Hi all... I converted to Catholicism a few years ago, into the Western rite from protestantism. Recently I have been thinking of attending a Byzantine Church close by. But, I am wondering how 'at home' it would feel. Thinking I may do something incorrectly etc. Any advice ?
It will be a bit different from the typical Sunday Mass. I would recommend watching a video of the Byzantine liturgy on YouTube. There are many so it shouldn't be too hard to find. Don't worry about messing up. No one will notice if you do. God bless.
One of the great things about the Catholic Church is that it is truly catholic, i.e. universal. While we might stem from different liturgical traditions, we can feel at home at any of our churches because it is Christ, particularly in the Holy Eucharist, who unites us.
That being said, I can understand the hesitation of attending the Divine Liturgy in a tradition to which we are not accustomed. As ast82401 said, you can watch videos on Youtube () or just search around on Google to become more familiar with the Divine Liturgy. The following link by author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green, while addressing first-time visitors to an Orthodox church might also be helpful for anyone visiting a Byzantine church.
The following link by author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green, while addressing first-time visitors to an Orthodox church, might also be helpful for anyone visiting a Byzantine church.
If you visit an Eastern church for the first time try to look at it with the mind of a small child! I never forget my first Divine Liturgy as a child with the mind of a child that accepts what they see and hear as a gift. As a child you never forget.
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