The reason why there aren't that many Byzantine teenagers *could* be because the Byzantine religion is so strict. Being a Roman Catholic is so much more...well, its like you can breathe better.

There are so few teens in any Byzantine church because when a family is searching for a church if they have a teen, they probobly wouldn't choose a church with little or no teens...Am I right?

My Byzantine church has about 10 kids between the ages of 12 and 18 (counting my brother and me). About 8 of those kids would rather be Roman Catholic, probobly because they want to be a part of something bigger and more well known and more modern.

* * * * * * * * * * *
Please remember this is all just coming from a teens point of view. All my words are based on what I know about my youth group.

~Elizabeth W.

Elizabeth,
Christos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese!
I really can't believe how you refer to your own faith. As a fellow byzanTEEN, you should talk up your faith. I know you were only saying what you think, but you make it sound like being byzantine is torture. The churches rules can be considered somewhat strict, but they could be much worse. If you're referring to the fact that we fast two days a week during lent, you should be glad we still don't have the rule of not eating meat at all during lent. All of mother churches rules and regulations are for our good, and for the good of our souls. I think it is better that we be to strict, rather than to relaxed.

The lack of youth in our parishes is due to irresponsible adults, who do not bring their children to church, or who leave the Byzantine church altogether. Too often, people walk away from the church never to return, and they don't really know why. The Byzantine church has a beautiful tradition behind it, one that I feel, as a teen, strengthens me. I've been to a lot of byzanTEEN events, and am constantly amazed that we as such a small group, have such zeal within us. I hope I have not offended you, and if I have I'm sorry, I just don't like it when people complain of our beautiful faith. Come to the ByzanTEEN youth rally in June, you'll be amazed by all the teens there, hope to see you there.

Christopher

Can you tell me why leaving the Byzantine church would be irresponsible? I don't think thats quite the right word.

Just because I said that my faith is strict, it doesn't mean I'm talking it down. I love being a Catholic. Hey, I love being a Byzantine Catholic.

That would be cool to go to the youth ralley. Lots of my youth group is going, but I'm going to Paris instead. Maybe next year. Isn't it an annual thing?

Hey Elizabeth,

I'm not a ByzanTEEN, but I'm only a few years older than you (I'm 22). I was formerly a Roman Teen, and quite frankly, was thankful not to be Byzantine. My best friend who lived next door was Byzantine, and I went with him to the Divine Liturgy a couple of times. I thought it was weird, although somewhat mystical. My friend's sisters used to say how badly they wished they were Roman like me, because the Roman mass is so much more fun!

In college I started attending Byzantine parishes every once in a while. I didn't know why, but I kept being drawn back. One time a Latin friend of mine came with me to the Byzantine parish, and I was certain that he wouldn't like the weird Byzantine liturgy. At the end of the Liturgy, I was prepared to say "thank God we are Latin," when he turned to me and said "this is the most beautiful liturgy I have seen in my life!" This friend of mine started to faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy, and hailed it as being a whole new level of spirituality for him!

To make a long story short, I am now Byzantine myself. Although it was strange and countercultural, I found myself MISSING the Divine Liturgy whenever I went back to my Roman parish. Sure, the Roman liturgy is more fun and modern. But there is something to the Byzantine Liturgy that I can't put my finger on. I now eagerly look forward to the Divine Liturgy, and have grown to love the Byzantine tradition in a way that I could never have imagined. My fiance, who is a senior in college, is becoming Byzantine also. She has come to prefer it to the Roman Tradition that she grew up with.

In short, the Byzantine Church is very countercultural. I can understand why teenagers, who want to blend in, have a difficult time fully appreciating it. I thought it was weird. But now it means so much to me. It is funny how things look different with age.

Take care,
Anthony

Seems we both have the same opinions. Me being a teenager that does NOT want to blend in, I've got no problem with being a different rite than my other Catholic friends. And my Baptist friends think its pretty cool.

I find the Latin and Byzantine liturgies different...none is worse or better than the other, but I kinda prefer the Byzantine mass - or liturgy - anyways. Its all a matter of what you like and which way you can be closer to God.

Christ is Risen!
Hi Elizabeth,
I think there are probably alot of reasons for the shortage of Byzan-Teens, including the one you talked about. At my parish, St. John Chrysostym's in Seattle, WA, there are around 15-20 teenagers, and while I can't speak for all of them, I think most of us here don't have any problem with being Byzantine. We have an active Youth Group, etc.
I think it's true that most Roman Catholic teens would find Eastern rite weird and too counterculture at first. It does take getting used to if you've never experienced it before. I find it great to be a part of such an ancient and beautiful form of Catholicism. I've been Byzantine all my life and I definitely would never leave.
Katie

Elizabeth,
The reason I said it is irresponsible for adults to leave the church, is partially due to their reasoning behind it. Sometimes they leave over something trivial, like an argument with their priest. I just think it is unfortunate that some of our people so easily give up their faith (meaning Byzantine) for another, regardless of the cause. It is also irresponsible because people continually leaving a church can hurt it. I'm not saying the Byzantine church is collapsing, not by far, its just that I hate to see anyone leave one of our parishes for another rite. My pastor once said that we were all put in the place we are by God, especially as Byzantine Catholics. He said that God has a job for us where we are, and I agree, but I just can't believe that our job, as byzantines, is to leave mother church. We, as the future of this church, have to carry on the faith and live it to the fullest.

I don't know if the youth rally is going to be an annual think, but I sure hope so. Sorry you won't be joining us, but maybe you'll be able to come to the pilgrimage over Labor Day Weekend at Mt. St. Macrina.
Keep the faith going!

Christopher

Good reasoning, you guys. But I don't see any problem with a Byzantine leaving the rite to be a Roman. It all just depends on which way you pray better, and which way brings you closer to God. But somebody leaving just because of a petty problem that could be worked out is ridiculous.

I haven't heard anything about the pilgramige to that place you mentioned. But my church- St. Georges in Olympia, WA is having a pilgramage something like August 16th. If you're going, look for me, k? Same with you, Katie. You're from Seattle so I'll bet you'll be going.

Elizabeth,
Christos Voskrese!
I guess we each have our opinions on when people leave the church, but let's just leave it at that. By the way, Mt. St. Macrina, is in Uniontown,Pennslyvania, same place as the rally. I'm from Cleveland, Ohio, so its close for me, but not for you. Good luck on your Pilgrimage in August and enjoy Paris.

Christopher

Thank you very much.

Elizabeth,

Your Byzantine faith - which you share with millions of Russian Orthodox as well your brother and sister Catholics - is like a priceless family heirloom, only better because unlike jewelry or furniture it is something alive that will transform you, preparing you for union with God (what we call theosis or deification) if you let it.

The Byzantine services are very long and can be tough (for Good Friday we stood and sang THREE HOURS! - some shortening is nice sometimes). But our rite represents what the Catholic faith - Eastern and Western - is really all about better than the 'fun', 'modern', easy new Roman Mass in many places. (The older version of the Roman Mass was/is a lot more like our services.) The focus is on God, not us. Give it a chance. When you get into it you'll find it can be fun! (Plus, if you come from a Slavic church, learning the Slavonic-language prayers means you learn a great deal of Russian in the process... kind of cool in a spy-novel way, da?)

XPNCTOC BOCKPECE! Christ is risen!

Please visit my website.

http://OldWorldRus.com

So the Roman Mass is not focused around God? Where did you get that idea?

Elizabeth,

I am consistently impressed by your posts!You have a tenacious way of getting to the heart of the issue. Keep up the good work!

Christ is Risen!

Peace,

Gordo, sfo

PS: How's your Grandma?

[This message has been edited by Dozier (edited 04-30-2000).]

Elizabeth,

The Byzantine Liturgy and the older Roman Mass are more focused on God than the revised Roman one often is in practice (note I didn't say in itself). This is from my own experience going to churches.

http://oldworldrus.com

All churches over here are focused around God. I don't get why any church wouldn't be fully focused around God.