www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Chrismation Question

Hi everyone.
I have a question concerning adult chrismation is the Eastern tradition.
I am a student, older, and wish to join the Eastern rite. I have been going to Mass at the RCC for sometime and even attend a Jesuit University; however, I feel my spirit drawn to the Eastern. I have been to an Orthodox Church, but feel more comfortable with the Eastern Catholic tradition. I was raised Protestant, Southern Baptist, but have always been drawn to the Catholic faith, although i never met a Catholic untill i was in my mid-20's. I have went without communion for over 5 years, b/c i have been attending Mass, where as you know, one cannot participate untill RCIA has been completed. This has bothered me for sometime, for a number of reasons. 1. I am Baptized. 2. I beleive in the Father, Son, and H.S. 3. Finally, I often call on the H.S. 4. I am a Christian and should be able to fully participate in Community. -I recognize the importance of confirmation/chrismation, (have studied both theologically), and feel more at home with Eastern Mysteries. What i most want in my life is the full participation in Communion (community), and feel that i am able to experiece this at the E.C. My question is this: What steps do i go about to be able to be confirmed in the Eastern Catholic tradition?
Peace,
lw

Hi Iw,

The reason as you probably know that you cannot recieve Eucharist is the belief in it as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Until you are fully prepared for that understanding it is not good to receive. Also, necessary for your soul to make your first confession before receiving the Eucharist.

I was raised Southern Baptist, and I can tell you that it makes everything I learned just jump off the pages of the Bible as though they are 3D. It is alive in the worship of our faith. (hope that makes sence)

Since you were baptized in the Baptist Church that will be accepted,you will just need your Baptismal certificate. Then they will Chrismate you sealing you with the Holy Spirit, then give you Eucharist. In the early church and sometimes even today you were not allowed to be in the Church at the Consecration of the Eucharist because of the mystery involved. They would be lead out of the Church.
Prayer of the Catechumens

(During the litany of the catechumens, the priest unfolds on the altar table the corporal [antimins], a cloth with a depiction of the burial of Christ.)

Priest:
Pray unto the Lord, ye catechumens.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
Ye faithful, pray ye for the catechumens, that the Lord may have mercy upon them.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
That He may teach them the word of truth;

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
That He may reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
That He may unite them unto His Holy, Universal, and Apostolic Church;

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
Save them, have mercy upon them, preserve them, and protect them, O God, by Thy grace.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
Bow your heads unto the Lord, ye catechumens.

People:
To Thee, O Lord.

Priest (in a low voice):
O Lord, our God, Who dwellest on high and regardest the humble of heart; Who hast sent forth as the salvation of mankind Thine Only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ; look down upon Thy servants, the catechumens, who have bowed their heads before Thee; make them worthy in due season of the laver of regeneration. Unite them to thy Holy, Universal and Apostolic Church, and number them with Thy chosen flock.

Priest:
That they also with us may glorify Thy most honorable and majestic Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Dismissal of the Catechumens

Priest:
All ye catechumens, depart! Depart, ye catechumens! All ye that are catechumens, depart! Let no catechumens remain! But let us who are of the faithful, again and again, in peace pray to the Lord.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest (in a low voice):
We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord God of the Powers, Who hast accounted us worthy to stand even now before Thy holy altar, and to prostrate ourselves before Thy compassion for our sins and errors of the people. Accept our supplications, O God; make us worthy to offer unto Thee prayers and supplications, and bloodless sacrifices for all Thy people. And enable us, whom Thou hast appointed in this Thy ministry, by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, blamelessly and without offense, in the pure testimony of our conscience, to call upon Thee at all times and in every place; that hearing us, Thou mayest show mercy upon us according to the multitude of Thy goodness.

Priest:
Help us, save us have mercy upon us and protect us, O god, by Thy grace.

People:
Lord, have mercy.

Priest:
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.People:
Amen.

Most priests like for you to go through a cycle of the Church, a year, to have a full understanding of what is taking place. The preparation time to come into the church is not as long, as far as study. But, again that depends on the Priest!


Since you have been attending the RC church for 5 years it may be quicker to come into the Catholic Church there. Since they already know who you are and you have been faithful there.

However, go to your local Eastern Catholic Church and talk with the priest about it.

Rose

I hope you received a sufficient answer at Liturgy today. Thanks for coming and may the Holy Spirit guide your journey to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Remember the words of St. Vladimir's emissaries...
Subdeacon Randolph

Subdeacon Randolph,
I loved it. I have asked for discernment and the Holy Spirit has led me to the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church today. I look forward to seeing you next Sunday!
Peace,
Lane