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Hello,

I am a Latin Rite Catholic by the grace of God; however, I have always felt strongly towards the spirituality of the Christian East but am unable to pursue that desire due to logistics and geography. The nearest Byzantine mission is over 100 miles away in one direction.

As a Latin Catholic, I am familiar and regularly pray the Divine Office utilizing the approved 1975 ICEL translation as published by Catholic Book Publishing. However, I am interested in learning to pray the Byzantine Divine Office so that I can continue to embrace more of the Eastern spirituality that I already feel strongly about.

Is there any problem with this?

What prayer book should I consult/purchase?
I have been told that the daily emails which are published by Eastern Christian Publications are a great resource.. Thoughts?

Hi mint,
I, too, am a Latin Catholic and a member of the Third Order Carmel. I also have sentiments towards eastern rite Catholicism, having attended their liturgy various times during the course of my husband's military career. I daily pray the Little Office of Our Lady, but also now subscribe to the BDO emails which I find very, very beautiful and helpful...I pray them most days, not all, depending on my schedule, but I find them very enriching in my spiritual life. Not sure what books are available with similar contents, but would be interested to find out.
Hope this helps a bit...have a fruitful Lent. Simplicity

Dear Mint,
By all means, request the BDO presently being offered free by Eastern Catholic Publications. You won't find any format which is easier because you don't have to reference any other publications.

As suggested in the accompanying emails, its best to pick one of the segments to start; you can add the other Hours if you have more time.

Fr Deacon Paul