www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Ethnicity and Byzantine Catholics

Born and raised an Irish-American Roman Catholic, I was introduced to the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom a few years ago. I first spoke with the priest to make sure an Irish-American can attend the Divine Liturgy. I now attend the Divine Liturgy every week at the St. Louis Byzantine Catholic Mission.

The Ruthenian-American Byzantine Catholics have greeted me with open arms. They have been very helpful in explaining icons to me as well as St. Phillip's Fast, the Theophany, etc. I try to remain sensitive to their traditions while still asking a lot of questions.

I do not believe you need to have Eastern European ancestors in order to be an Eastern Catholic. Irish-Americans, African-Americans, and Hispanics are graciously welcomed at the St. Louis Byzantine Catholic Mission. I hope this is not peculiar to St. Louis, but is common throughout the country.

Trying to follow where Jesus leads me,

JP

Yes John, I noticed that too. On another Catholic site, mainly focused on apologetics, that at one time the Byzantine church was mentioned and the overwhelming response was that it was for "old world, ethnic people", that they didn't speak english, and that it was sort of backwards to the modern American culture.

I'm glad you found this all not to be true. It seems that when the "leaders" of these other Catholic sites are misinformed, they quickly spread their errors and discourage others from experiencing the ultimate beauty in our Divine Liturgy. What a shame! What a shame!

I agree.

I have yet to run across an unwelcoming attitude in either the BCC or the OCA.

Indifference sometimes, but never actually unwelcoming. Our well established communities should learn the outreach skills and greeting skills that may come more naturally to a mission community.

The church is for all, if we do not reach out to the world and bring the Light of Christ with us we forfeit our right to exist.

John: Welcome to the churches of the Byzantine tradition and welcome to the forum, God grant you many years!

+T+
Michael

Welcome!

- from an Eastern (speci.fically Russian) Catholic with roots in the Far East

Our parish, while continuing its Carpatho-Rusin traditions and identity, welcomes everyone.
One of our cantors is Irish, recent parishoners include an Anglo-American refugee from Episcopalianism, an Italian-American refugee from the Latin Mass crowd, and this Anglo-Celtic Catholic.
And our pastor is of Italian and Polish ancestry.
There is a good reason that the Ruthenian Byzantine Church switched to a mostly English liturgy [though every week there is some Slavonic in our church].
Welcome to the Forum and the Church!
-Daniel

This happening all over the world. There was time all Melkites were Arabs now expect to see all sorts in Melkite Churches. In the Ukrainian Church I go to In Perth, Western Australia there is a Vietnamese lady who is married to a guy of Ukrainian origin. In fact the same is happening in all of the various Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches. People are moving around all over the place. It is great that people are feeling free to look around, some are made so welcome they never leave.

ICXC
NIKA

Dear Mr. Poland,

Perhaps when you give your surname, no one believes you are actually Irish!

My local Coptic Church has at least one Chinese lady who attends the English services and reads DAILY the Coptic seven-hour office (!).

Frankly, we EC's have generally not done enough to attack converts, even, yes, non-ethnic converts.

But you did say you were Irish?

We've many of that lot in my father-in-law's parish . . .

I've even suggested that they hold a St Patrick's day blessing of the shamrock for our Irish-ioners.

What exactly IS the blessing of the shamrock ceremony? How is it done?

Alex

The "blessing of the shamrocks" is a very recent invention - the shamrock in fact has nothing to do with Saint Patrick. If someone wants to bless something Irish, it's best to use the Saint Bridget Cross (made of rushes, it's very pleasant and nice to display in the home - say at the icon corner).

Incognitus

Patrick Poland was fleeing the British Army in 1856, hopped on a boat leaving Belfast harbor, and settled in Eastern Kansas where he helped found the town of Paola, Kansas. I have quite a few ancestors in County Down, which is just east of Belfast in Occupied Ireland.

Mr Poland

While you are more than welcome to hold your opinion , and I understand that you have personal views about the political situation in Northern Ireland - this Forum is full of people from many countries .

It is not wise to refer to such things, in what can be taken as inflammatory language.

I apologise if I have given offense to anyone - but we have enough problems here in Scotland - I do not wish to meet them on Byzcath as well

Anhelyna

Glory to Jesus Christ! Well, as an Irishman and forner Roman Catholic who converted to Orthodoxy in 2003, I can say ebtnicity doesnt mean a hoot. I agree with Anhelyna, as someone with Irish and Scottish roots, I can say this is not the place to grind axes, this is the place to discover the wonderful jewel of eastern Christianity in all its beauty and splendour and to share it with each other. Stay and grow with us!
Blessings
Michael Aidan

I apologize if I offended anyone. It won't happen again.

Good-bye.

JP

Dear John Patrick - you certainly haven't offended me: quite the contrary!

Incognitus

JP. Im not offended at all, just my personal reflections, we all have our opionions!
Michael Aidan

I want to thank Ingonitus and Celticson for their kind words. However, their views are not shared by Orthodox Catholic, Our Lady's Slave of Love, and possibly others.

I have very strong views on Scripture, Church History, Ireland and related subjects. It is therefore best that I say goodbye to The Byzantine Forum before I offend anyone else.

My parting advice is read the Scriptures on a daily basis, pray throughout the day, and continuously tell Jesus that you love Him. Don't forget the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. They love us very much. The Communion of Saints is very powerful.

I will read the postings on The Byzantine Forum from time to time because I find them to be very informative. It is just best if I keep my personal views to myself.

Godspeed be with you and yours. All of you will remain in my daily prayers.

As they say in the Gaeltacht region of Ireland: Slan agat (Good-bye, I am leaving).

JP