www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Protocols/Ethics/laws of a Catholic attending an Orthodox service

With the nearest Byzantine church 1 1/2 hours from where I live, and several Orthodox churches in my city, I have been drawn to the idea of possibly attending a Sunday service, particularly a Saturday evening Vespers, at the Orthodox church, and then going to mass and receiving Communion at a different time, in order to experience more of Eastern prayer.

In fact, one of the strongest times I have this impulse is while meditating in front of the Blessed Sacrament during my Thursday night holy hour. My wife isn't comfortable with the idea, though.

Go to Vespers with a good conscience - and please light a candle for me!

Fr. Serge

JOHN:

I don't think there are any "protocols, ethics, or laws" involved. As Father Serge says, "Go with a good conscience." You're praying with your brethren in the Faith. Go like a dry sponge and soak it all up. I have been enriched in my prayer life by doing just this same thing. And I state publicly that I owe my Orthodox brethren an immeasurable debt for their sharing their spiritual treasury with me.

In Christ,

BOB

Father Serge is of course right. Go to Vespers with a good conscience. I would, however, like to add a few things.

Have you asked your wife why she is uncomfortable with your idea? What are her fears or worries about this? Perhaps you could discuss this with your pastor, who might be able to reassure your wife (I am assuming that you are both Catholics).

You will be aware that as a Catholic you should attend Holy Mass in a Catholic Church on Sundays and holy days of obligation. You are encouraged, if possible, to attend Holy Mass more frequently, even daily. As a general rule, you should only receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church.

If, in addition to the above you wish to attend Saturday Vespers in an Orthodox Church, this seems to me to be highly commendable, both as an ecumenical gesture and as a way to deepen your spiritual life. When you do so, it may be good to keep in mind that the Catholic and Orthodox Churches are not in full communion, and to pray especially for Christian unity.

Latin Catholic noted,"If, in addition to the above you wish to attend Saturday Vespers in an Orthodox Church, this seems to me to be highly commendable, both as an ecumenical gesture and as a way to deepen your spiritual life. When you do so, it may be good to keep in mind that the Catholic and Orthodox Churches are not in full communion, and to pray especially for Christian unity."

The comment that the RCC and the EOC are not in communion is especially important. As a member of the EOC, I would point out that the EOC allows only its own communicants to take communion at its altars because it believes itself to be the only true church and recognizes only its own sacraments as valid and licit (with the possible exception of baptism [as long as it is done in the name of the Holy Trinity]). I would note you won't encounter any problems going to a vesper service at any EOC church, but should keep the other issue in the front of your mind if you ever intend to attend a Divine Liturgy.

The only rule to visiting an Orthodox church, is:

i) as Fr. Serge says, go with a good conscience.
ii) Go with God in mind.

If you do choose to attend a Divine Liturgy, do make yourself known to the priest and ask if he can bless you during communion. That's about it. Nothing much to worry about.

Light a candle for me as well.

In Christ,

Robert