Experiences of people from other Rites

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Crimson_Silence

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So what are some of the experiences of people from other Rites of Catholicism? I’ve only experienced things from the west; always have, and I think I always will; maybe (There are no eastern Catholic Churches where I’m from; just western). But I have a curiosity for what people on the other rites experience. What drew you to your rite? How did it happen? And when? And where? And why? What is the experience of the Melkite? The Maronite? The Coptic? And the many others. What is your experience? And what can you share that can clue someone who exists in the other rites?

Please, I really want to know. Anything that can be shared; please, share it.
 
I’m Coptic Orthodox, not Coptic Catholic, so I can’t help with the question as worded. Perhaps asking a more specific question than “What is your experience?” (more along the lines of the other one you asked, about what drew people who joined non-Latin churches to those churches) would get people to reply. A lot of times when a thread does not get (m)any replies it is because the OP’s idea or central question(s) is not clear to the people who read it, so people don’t know how to respond to it. It happens to all of us. What exactly would you like to know about the experiences of non-Latin Catholics in their churches? Are you interested in liturgical differences/similarities to the Latin church, hymnology, iconography, liturgical language(s), some other specific aspect of history…? There is a lot that can be put under the banner of “experiences” in non-Western Christian churches that differs fundamentally and vastly from the practices and theology of Western Christianity. I’m sure some more specific wording would generate more responses than just me…especially since I can’t tell you anything about Eastern/Oriental Catholic churches beyond their relation to corresponding Orthodox churches (when there is one). 🙂
 
I fact I do not know how the reaction should look like, what is expected. Maybe you should write what made you Latin/Roman Catholic to the others can see what write as respond for you.

By the way, many Eastern Catholics just born to Eastern Catholic families. Are you interested also in them or just in those who switched the rite (or church)?
 
If you want you can watch two liturgies for example here: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=852851. Both of them celebrated by bishops (so a little bit different), conteining consecrations of bishops and concelebrated by other rite hierarchs so not tipical. YouTube surely provides many videos of different forms of liturgical practices.
 
Crimson_Silence said:
100 views. No takers.
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This may or may not be the reason why, but some periods of time see a lot less posting activity on this forum than others.

But anyhow, I think you can probably find a bunch of posts that fit what you’re looking for, if you browser the list of threads. 🙂
 
dzheremi said:
I’m Coptic Orthodox, not Coptic Catholic, so I can’t help with the question as worded. Perhaps asking a more specific question than “What is your experience?” (more along the lines of the other one you asked, about what drew people who joined non-Latin churches to those churches) would get people to reply. A lot of times when a thread does not get (m)any replies it is because the OP’s idea or central question(s) is not clear to the people who read it, so people don’t know how to respond to it. It happens to all of us. What exactly would you like to know about the experiences of non-Latin Catholics in their churches? Are you interested in liturgical differences/similarities to the Latin church, hymnology, iconography, liturgical language(s), some other specific aspect of history…? There is a lot that can be put under the banner of “experiences” in non-Western Christian churches that differs fundamentally and vastly from the practices and theology of Western Christianity. I’m sure some more specific wording would generate more responses than just me…especially since I can’t tell you anything about Eastern/Oriental Catholic churches beyond their relation to corresponding Orthodox churches (when there is one). 🙂
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What I mean is what you experience when you’re at your masses. What do you feel or reflect or see? What is the liturgy to those in the east, what is Christ’s body and blood, etc etc.?
Nestor_kea said:
I fact I do not know how the reaction should look like, what is expected. Maybe you should write what made you Latin/Roman Catholic to the others can see what write as respond for you.

By the way, many Eastern Catholics just born to Eastern Catholic families. Are you interested also in them or just in those who switched the rite (or church)?
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I’m interested in both.

How can I answer something like that when I have no answer?
 
I am a convert from Protestantism to Catholicism. I happen to be a Roman right Catholic, but live within a half-mile of an eastern rite Catholic parish. It is a marrow night Catholic parish. I attend masses had both my Roman rite and the Maronite rite parish. I like them both and find each of them to be fascinating in their own way. The Maronite parish has a very different mass in terms of rubrics and extreme use of incense. There was a lot of it. In addition, the Maronites go back-and-forth with the celebrant during the mass. There’s a lot more active vocal participation by the congregation. Instead of having various forms of Eucharistic prayers, the Maronite mass at utilizes anaphoras of saints Basil, James, Sixtus VI and others. It is a lovely tradition and I’m thankful to be near these two very different parishes.
 
For people from western tradition(s) is by Byzantine liturgy quite a lot sung. In the West there is also music between readings but there are also many prayers or some short “speaches”. In the West is the second half more in word or dialogue, in the Byzantine tradition is nearly everything sung.

Very great pro point of Byzantine liturgy is (according to my opinion) that it is “dogmatic”. You can attend western masses and you you can happen nearly not to know what you declare you believe. In Byzantine liturgy there are parts where dogmas of first councils are professed. You can remember who is blessed, too, and so on.

There are also more “procession”, for example with Gospel as regular part of a regular liturgy, not only as “festive” curiosity during pontifical masses. There is also iconostasis and so celebrants can “work” with entrances, going out and doing / showing or even hiding 🙂 something.

Some people like the idea of distributing bread after the liturgy or annoiting with holy myro after feast liturgies connected with taking bread (this time only blessed, not consecrated).

Eastern parishes and eparchies are usually smaller in number of people so they better know each other as well as their (parish) priests and (eparchial) bishops. In area where they are predominant this “rule” may cease.
 
I’ve never attended a Byzantine rite catholic liturgy, only a Maronite (which is an Antiochean rite). I have attended a number of Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgies which are Byzantine by rite as well, so I’m familiar with what you say above. By the way, I forgot to mention that the Maronites chant parts of their Divine Liturgy is Aramaic–the language Jesus and his disciples spoke. So, it is a fascinating experience for a roman rite guy like me. ☺️
 
In terms of my experiences, I prefer the oriental liturgies (Syriac, Armenian, etc.) to the geographically more Western liturgies (Greek, Latin). In fact, I find the traditional Latin mass and the Byzantine liturgy to be relatively close. However, I find the Latin mass better for contemplation whereas the Byzantine liturgy is better for the glorification of God. I prefer the oriental liturgies in general, though, because I feel they strike a balance between glorifying God and being contemplative.

From my experiences, though, I’m not a fan of novus ordo. It seems conducive to the celebrant fooling around and forgetting why they’re standing up there. While Byzantine liturgy isn’t my favorite, I prefer to travel a few towns over to go to a Melkite liturgy where I can at least get the sense that what I’m about to receive is a gmurto (coal) to purify me from my sins and the fruit of life, as opposed to novus ordo right next door where one would think they’re at a comedy show.
shawnbm said:
I’ve never attended a Byzantine rite catholic liturgy, only a Maronite (which is an Antiochean rite). I have attended a number of Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgies which are Byzantine by rite as well, so I’m familiar with what you say above. By the way, I forgot to mention that the Maronites chant parts of their Divine Liturgy is Aramaic–the language Jesus and his disciples spoke. So, it is a fascinating experience for a roman rite guy like me. ☺️
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Small correction, if you don’t mind. Antiochian is (or at least it is now) Byzantine. Maronites use a “Syriac” rite. The “Antiochian” in our Church’s title is supposed to refer to geographic and apostolic origin, as opposed to ritual (well, at least contemporarily).
 
As I was reading that Roman liturgy is conteplating, even more contemplating that the Byzantine one, it seemed a little bit strange to me. But when there was later you prefer extraordinary form it made a (great) sense. For me it is too contemplative and unconfortable because of so much kneeling. 🙂 During Byzantine liturgy I don’t mind seeing priest’s back (+ he is quite moving) but in Latin form I don’t like the fact I do not see his face.
I Byzantine liturgy one can feel to be “occupied” by singing. When I omit the “dogmatic pro” of byzantine liturgy, then maybe in Roman there is more space to contemplate, especially on occasions like Good Friday.
 
You know what? Why doesn’t someone send me in the direction of a book?
 
Crimson_Silence said:
You know what? Why doesn’t someone send me in the direction of a book?
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I don’t think anyone knew that is what you’d want, but now I’m sure you’ll get plenty of suggestions.

Off the top of my head, there’s Bp. Kallistos Ware’s The Orthodox Church and The Orthodox Way.
 
Crimson_Silence said:
So what are some of the experiences of people from other Rites of Catholicism? I’ve only experienced things from the west; always have, and I think I always will; maybe (There are no eastern Catholic Churches where I’m from; just western). But I have a curiosity for what people on the other rites experience. What drew you to your rite? How did it happen? And when? And where? And why? What is the experience of the Melkite? The Maronite? The Coptic? And the many others. What is your experience? And what can you share that can clue someone who exists in the other rites?

Please, I really want to know. Anything that can be shared; please, share it.
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You can read about the history of the eastern Catholic churches here, which basically give the contents of the book:

cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=123&pagetypeID=9&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1

There is much here, including list of parishes, and the byzantine liturgical calendar:

byzcath.org/

A lot of good things to see here at St. Elias The Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church (Brampton, Ontario, Canada):
saintelias.com/ca/home/

Liturgical recordings are here:
metropolitancantorinstitute.org/
 
Peter_J said:
I don’t think anyone knew that is what you’d want, but now I’m sure you’ll get plenty of suggestions.

Off the top of my head, there’s Bp. Kallistos Ware’s The Orthodox Church and The Orthodox Way.
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What I want is a book detailing the history and practices of the Eastern Catholics. I just can’t seem to find one. And I found one for the Maronites, but it was for the 5th and 6th centuries. That only leaves the Melkites, Coptic Catholics, Syro-Malabars and a fair others. But I’ll look into these.
 
Vico said:
You can read about the history of the eastern Catholic churches here, which basically give the contents of the book:

cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=123&pagetypeID=9&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1

There is much here, including list of parishes, and the byzantine liturgical calendar:

byzcath.org/

A lot of good things to see here at St. Elias The Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church (Brampton, Ontario, Canada):
saintelias.com/ca/home/

Liturgical recordings are here:
metropolitancantorinstitute.org/
Click to expand...
Yes! You’re a hero to me! 🙂
 
Crimson_Silence said:
What I want is a book detailing the history and practices of the Eastern Catholics. I just can’t seem to find one. And I found one for the Maronites, but it was for the 5th and 6th centuries. That only leaves the Melkites, Coptic Catholics, Syro-Malabars and a fair others. But I’ll look into these.
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It might be difficult to find books on some of these others. Maronites have more books than most, since their history is longer than any other Oriental Catholic Church and of course most of them are now in the diaspora (meaning that they’ve written a lot in French, English, Spanish, etc. and other accessible, Western languages), whereas most Coptic Catholics, Syro-Malankara, etc. are probably still in their home countries, and anyway don’t have as long a history to document in the first place.
 
dzheremi said:
It might be difficult to find books on some of these others. Maronites have more books than most, since their history is longer than any other Oriental Catholic Church and of course most of them are now in the diaspora (meaning that they’ve written a lot in French, English, Spanish, etc. and other accessible, Western languages), whereas most Coptic Catholics, Syro-Malankara, etc. are probably still in their home countries, and anyway don’t have as long a history to document in the first place.
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Is that a challenge? Are you challenging me? I’ll get them OUT of their countries if I have to. Even if I have to learn Arabic or any other language in order to find them. I will! If I can learn 3 different languages and then come back from the gates of hell to bring people unknown knowledge (which by the way, I’m known to do), I am going there. And I’m taking Marines with me. Just show me the way. :knight2:
 
Αγνή Παρθένε - O, Blessed Virgin

Arabic with English subtitles
youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y7PNnCqDK4o

English
part 1: youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=L4E3ToVNOD4
part 2: youtube.com/watch?v=2fHhzVA5a3g

Romanian
youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5yP4tQU2pIs

Valaam Choir
youtube.com/watch?v=C7vvPXz-Qes (wait for a while)

Choir of St. Roman “Sweet Singer” (Prešov, Slovakia)
youtube.com/watch?v=vCk_2S6F9lk

Choir of Sinopetra monastery
youtube.com/watch?v=IomxvOTf-So

Holy Trisagion
Syriac(n): youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=n5C6lq5QwDg
Greek: youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SdElBE5-NQA#!
Armenian: youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oiOLYxOeCT0

bishop’s blessing
youtube.com/watch?v=Zg8rOng0iOo

from Symposium in Gaming
youtube.com/watch?v=UsL61X5fOLU

Viruju (Creed)
youtube.com/watch?v=XW_HcK_aciI (wait a little)
youtube.com/watch?v=XWMaKTJiP-0 (text)
youtube.com/watch?v=y7ICGLj7JFI

The Lord’s Prayer
youtube.com/watch?v=aBofiUZzUHc
youtube.com/watch?v=x8wt3Jf_tXk
youtube.com/watch?v=bIakNrStTW8

Gospodi pomiluj
youtube.com/watch?v=WRrT-lQ4LGU
youtube.com/watch?v=Biar1R3tCYE

Невеста Неневестная (Афонский распев)
Unwedded bride (Akatist to the Most Holy Mother of God)
youtube.com/watch?v=25v8LpelgPI&feature=endscreen&NR=1
(maybe the gratest propagation was when John Paul II prayed this akatist during his visit to Slovakia)

Научи меня, Господи, славить Тебя
Teach me, Lord, to celebrate You
youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=y_SCa92j14k

Благослови душе моя Господа
My soul hallows the Lord
youtube.com/watch?v=c9Q0bBls6_0

Царице Моя Преблагая
My “super good” Empress
youtube.com/watch?v=yjVHf9yWCjs

Χερουβικός ύμνος - Херувимская песнь - Cherubic hymn
youtube.com/watch?v=IHrAchrmYRc

The Lord’s Lamentations (Romanian Orthodox Church Chant)
youtube.com/watch?v=V6s5Jo3Je5Q
 
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