www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Latin Rite Catholic; Need Advice

Good afternoon my Eastern brothers and sisters. I'm a Latin rite Catholic, and I'm in a circumstance where I could use some guidance.

I'm going to my local Byzantine Catholic church for the Divine Liturgy within the next day (probably tonight and tomorrow), and I'm very poorly cultured you see, so I was curious about what I should know, what I should expect or be ready for, that sort of thing.

Would it be rude to genuflect or make the sign of the cross in the manner of a Western rite Catholic, or would it be more prudent to temporarily adopt Eastern traditions? If so, what are the things I should know?

I was also curious about Communion. I know the manner of receiving, but I don't know this: I know the priest says something particular before offering you the Blessed Sacrament, but what does he say, and is there a particular response I should know to give?

I intend to speak to the priest before the Liturgy anyway, but I'd like not to look like a completely helpless bumbling fool.

Thanks all!
in Christ
Vladik

Relax


You will be fine. I would try not to genuflect - we don't - but anything else fear not - no one will notice.

Communion --- well you know the basics - and that's all that matters . What is actually said by the priest does vary according to the Church and his practice. My Spiritual Father always uses my own name , my pastor does not

" The servant [ handmaid] of God partakes of the most pure Body and precious Blood of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ , for the forgivenesws of his/her sins and for life everlasting. Amen "

Hope that helps - and I'll bet someone else will come along with something that I've forgotten

The standard fee for our advice is that you are required to report back afterwards with your impressions

Anhelyna

Of course I will, thanks very much.
See, I figure I'll just leisurely saunter in like I own the place, and watch what everybody else does, and then I'll just do like them.

I agree with Anhelyna. You have everything necessary. Do what other people are doing and don't worry if you make a mistake. Visitors get special dispensation to make liturgical mistakes.



---------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh Lord although I desired to blot out
With my tears the handwriting of my many sins
And for the rest of my life to please thee through sincere repentance;
Yet doth the enemy lead me astray as he wareth
Against my soul with his cunning.
Oh Lord before I utterly perish do thou save me!

Oh good.

The parish is the size of a fishbowl though (it's actually in a converted house), so I'm afraid I might be conspicuously out of place. lol But it's essentially the same sacrament. I'm excited!

EDIT* Sorry, I meant 'Mystery'

Vladik,

You've gotten good advice -- but there is one thing you asked that was not answered. As a Latin Rite Catholic you will be used to saying "Amen" after the priest/deacon/EMHC says "The body/blood of Christ." There is NO response to the priest or deacon saying "The servant of God N. receives the precious Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus for the remission of sins and life everlasting." (note that the actual formula may vary depending on the tradition of the church you are attending). Do not say "Amen"!

Fr. Deacon Edward

And don't go away from the Priest with the Communion Spoon in your mouth - I understand it has been done

Anhelyna

Thanks, I'll try not to keep the silverware, or goldware as it might be.

And thanks Deacon, I'll remember that. Thank you very much.

If the priest is like me (in which case, God help you!), he will want to know your Christian name - not your surname - for use in the administration of Holy Communion. Place your hands in a pious but unobtrusive position, look at the priest, pronounce your name clearly but not loudly, then raise your head as if you were admiring the art work on the ceiling. Keeping your head in that position, open your lower jaw as widely as possible and do not extend your tongue. The priest will administer the Holy Gifts and withdraw the Communion Spoon smoothly. Close your mouth, consume the Holy Gifts and return to your place.

Fr. Serge

That's good to know, thanks Father.

I heard something about when you enter or leave the church, you're really supposed to go and reverence a certain icon, which includes bowing and making the sign of the cross (3 times?). ANy help with that one?

Traditionally there will be two icons in the narthex. You should first bow, kiss the icon of Christ and then make the sign of the cross then bow, kiss the icon of the Mother of God (on her hand) and then make the sign of the cross. If there is an icon on the tetrapod (a table near the holy doors) you should also kiss that although many simply touch it with their right hand and then kiss their hand.

Fr. Deacon Edward

As we respect the Roman Church as an equal and vice versa per Vatican II, if you wish to genuflect, feel free to do so. This is proper just as it is proper for a Eastern Catholic to bow when he is in a Western Church.
The same goes for the way you make the Sign of the Cross. You will probably feel more comfortable with the way that you are accustomed, rather than be self conscious about whether you are doing it properly.
Be yourself and take in the sights and sounds and enjoy your experience in the Heavenly Liturgy.
Regarding Communion, if you bow or genuflect before receiving, be sure to do so when the person before you is receiving so that you won't bump the chalice or conspicuously slow the line.

May you have a very mystical experience.

Fr. Deacon Paul

Hey guys,

I got back from the Divine Liturgy! First of all, the church was gorgeous. I've always been more partial to icons anyway, so I was in paradise. lol

The Liturgy was wonderful. And you guys were right, I had nothing to worry about. When in Byzantium, I did as the Byzantines did.
And the priest whom I know rather well, was really good about showing us around a little bit and explaining all the different elements of the church, the icons, the practices, etc. It was great.

I'm certainly going to go more regularly. I met a few of the people too, I felt very much at ease with how happy they were to meet me. I felt like a regular after only one night!

I very much enjoyed the Liturgy too, all the symbolism and little nuances make it a remarkable experience. I love the Latin Rite, She being my alma mater, but we need to get our act together a bit.

Anyway, thanks all for the advice, it was a great experience, and I'm going back tomorrow for sure, and then as often as I can after that!

Beware - it's addictive

Glad you enjoyed the experience