www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization How many Ruthenian parishes do different Lenten Services?

"Sorry if I offended. Most people aren't aware of the wonderful resources that are available at the MCI and I thought it a good opportunity to spread the word."

Deacon Paul,

Once more, I apologize to you. I have to say I am not all that impressed with the work of the MCI, though some of its on-line publications can be helpful.

"Actually, in the Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia, the celebration of the Hours is certainly more common than Matins, and even Vespers. It is uncomplicated and is very conducive for daily celebration in the home for those who cannot travel to the parish on a daily basis."

Having been present for celebrations of the Hours in various Churches over the years, I agree. However, even if nobody bothered to come, it would be incumbent upon every parish to regularly celebrate Vespers and Orthros, as these "Great Hours" are, together with the Divine Liturgy, both part of the Church's apostolic witness and an essential element of our mystagogical catechesis. That most Ruthenians have not experienced these services in their parishes--except for Vespers as part of a Vigil Liturgy, and Orthros at Pascha, is a scandal and a disservice to the faithful. Hegumen Nicholas said as much in a presentation to the Orientale Lumen Conference. Much of what he said that day puzzled me, until the promulgation of the Revised Divine Liturgy, at which point all was pellucidly clear. And I was not at all surprised when Holy Resurrection Monastery severed its connection with the Ruthenian Church. But Hegumen Nicholas' words still reverberate in my ears after almost ten years: they only way to restore the Tradition is to live in accordance with the Typicon.

I've been looking at the websites of many different Eastern Churches and I find much in the same of Divine Services as in most Ruthenian Parishes. In the last few minutes I was looking at quite a few UGCC parish websites and noticed that they have an even more "water downed" version of Diving Services for Great and Holy Week.....just a thought because it seems like we are set on slamming the Ruthenian Church's liturgical practice.

Stuart,

Just for your information, the Cathedral in Parma has celebrated Matins since way before Bishop John's time. I do not know the answer to the second part of your question.

It's a cathedral, so it is what one would expect. In most Orthodox jurisdictions, the cathedral is one of the few churches that would have a full weekday schedule of liturgies. And, as ordinary minister of the Eucharist, the bishop has a duty to ensure that the liturgies in his own parish are celebrated in the most exemplary manner fashionable.

That said, I note that it does not appear that Vespers and Orthros are celebrated regularly either at St. Michael's Cathedral in Passaic, or at St. John the Baptist in Munhall. I find this situation confusing, as Metropolitan Basil was formerly Bishop of Parma, and one would have thought he would bring the practice from his old see to the new. Similarly, Bishop Andrew was in Parma before he came to Passaic, so if Parma was celebrating the hours under his omophorion, why doesn't Passaic?

Lets keep the discussion focused on what Lenten Services are offered in Ruthenian parishes. If one wants to discuss how many parishes do Sat Vespers, Sunday Matins or cathedral vs parish usage please start another thread.

Fr. Deacon Lance, Moderator

So, the answer is, basically, one.