Visiting a Greek-rite Church

[Tannhauser_1509]

Any Greek-rite Catholics or Orthodox out there: I’ll be taking a trip to a Greek Orthodox Cathedral next month with a school group, for my Art History class. Even though I am a Western-rite Catholic, I want to be sure I respect the custom of this church. Is there anything I should be aware of that may affect or disrupt my usual way of being in a church, e.g. as I enter I dip my fingers into the font and make the sign of the cross, I genuflect before entering a pew? Will the Blessed Sacrament be in the place I’m familiar with? I’m sticking to my Western ways, so I’m not looking for recommendations on what I should do differently, per se.

Just anything you’d like to make me aware of. (Note: we’re not taking part in the Divine Liturgy, so I don’t need to know anything pertaining to that.)

 

[Errham]

Any Greek-rite Catholics or Orthodox out there: I’ll be taking a trip to a Greek Orthodox Cathedral next month with a school group, for my Art History class. Even though I am a Western-rite Catholic, I want to be sure I respect the custom of this church. Is there anything I should be aware of that may affect or disrupt my usual way of being in a church, e.g. as I enter I dip my fingers into the font and make the sign of the cross, I genuflect before entering a pew? Will the Blessed Sacrament be in the place I’m familiar with? I’m sticking to my Western ways, so I’m not looking for recommendations on what I should do differently, per se.

Just anything you’d like to make me aware of. (Note: we’re not taking part in the Divine Liturgy, so I don’t need to know anything pertaining to that.)

There is no font and no genuflecting. Do not cross your legs. Kiss the icons, always on the hand and feet (never the face) and make the sign of the Cross before doing som

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Thanks. I’ve been told to kiss the feet of Jesus and the hands of the other saints. Is this right? Is there an order in which I should kiss the icons? I imagine the analogue to the holy-water font are the icons?

 

[Iconodule]

To borrow a quote: “When in Byzantium…”

Watch what the Orthodox who may be present do and follow suit as you are comfortable. A deep bow when venerating an icon is always appropriate. I’m fairly sure the ‘regulars’ will notice that you are being reverent to the best of your ability, and will be pleased that you are there.

 

[Errham]

Thanks. I’ve been told to kiss the feet of Jesus and the hands of the other saints. Is this right? Is there an order in which I should kiss the icons? I imagine the analogue to the holy-water font are the icons?

The only time is that kissing them on the face is not appropriate. If they don’t have hands or feet (such as the Icon Made Without Hands) then kiss the hair. Just never the face.

Generally there will be two icons in front of the sanctuary, you kiss the right one first. Beides that it’s to you. You generally don’t kiss the icons on the iconostsis (the screen separating the nave from the sanctuary and don’t go into the sanctuary without the Priest or Superior’s blessing. While there is a Tabernacle in the Sanctuary, Byzantines have no/“adoration” like the Westerners do. Also, while you’re there, pick up a prayer rope (it should be in the Church shop, many priests will give them out for free). It’s an interesting immensely helpful prayer rule, to both Easterners and Westerners alike.