F
Fortiterinre
Guest
I made my first visit to a Byzantine Liturgy today and was very impressed. The intoning or chanting (all English) was beautiful and to my surprise was mostly congregationally driven. The readings were intoned as was the Consecration. Communion was received standing, on the tongue via intinction with a spoon. I had read about all of these things for years, and it was wonderful to experience them firsthand. There was a deacon and three altar boys; the deacon in this liturgy works harder than anyone! The Pope is mentioned throughout the Liturgy–it felt very Catholic! I especially liked the recessional; the whole congregation processed up the sides, received an annointing with scented oil, and processed down the main aisle and out the door. My car was filled with this fragrance as I drove away. A wonderful experience which I think I will repeat soon.