First Catholic Divine Liturgy - Allentown, PA - This coming week

[japhy]

Hello, brothers and sisters in Christ! I’ve had a couple false starts the past few times I’ve tried, but I think I’m actually going to get it done this time. I’m a Latin Rite Catholic who will be attending his first (and hopefully second, and maybe third) Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgies this coming week, at St. Michael’s in Allentown, PA.

I’m just about bursting with joyous anticipation. For over a year I have desired to share in the worship of God with my Eastern Catholic brethren, and now it looks like that will finally become a reality.

Praise God!

 

[Harpazo]

Hello, brothers and sisters in Christ! I’ve had a couple false starts the past few times I’ve tried, but I think I’m actually going to get it done this time. I’m a Latin Rite Catholic who will be attending his first (and hopefully second, and maybe third) Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgies this coming week, at St. Michael’s in Allentown, PA.

I’m just about bursting with joyous anticipation. For over a year I have desired to share in the worship of God with my Eastern Catholic brethren, and now it looks like that will finally become a reality.

Praise God!

How exciting! I myself have not been to a Byzantine Catholic Church, because there are none in my area. I do attend a Maronite Catholic Church which I absolutely love. My advice to you would be the same that I would give to someone coming to my parish for the first time. If you are able, arrive a little early and see if you can talk with the Pastor. He could (should) answer any questions you have about the Liturgy, and help direct you in anyway possible. I did that, and my Pastor had me sit with his secretary.

You will love it, don’t worry.

Alaha minokhoun,
Andrew

 

[Aramis]

Three things:

1. You may wish to follow along in the pewbook, if so, ask the cantors for help before liturgy in setting the tabs for the propers. If not, don’t worry about it, and watch and listen. If you get lost, don’t worry.
2. be aware of the method of reception of communion. If you choose to receive: at your turn, Step forward, open your mouth wide, tilt your head back, keep your tongue down and out of the way (do not extend it). Do not say “Amen” after. The Priest or Deacon may hold the chalice; in some parishes the chalice is kissed after reception and before stepping away.
3. Look, listen, smell, and feel. Look around before the liturgy, examine the Icons, see if you recall the Bible and Saint’s Lives stories they relate to. Watch the faithful and their variety of actions. Listen to the sound cues, like the bells on the censor, and the Deacon’s call, “Wisdom! Be Attentive!” Smell the Incense, present from the past, and promise of the future; it helps denote the difference of sacred space. Feel the pace of the liturgy, the crowd, even the postural differences make an impact.

In general, if you want help with the liturgy, the cantors will know who to ask to help you through. (In all of the parishes I’ve been to, the cantors sit in a box in the back. Generally, they are both knowledgeable and friendly. But ask before liturgy.)