Oh! Sorry, I forgot.

Really meant to honor the request to refrain from posting till Monday because of mourning for Metropolitan Judson.

Please accept my personal expression of sympathy to those here who are members of the Byzantine Catholic Church in America at the loss of your leader. He has contributed so much to all of us also who are not members of your Church.

May his memory be eternal.

May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your coming, and lead you into the holy city Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have everlasting rest. (Latin Catholic rite at the place of resting)

Remember, O Lord, all those who fell asleep and rested while in the priesthood, and those who were in any order of the laity.
Grant a resting place to their souls in the bosom of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; feed them in a green pasture, by the waters of comfort, in the paradise of joy, the place from which the broken heart, sorrow, and sighs flee away, in the light of Thy saints.

Lord, make them rest in that abode; and us also, who are sojourners in this place. Keep us in Thy faith, and grant us Thy peace unto the end. (The Coptic Liturgy of St. Gregory)

I just found out that there was such a thing as the Eastern Rite church! I was watching the Pope in Syria on EWTN and Raymond A. keep talking about the Eastern Rite so I looked it up on the net and found out! WOW I HAD NO IDEA! The Melchites, Byzantine, etc... are so beatiful! Therefore, I found a Byzantine Church in Orlando and I going to my first Mass this Sunday and I can't wait! You should tell more people about your rite I think it so beatiful!

The sad thing is that I went to a Catholic school but they never told us about the Eastern Rite Churches.

Ray
rsteigler@cfl.rr.com

Ray,

Bless you our brother. Come and worship. Now, in order to help you understand what you are about to undertake here are a couple of hints.

1. We aren't simply a rite of the Roman Catholic Church. We are a Church in our own right in communion with Rome. I.e., We are Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome. We are Orthodox in Theology and worship but recognize the primacy of Rome.

2. We worship using usually the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom but also during Pascha (you call Easter) and some other times the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil. We call this "Divine Liturgy" though we don't fuss if you call it the Mass.

There are many further sublties but not significant enough to cause a break in communion. We are especially thankful for Pope John Paul II because he clearly loves the Eastern Church.

BTW Do you have suggestions on how we might get our word out better?

Dan Lauffer

Well, in my humble opinion I would recommend 3 approaches to the problem. I am going under the assumption that the Byzantine Church has limited resources and is relatively small compared to other mainstream churches. With that in mind I would take 3 different approaches:

1st start with the youth. Most of what I remember about the Catholic Church came from my fifth grade religion teacher Sister Gabriel. Sister Gabriel was an Irish nun who use to tell us stories about Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette etc… I would approach the Catholic school system with a proposal to let a Byzantine priest come and visit the children and talk about the Church. You would be surprise how many of those kids would remember that when they get older.

I would not spend a lot of time trying to reach high school kids. It is sad but I think most high school kids are worried about meeting the opposite sex and where they can get high next.

2nd Protestants are fair game! The Easter Rite Churches have a unique approach to these people that Roman Catholics do not. First, the Easter Rite does not have the name Roman Catholic associated with it. Whenever you try to talk to a Protestant about religion and you tell them you are a Roman Catholic the first thing they say is “I don’t worship Mary, I don’t need the Pope I have the Bible, and I don’t pray to statues”. Well, it usually ends up in an argument and doesn’t accomplish anything. However, if you approach a protestant and tell them you are a Melchite and your church was founded by Saint Paul they would probably say “What, really?” and that could work to the Church’s favor. So, I would start a grass roots apologetics network and work with your local bishop and priests. The Bishops and priests have to be willing to educate the Laity on how to Evangelize.

Look at why the Protestant churches are so successful. If you are a member of a Protestant church and lets say you really need to have you house painted and you need help I will bet that 10 people will come knock on your door and volunteer to help you. I was so impressed today because I receive an email from a member of the Orlando Byzantine church inviting and giving me directions to the Church. You just don’t see that in the Catholic churches today. Also, look at why so many people are flocking to the Protestant churches. First of all they are fun to go to. The services are energetic and exciting. Well, we certainly can’t yell and scream “Amen Brother” in front of the blessed sacrament, but the priest can do things to grab the attention of the audience. For example, at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in Mobile Alabama there was a priest who would walk around the church and preach while he was walking around. That freaked out the church. They were so use to see the same old dull priest hiding behind the pew. Eventually, that mass became very popular! Just watch the protestants and learn from them, but please don’t change your Divine Liturgy!

3rd Establish a strong College Evangelizing network. College students are very energetic and free spirited. The youth is crying out for something to believe in just look at World Youth Day! The reason why I say College students is because I have heard about a Very successful Catholic outreach program in colleges in the US. Model a Byzantine program after that one.


Just my 2 cents worth!
Thanks
Ray S.

My dear RomanCatholic friend,

Evangelization is an important duty of every Christian, Eastern Catholics included. I have to offer, though, sending a speaker into a Catholic school, where hopefully the students are already Catholics or being evangelized, amy be educational to them, but it is not making converts, only sheep stealing. We Byzantines work very hard not to present ourselves as an option on the Catholic menu of rites. We are a Christian community and we invite those seeking commmunity into ours. That is why you will also not see responsible Eastern Catholic leaders calling our Protestant brothers and sisters "fair game". They are Christians who already have the faith, baptism, prayer, grace, creed, scripture, and authentic Christian eclessial community. While they continue to grow in their faith, millions of others live with no faith at all. It is the unchurched and the underchurched that we make our priority.

We also have millions of our own Eastern catholics in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, amd Belarus who are lacking in the basics needed to support them in the faith -- books, church buildings, Bibles, educational facilities, seminary chairs, etc. Here we have a duty of greater priority that other things.

K.

I'm glad to hear this coming from you, Kurt! Perhaps I misunderstood where you were coming from.

Anthony

Dear Anthony,

Actually, I think we all did!

Alex

Orthodox Greeks search out Crypto-Greeks in Anatolia. Jews reach back 400-500 yrs. for records that will lead them to the descendants of Crypto-Jews. Do Byzantine Catholics have the same zeal to recover their own lost sheep? Here is an example of a well-organized effort to bring back those who have "gone astray."


Press Release

13 Iyar 5761 / May 5, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sephardic House is proud to announce it will be collaborating with The Society for Crypto Judaic Studies (SCJS), a Los Angeles based research organization specializing in fostering research and networking of information and ideas regarding Crypto-Jews of Iberian (Spanish-Portuguese) origins. According to the editor of "Halapid", the newsletter of the Society, Mr. Arthur Benveniste: "research into the archives of the Inquisition and of the Spanish colonial government has revealed that the first Spanish settlers in New Mexico were Jews fleeing the Inquisition. Today's Crypto-Jews of the Southwest are descendants of those settlers.( Linda Chavez claims to be a descendant of Crypto Jews.)" Every year these issues are discussed, and ideas are presented at the Society's annual conference which draws both scholars and the general public from across the globe.
Together, Sephardic House and the SCJS will be is collaborating to help those who consider themselves descendant of Anusim families (also known as Converso descendants or Crypto-Jews) learn more about Jewish heritage. Sephardic House, located in New York, was founded at the historic Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, home of Congregation Shearith Israel, the very first Jewish congregation in North America, founded in 1654. The organization's goals are to research and promote Sephardic history and culture. Together with the SCJS, Sephardic House will be developing a resource archive, as well as comprehensive frequently asked question lists (FAQs) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese for those interested in learning more.
Both Rabbi Marc Angel, co-Founder, and Mr. Morrie Yohai, President of Sephardic House both look forward to our new relationship with the Society for Crypto Judaic Studies. According to Scott Alfassa Marks of Sephardic House, the new archive will also contain the following: articles/papers on how mainstream Judaism views anusim, articles/papers with current and past research on the subject, conference information and news updates in the anusim studies world, consequences, privacy issues and emotional concerns facing anusim, section with personal stories, identification of contacts who could best represent Sephardic House as "experts" in crypto Judaism. There will also be the potential for a specialized internet discussion group. Gloria Trujillo, President of SCJS stated "we are proud and excited at this opportunity to collaborate with this vital institution to better serve those who desire to learn and explore more about the Anusim and their background." "We have the highest respect for those who come 'out' to discuss this and we are sensitive to the significant privacy issues that come along with the subject," Marks says. The Society for Crypto Judaic Studies in partnership with Sephardic House will be developing the new archive of information, and will provide qualified volunteers to answer questions submitted to the organization. Development is underway, and the new resource center will be available through the Sephardic House website www.sephardichouse.org in the next few weeks.


[This message has been edited by Vasili (edited 05-11-2001).]

Don't remember where I read it, but it was in the last 6 months or so...

There is apparently considerable controversy amongst folks quite learned in this area about the actual validity, origin, descent, etc of the "crypto-Jews" in the southwest.

Not saying it's not a laudable effort, but there is not unanimity of opinion on whether or not these folks have any real claim to Jewish ancestry.

Cheers,

Sharon

Sharon Mech, SFO
Cantor & sinner
sharon@cmhc.com

Kurt,

I must respectfully disagree with you. Perhaps I should clarify my previous comments.

1st it is important for the Roman Catholic Church to know of its Eastern brotherning. How can the major help the minority if the major does not know the minority exist.

2nd regarding my comment "fair game" perhaps that might need some clarification. There are many "Bible Churches" that are springing up in the US claiming to be the "true church". Now, this does not bother me nor should you, except when they make claims to there parishers that they can:

1. Show a direct link to Jesus Christ through history.

2. Prove the Pope is the anti-Christ.

3. Give there believers a wrong interpertation of the Bible that can become dangerous (i.e. Waco Texas)

Now, I am not saying the Catholic Church should go to these churches and hit the parishers over the head with Bibles. Rather, I am saying that the Catholic Church (especially Bzyantine Church) should have an Apologetics network in place to help those "under church" memebers find the truth. This in no way contradicts Vatican II.

When I go to the web and type in the key word Christian I should find 500 links to the Byzantine Catholic Church! Instead I find 1 denomantional church of God of the 2nd presibterian house of the hOly Word of God Church. Complete with a link to there Church/Trailer/Home for their Pastor Billy Ray.

Yes, I will say it again Protestants are "fair game"! The Byzantine Church has an obligation to spread the truth to the word.

See, 2 Thessalonians 2:15 . . . stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth, or by letter.

And, 1 Corinthians 11:2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you.

Instead it "appears to me" that the Byzantine and Roman Catholic's response to a Missionary Church in the United States is to have a Mass in some place where there is not a Catholic Church. Now, do you wonder why nobody shows up? dah... Pastor Billy Ray told them if they go to a Catholic Mass they will "BURN IN HELL!"

I hardly believe that these "Bible Churches" consist of an organize structure simply because many are here today and gone tomorrow.

You stated that there are Ukranians, etc who cant afford Bibles etc.. Well, guess what the United States is the Richest country in the world. If you want to help your brothern in the Ukranian maybe you should get the funds from here first. But, you cant do that because nobody in the US has heard of the Byzantine Church.

I believe that Rome (from what I have read so far) has not place limits on territories for the Eastern Rite Churches. So I say Evangelize, Evangelize, Evangelize!

When was the last time a Byzantine priest or Latiy went to the mall and handed out "Jesus Loves You" cards to people. When was the last time a Byzantine priest or Latity sent Jesus Videos to peoples houses? I can think of hundreds of Protestants who do this everyday! So, when you say you want to go after the "Under Church" thats How I THINK you should do it.

Finally, you stated that you do not want to I believe you said "recycle" Catholics. Well, I am a Roman Catholic and I am not happy with the Church! I am staying Catholic because it was Jesus Christ wish that we be as one. I follow ALL of the Catholic Churches teachings (although I do sin). Further, I go to Church every Sunday (I try). But, I would consider myself and "under church" memember. I am hoping I will finding what I am looking for in the Byzantine Church. I have never heard of the Byzantine Church until a couple of weeks ago. Now, do you consider me a recycled Catholic? I dont think so! I think I am a believer in Christ looking for a Church that has Tradition and is in Communion with Rome. I do not want a Church that gets you in for 40 minutes on Sunday and sends you off again. Further, I believe there are many more just like me who are tired of the Roman Catholic Church. Many of us dont bother going to Mass anymore because they are so dis-hearted and have lost faith. If they came back to the Church with a new vigor because they found the Byzantine Church I dont think that should be classified as "recycled". I would rather classify them as "Coming Home Catholics"!

My Humble Opinion
God Bless!
Ray S.

Ray,

GREAT POST! I agree with you 150%!!!!

I am happy to report that I will be more directly involved in Byzantine Evangelization in the months to come. I am really excited about this opportunity. We really need to get the word out.

Also, there are many Roman Catholics who find themselves disatisfied, and are looking for something more. Rather than leaving to follow Pastor Billy Ray (and his achy-breaky heart), they should be welcomed into the Byzantine Church - where they can remain Catholic, but perhaps find something better suited to their spirituality. I certainly found it!!!

Anthony

Dear Ray,

As someone who knows a number of Roman CAtholics who have come to the Byzantine Catholic Church, you are not only most welcome, but you will, I know, teach us a thing or two about Christian commitment.

I attended a Byzantine Liturgy and loved the beautiful choir-singing.

I later learned that the choir was composed entirely of Roman Catholics of the Byzantine Rite .

They even learned to sing it in (what the translators say is) modern Ukrainian.

They make the sign of the Cross with three fingers, but still go to the left first.

It concerned my friend, the Pastor, until I told him that this was how many Oriental Orthodox crossed themselves.

I was glad to be of help . . .

Alex

Dear Alex,

Thanks for sticking up for the rites (pardon the pun) of the Syriac Church of Antioch.

Dear Catholicos Mor Ephrem,

They are such Divine Rites at that!

Alex

In my oh so humble opinion, if the Byzantine Catholic Churches (Ruthenian, Ukrainian, romanian, etc.) can do an effective job of reaching fallen-away Roman Catholics and return them to the Church, so much the better. Of course, evangelization is the key.

It frustrates me to no end that EWTN does not cover nor inform their viewers of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Granted, the network is run by a Franciscan Roman Catholic nun (and God bless her heart) but the attitudes of certain people there are inexcusable. In his defense, I must say that Fr. Trullio (sic) on his Web of Faith program always has good things to say about both the Byzantine and Orthodox Churches.

I usually go to the Discussion Forum at Catholic Online. This is primarily a Roman Catholic website. They have an East and West Forum where people can discuss the issues of the day and ask questions regarding the Churches of the East. to my recollection, nobody has been the least bit nasty when discussing or asking about the Eastern Catholic Churches. Why not go to as may Latin Catholic websites as possible and set up a link to here? I'm certain a lot of curious people will come by.

I have a question for Mr. Dragani. I have driven by Holy Resurrection Church in Monroeville several times, and it looks like there is a site for construction being prepared. Are there plans to construct a new church building in the traditional Eastern style?