www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy Some questions from a newcomer to the Melkites

Hello, I'm a convert to Catholicism, I have recently taken an interest in the Melkite Church. I was wondering if a few specific questions could be answered that I have on my mind:

1) If I wanted to pray the Byzantine-rite Divine Office, how many books would I need? If I bought the Arbp. +Joseph Raya "Byzantine Daily Worship" would I have everything I need, or is it abbreviated--and if so, how would I be able to pray the Office fully without shelling out hundreds of dollars?

2) What Bible translation is used by the Melkites for English liturgy? (If it has to be specified: in the USA, and in Syria?)

3) I have noticed that a lot of liturgical books, like the Octoechos, don't seem to have any music printed in them, even though they are meant to be chanted. Am I to take this to mean that if one knows the tone for the text, one could chant it without any sheet music? Where could I learn how to do this for the Melkite liturgy?

Thank you for the help!

Welcome to Byzcath and the Melkites!

I'm sure Irish Melkite will chime in!

The Raya will give you the complete office. However, some of the verbiage was changed, so it will sound different in your parish.

A lot of Melkites use the Orthodox Study Bible, which to me is an updated King James. I still use my original Jerusalem Bible.

Sadly, it should be the same for all, however, it can vary.
This is from my parish, St George in Birmingham AL
http://saintgeorgeonline.org/music-and-chant/.
Then on the front page of our site is Christ is Risen.

Forgot the other link for Christ is Risen. http://saintgeorgeonline.org/

Thank you very much for the reply and links! -- am I to take [2] to mean that the Lectionary readings at a Melkite liturgy are from the OSB or KJV in the Eparchy of Newton?