Divine Liturgy FAQs
Question
Dress Code
Answer
The dress is semi-formal with formal preferred. Men should wear a coat and tie and women should wear cocktail or floor length dresses. We would love for people to match our colors: royal blue, light pink, and silver. Black is also a good choice.
Question
What is the Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic Church
Answer
The Ruthenian, or Byzantine, Catholic Church is one of 24 sui juris churches in the Catholic Church. Ruthenian Catholics are in full communion with the pope of Rome, have their own bishops and eparchies (dioceses), and are led by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh. The Byzantine liturgical tradition has its roots in the fifth century during the Byzantine Empire. The church sent the saints Cyril and Methodius to the Slavic people. They translated the liturgy into the vernacular (Slavonic) and made an alphabet, the precursor of modern Cyrillic. Our particular church comes from a group of Eastern Orthodox in Ruthenia, now modern day Ukraine and Slovakia, when they came under the control of the Hapsburg Kingdom of Hungary. Due to isolation from Constantinople and a spirit of reconciliation from the Hapsburgs, they hastily wrote the Union of Uzhhorod, which united the Ruthenians to the Catholic Church. They remained mostly within the borders of Hungary until WWI until the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many emigrated to the United States, and they have stayed since.
Question
The Mystery of Crowning
Answer
The Mystery of Crowning is understood as one of the seven Mysteries in the Byzantine tradition and is known as the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the West. The couple does not say vows, but there are several other parts of the ceremony that signify the marital union. The bride and groom are crowned, which represents the two united in marriage as king and queen of their family. Both drink from the common cup, which represents their common life together. The newly married are then led by the priest in the Dance of Isaiah around the altar with the Gospel in the center. The union between husband and wife symbolizes the unity between Christ and His church.
Question
The Sacrament of Confession
Answer
Confessions will be available before the marriage ceremony for those wishing to receive it. Below is a link to an examination of conscience: https://bulldogcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/a-detailed-catholic-examination-of-conscience-2nd-ed.pdf
Question
The Divine Liturgy
Answer
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is the ordinary liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church, just as the Liturgy of St. Paul VI is the ordinary liturgy in the West. The Divine Liturgy follows the same basic structure as the Mass with a few differences: the faithful stand during the consecration instead of kneel, leavened bread is used together with wine in Holy Communion, and there are more processions. The majority of the Liturgy is sung by the priest and faithful including the readings. Come, stand, sing, and bask in the glory of God!
Question
Posture of Reverence
Answer
During the Divine Liturgy the proper posture is to stand at all times except during the epistle and the homily. At the Epiklesis and the pronouncement of the words of consecration, the faithful and altar servers make a profound bow, which is the appropriate posture of reverence.
Question
Reception of Holy Communion
Answer
We, as Catholics, believe that the Eucharist is truly the most precious Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, only those in good standing with the Catholic Church are permitted to receive. If you wish to receive, walk in line and go up to the priest. Once there, open your mouth wide without extending your tongue and lean back. The priest will then drop the Eucharist into your mouth. No response is necessary, you may leave and go back to your pew. Those not receiving may stay in their pew or go forth for a blessing. To show you are not receiving, put a finger to your lips. Do the same as previously without reception of the Eucharist.