, is The Face of God by Archbishop Joseph Raya of blessed memory.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d6/FaceofGodBook.jpg

Please also consider reading these books by Tomas Cardinal Spidlik:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CAeU3jClL.SL160_AA115.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513WHGD8S2L.SL160_AA115.jpg

Spirituality of the Christian East: A Systematic Handbook

Prayer: The Spirituality Of The Christian East Vol.2

Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary : Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World

Yes, they tend to be expensive, but perhaps one can find them through interlibrary loan 🙂
 
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