Greek-Rite Catholicism

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I have felt the most strong pull to Greek Catholicism lately. Ukrainian or Byzantine are the two in my area. Does anyone have advice on discerning the process of whether switching rites is right for you? Also, what are customs I should learn for attending a Divine Liturgy?

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is closer and more established, so those customs in particular would be appreciated.

I would still lector at my Latin-Rite Church, as I won’t be able to go to any other on a regular basis for a year. Kyrie Eleison, that was a mouthful.

PS: Why, You may ask? Music. Music is why 😃
 
Upgrade25 said:
I have felt the most strong pull to Greek Catholicism lately. Ukrainian or Byzantine are the two in my area. Does anyone have advice on discerning the process of whether switching rites is right for you? Also, what are customs I should learn for attending a Divine Liturgy?

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is closer and more established, so those customs in particular would be appreciated.

I would still lector at my Latin-Rite Church, as I won’t be able to go to any other on a regular basis for a year. Kyrie Eleison, that was a mouthful.

PS: Why, You may ask? Music. Music is why 😃
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Hi “Upgrade25”

Byzantine Catholicism and Ukrainian Catholicism are (ideally) virtually identical. The dominant difference will be the style of chant they use in the Divine Liturgy. The “Byzantine Catholic Church” (technically Ruthenian Catholic Church) uses primarily the Carpatho-Rusyn style of chant, whereas the Ukrainians will use various styles. Often the style of chant will vary from parish to parish. As with Roman Catholic parishes, the quality of the chanting/music will also vary from parish to parish.

The best way to learn about the customs of Eastern Catholics is simply to attend our liturgies and ask questions of the priest and parishioners. From there you’ll likely be recommended some great reading. Above all, simply enjoy the journey. There is great wealth in the Eastern Catholic traditions, just as there is great wealth in the Roman Catholic tradition.
 
Upgrade25 said:
I have felt the most strong pull to Greek Catholicism lately. Ukrainian or Byzantine are the two in my area. Does anyone have advice on discerning the process of whether switching rites is right for you? Also, what are customs I should learn for attending a Divine Liturgy?

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is closer and more established, so those customs in particular would be appreciated.

I would still lector at my Latin-Rite Church, as I won’t be able to go to any other on a regular basis for a year. Kyrie Eleison, that was a mouthful.

PS: Why, You may ask? Music. Music is why 😃
Click to expand...
Have you had a chance to visit a Divine Liturgy at all yet? Don’t worry so much about customs. Those you can learn with regular attendance. You would definitely want to learn how to receive Communion beforehand. Cross yourself whenever the Holy Trinity is mentioned. The proper liturgical posture is standing for almost everything, but the amount of sitting and when to sit varies. Just follow the lead of those who seem to know what they’re doing, although you would not go wrong in standing the whole time. Make the sign of the cross right to left. Upon entering the Church, bow and make the sign of the cross (some do it three times) and venerate the icon on the tetrapod in the center of the church. Light a candle if you wish. There are not really significant differences in liturgical customs between Ukrainian and Ruthenian. It really is easiest to just watch what others are doing and do it.

As far as discernment, you really need to be regularly attending before the process of discernment can even begin. Once you’ve been attending regularly for a year or so, you will begin to know if this way of following the faith is for you and you can proceed from there.
 
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