Byzantine Mass breakdown

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Thom18

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I’m interested in going to a Byzantine Catholic church I discovered is a few towns over, and I’m wondering if anyone in the rite could give me a rundown on what your Mass looks like compared to the Latin rite.
 
Thanks!

Looking over the first link, I only see an epistle reading plus the gospel. Do you only have the two readings?
 
Thom18 said:
Thanks!

Looking over the first link, I only see an epistle reading plus the gospel. Do you only have the two readings?
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There are some specific services associated with certain feasts that involve Old Testament readings, such as the vigil services of Christmas and Pascha using the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, but there are typically only two readings.
 
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dvdjs said:
Old testament readings are common, albeit not always prescribed, at Vespers.
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Thank you for pointing that out. My response was meant to be specific to the Divine Liturgy, since the OP asked about that.
 
RyanBlack said:
Thank you for pointing that out. My response was meant to be specific to the Divine Liturgy, since the OP asked about that.
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Yes, I thought it would good to add this note, for those interested in the Byzantine rite,
 
As for the Eucharist, how is it received? Similar to a Latin Mass, or is reception from a spoon?
 
Not sure about all Byzantines, but Ruthenians receive from the spoon.
 
Thom18 said:
As for the Eucharist, how is it received? Similar to a Latin Mass, or is reception from a spoon?
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I believe all Byzantine Catholics except for Melkites receive from a spoon. Melkites receive by intinction.
 
Thanks!

One more- how does reconciliation differ? If I’m told not to come in to work tomorrow, I’d plan to confess there before the Liturgy.
 
Thom18 said:
Thanks!

One more- how does reconciliation differ? If I’m told not to come in to work tomorrow, I’d plan to confess there before the Liturgy.
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You can use the Roman Ritual prayers for confession. It is normal to kneel and the priest will put his stole (epitrachelion) over your head.

Byzantine:
I confess to Almighty God, One in the Holy Trinity, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, to all the Saints, and to you Father, all my sins.

It has been … since my last confession and these are my sins. … (Say sins, number and kind.)

(Finally say an act of contrition. For example “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”)
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Some older Byzantine churches (like mine) have confessionals but newer Byzantine churches don’t have them so you’d stand before the icon of Christ and make your confession as @Vico mentioned.
 
Thom18 said:
Thanks!

One more- how does reconciliation differ? If I’m told not to come in to work tomorrow, I’d plan to confess there before the Liturgy.
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Also, confession will likely be out in the open (no confessional) and there will be no option for confession with a screen.
 
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I didn’t get off work Saturday, but managed to go this morning.

I really enjoyed it. Though I prefer statues to icons, the icons were nice, and this particular parish was more nicely decorated than my own parish. The iconostasis was beautiful, and I loved how it was used during the Liturgy. I was disappointed about the Old Testament not being read from, one thing I prefer about the Latin Mass, but I think that I’ll be attending there for the rest of the time I’m home from school.
 
Thom18 said:
I didn’t get off work Saturday, but managed to go this morning.

I really enjoyed it. Though I prefer statues to icons, the icons were nice, and this particular parish was more nicely decorated than my own parish. The iconostasis was beautiful, and I loved how it was used during the Liturgy. I was disappointed about the Old Testament not being read from, one thing I prefer about the Latin Mass, but I think that I’ll be attending there for the rest of the time I’m home from school.
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Thanks for the update! I am glad you had a good experience.
 
babochka said:
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Thom18:
I didn’t get off work Saturday, but managed to go this morning.

I really enjoyed it. Though I prefer statues to icons, the icons were nice, and this particular parish was more nicely decorated than my own parish. The iconostasis was beautiful, and I loved how it was used during the Liturgy. I was disappointed about the Old Testament not being read from, one thing I prefer about the Latin Mass, but I think that I’ll be attending there for the rest of the time I’m home from school.
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Thanks for the update! I am glad you had a good experience.
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Reconciliation is offered before the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, so I’m planning to make my confession there as well.

Are there any primers on Eastern spirituality that you’re aware of? I’d be interested in exploring beyond the liturgical differences.
 
Thom18 said:
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babochka:
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Thom18:
I didn’t get off work Saturday, but managed to go this morning.

I really enjoyed it. Though I prefer statues to icons, the icons were nice, and this particular parish was more nicely decorated than my own parish. The iconostasis was beautiful, and I loved how it was used during the Liturgy. I was disappointed about the Old Testament not being read from, one thing I prefer about the Latin Mass, but I think that I’ll be attending there for the rest of the time I’m home from school.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the update! I am glad you had a good experience.
Click to expand...
Reconciliation is offered before the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, so I’m planning to make my confession there as well.

Are there any primers on Eastern spirituality that you’re aware of? I’d be interested in exploring beyond the liturgical differences.
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I would start with the 3-volume Light for Life series: The Mystery Believed, The Mystery Lived and The Mystery Celebrated. They are short books, but well done and a great introduction.
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Life-Eastern-Catholic-Part/dp/188715812X
 
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