The Divine Liturgy

Question

What can I expect when I enter a Byzantine Catholic Church?

Answer

When you first walk into the church, you will see a large wall of icons that separates the area of the people from the sanctuary called an "iconostasis". The iconostasis depicts many Old Testament figures as well as prominent feast days in the life of Christ and the Church. The Byzantine Church uses incense and anytime the priest or people speak of the Trinity, they make the sign of the cross. Your booklet will indicated times to stand and sit, as well as times to make the sign of the cross (will be indicated by a "+").

Question

What is the Divine Liturgy?

Answer

The Divine Liturgy is the Byzantine Catholic equivalent to the Mass. The entire Divine Liturgy is sung and the proper liturgical stance is to stand and not kneel. When entering the church, bowing towards the altar and making the sign of the cross, not genuflecting, is the proper sign of reverence.

Question

How do I receive Holy Communion in a Byzantine Catholic Church?

Answer

Any Catholics who are properly prepared (not in the state of mortal sin and having fasted from food and drink - besides medicine and water - for 1 hour) are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Holy Communion is distributed under both species on a spoon. When you come to receive Holy Communion, bow, cross your arms over your chest, tilt back your head and open your mouth wide and the priest will use the spoon to place the Precious Body and Blood in your mouth. Please do not stick out your tongue, close your mouth on the spoon, or say "Amen".