About the Byzantine Catholic Church

Unequivocally, YES. We are fully Catholic and in union with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, whom we recognize as the visible head of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church is a communion of Eastern and Western churches. While most are familiar with the Roman Catholic Church (Western), the Eastern Catholic Churches—such as ours—share the same faith, sacraments, and communion. However, we express them in different ways according to ancient traditions.

The Byzantine Catholic Church is part of the Eastern Christian tradition. Our worship, theology, and spirituality follow the Byzantine Rite, which emerged in Constantinople (formerly Byzantium) and spread to Eastern Europe through the missionary work of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

We celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, dating to the 4th century, along with the Liturgy of St. Basil on certain feast days.

There are 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome, each with its own liturgical and cultural heritage. Among them:

• Ruthenian (Byzantine)
• Ukrainian
• Melkite
• Romanian
• Maronite (Lebanon)
• Chaldean (Iraq)
• Armenian
• Syro-Malabar (India)
• Ethiopian

Our own Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church is a diverse community with roots in Eastern Europe and now a true melting pot in America.

Yes. Any Catholic may attend the Divine Liturgy at a Byzantine Church to fulfill their Sunday or Holy Day obligation.

Yes. All Catholics who are properly disposed and in the state of grace are welcome to receive the Eucharist at a Byzantine Catholic Church.

Absolutely. All are welcome to pray and worship with us. While non-Catholics may not receive Communion, they are invited to participate reverently in the prayers and singing.

Communion is distributed under both forms—the consecrated Bread and Wine—together using a golden spoon. Here's how to receive:

• Approach with arms folded right over left on your chest (St. Andrew’s Cross).
• Quietly say your first name.
• The priest says:
  "(Name), servant of God, receives the precious and all-holy and most pure Body and Blood of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and for life everlasting."
• Tilt your head back and open your mouth very wide (do not stick out your tongue). The priest gently places the Eucharist into your mouth with the spoon. Do not close your mouth until the spoon is removed.

There is no spoken response, unlike in the Roman Rite.

Yes. The Mystery of Repentance (Confession) is an essential part of our life in Christ. It is encouraged, especially during the fasting seasons.

Yes. In the Byzantine tradition, infants receive all three Sacraments of Initiation at once: Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and Holy Communion.

Yes. From the moment of their Baptism and Chrismation, children receive Communion, even as infants.

Yes. Any Catholic may request to transfer to an Eastern Catholic Church if they feel spiritually called after attending the church for a period of time.. However, formal change is not required to attend or participate regularly.

As in the Roman Catholic tradition, we ask for modest, respectful attire. Women may choose to wear head coverings, but it is not required.

With the right hand, place the thumb, index, and middle fingers together (symbolizing the Trinity), while the ring and pinky are pressed into the palm (symbolizing Christ’s two natures). Touch:

1. Forehead
2. Chest
3. Right shoulder
4. Left shoulder

This ancient form is still preserved in the Byzantine tradition.

We chant almost all prayers and readings in the Liturgy. Repetition, like "Lord, have mercy," is meditative, helping us focus and enter more deeply into prayer.

The priest faces East (liturgical East), the direction of Christ's return, leading the people in prayer. It is not "turning his back" but instead facing the Lord together with the faithful.

The Icon Screen, or Iconostasis, separates the sanctuary (heaven) from the nave (earth). It is covered with icons of Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), the saints, and the parish’s patron. The Royal Doors open and close during the Liturgy to mark sacred moments.

Icons are holy images used instead of statues. They are windows to heaven—visual theology expressing the presence of the saints, the mysteries of Christ, and the glory of God.

Theotokos means “God-bearer” or Mother of God. This title affirms that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, true God and true man. She is honored as the highest of all saints.

Generally, no. We express reverence by bowing and standing, particularly during prayer. Kneeling is more common during penitential services or in private devotion.

We celebrate the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which dates to the 300s and has remained essentially unchanged. It is not affected by the reforms of Vatican II.

We celebrate in English, though some traditional Church Slavonic may be used in hymns or seasonal greetings, especially during feast days.

Yes. We celebrate Christmas, Easter (Pascha), and other feasts on the same dates.

The Great Fast is our term for Lent, beginning on Pure Monday, two days before Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday. It is a time of repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Abstinence:

• No meat; eggs and dairy permitted.
• Required on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Great Fast.

Strict Abstinence:

• No meat, eggs, or dairy.
• Observed on Pure Monday and Great and Holy Friday.

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Great Fast, and the first three days of Holy Week. Communion is given from Gifts consecrated on the previous Sunday.

Absolutely. We believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Holy Eucharist.

The Byzantine Catholic Church is a thoroughly Catholic, deeply spiritual, and beautifully ancient expression of the one faith in Jesus Christ. We welcome you to come and experience the sacred liturgy, the beauty of the icons, the richness of chant, and the warmth of a faith-filled community.

Come and see. Taste and believe. You are welcome here at St. Mary’s, NYC.