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Hello all,

I was curious what prayer book everyone thought was the best for use by Pittsburgh Archeparchy Byzantine Catholics? In this regard, I am aware that some parts of the prayer books currently available may not mirror the current/new official translations. I would seek one that closely mirrors the official translation, to the closest extent possible.

I currently use the Jordanville prayer book and have for years. However, I am ready to move on to something different (no offense to the Jordanville-prayerbook-using forum memebers).

I would also note that I have used a Roman breviary in the past and the concept of praying the entire Byzantine office seems appealing. I am just not sure I am ready or that it is possible for me to begin such an undertaking. But, I would like to hear from others if they have done so.

Thanks,

Felix

Before members start posting their suggestions I will quickly remind Felix (and everyone) that a Christian should not make major changes in one's prayer life without seeking the council of his spiritual father.

I will also note that sometimes a simple prayer life is best.

FELIX:

Christ is Risen!! Indeed He is Risen!!


I think our Admin has some excellent advice. Trying to do too much always leads one to stop in frustration later on. I've tried to use even portions of the Roman breviary and found that it was more than I could handle and, with the advice of my spiritual father abandoned the effort.

I have a collection of prayerbooks, but have stuck with the one I adopted many years ago. Like a comfortable shoe, it's just enough to express who I have become with its formation. I can't imagine the idea of "moving on" since prayer should not only express who we are, but also help to mold who we become. Metropolitan Anthn oy (Bloom) in his book, Courage to Pray, goes so far as to say that one ought to take on a prayer discipline and stick with it for a number of years before even thinking of going off in another direction. And he echoes the Admin when he advises his reader to stick with the advice of one's spiritual father.

As far as which pryaerbook is the best, I'd have to say that with the guidance of one's spiritual father one need to find one that fits and stick with it. If you are in the Byzantine tradition, you have a wealth of good prayerbooks put out by the Orthodox and Eastern Catholics.

In Christ,

BOB

I appreciate the counsel of caution and I did not mean to imply that I was ignoring the advice of my priest. I am not. He knows that I am considering changing prayer books and he knows I plan to talk about it with him in the future (logistics make our personal meetings difficult because I live 2hrs from the parish).

When I say "move on," please know that I do not like the style of the language used in the Jordanville book and seek to find a book that more mirrors the translation of the Pittsburgh Archeparchy. I have been trying to use my words carefully because I do not wish to start a battle over gender-inclusive language or "traditional" English. My seeking out a different book is not a rejection of the Jordanville book as much as it is an attempt to more closely align myself with the linguistic style used in my jurisdiction.

My reason for posting on the forum is simple. I have never really used a prayer book other than the Jordanville and, in my Western days, the Roman Breviary. I would like to know what people like in order to get some insight as to what's out there. Once I have some insight, I plan to discuss the matter with my priest (he has never required me to use the Jordanville book, its just the one I own).

I am interested in the Byzantine Office. However, I recognize that such would be a big undertaking and that simplicity is often best. As part of any undertaking of this type that I might enter into in the future, I would plan to discuss it with my priest. At current, such a change in my prayer life is not planned, I just want to do morning and evening prayers in a modern English style, as opposed to the Jordanville style. I know may people love the Jordanville, but for me, it crushes my spirit and renders my prayer life sterile. The sytle just doesn't suit my heart or my mind. But that's my preference, I am not trying to knock on the book - I know many others that love it.

Thanks,

Felix

I personally don't like the Byzantine Book of Prayer. The prayer book put out by Jack Figel 's Eastern Christian Publications (http://www.ecpubs.com/) and the children's prayer books I find wonderful.

Adults/family: "Let Us Pray to the Lord - A Daily Prayer Book"
https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=ecpubs&kiosk=books&class=4

Kids: Look at "Bless Us - O Lord"
https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=ecpubs&kiosk=books&class=26

Felix, I echo comments above, but besides having been the publisher, I personally use "Let Us Pray to the Lord -- Volume I: A Daily Prayer Book" as mentioned above. It uses the Pittsburgh translation of the Daily Office, and also is designed to be a "simplified" version for lay persons to follow (i.e. some of the litanies of Matins and Vespers can be done as simply personal petitions). It also contains Morning and Evening Prayer, for an even simpler method of daily prayer. There is a helpful 16 page intro to assist new-comers to learning the Byzantine Daily Office. It is also relatively small is size (1/4 of 8.5x11, but about 1 inch thick), and therefore very portable.

Jack Figel

FELIX:

Sounds like the last two posts have a good suggestion for you in the prayerbook they suggest. As I said, finding one that "fits" who you are and the Church of which you are a member is important.

As I understand it, the Eastern approach to personal prayer also contains an understanding that one's personal prayer is an extension of one's corporate, liturgical prayer with one's community. So that's why I understand your desire to have a style that is closely related to your liturgical tradition within the whole Byzantine spectrum. That sense of being linked in private prayer to the whole community and its liturgical experience is what drew me to use the Eastern prayerbook that I have for so many years. It reminds me that I do no pray alone, no matter where I find myself or how isolated I might feel myself to be. No matter where I am in the world or in time, when I use the prayers in the order prescribed in the prayerbook, I am in the Communion of Saints that has used that same order in history and in the future in an unbroken chain praising God across time with Christ Jesus at the center of all of us. And though the style be different, we are all one as we lift up our hearts, our minds, and our souls to praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity, One in Essence and Undivided.

In Christ,

BOB

ByzTx, Jack,

I ordered Let Us Pray to the Lord v1. Thanks for the advice.

Felix