www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology "Light of the East" EWTN series

Can anyone here attest to the quality of the series that EWTN ran called "Light of the East"?

Specifically, can anyone tell me if the show is entirely an on-set style of discussion between the two Eastern rite priests, or is their on-location type of video of the different liturgical rites in churches appropriate to those rites, and so on?

I know that many EWTN programs are simply done in a format where you have two people talking back and forth about a subject, but I am hoping there might be something which takes you out of the studio and into an actual liturgical setting. Can anyone say whether this is part of this series?

I'd hate to purchase it and find out it wasn't what I had hoped for.

They would have Liturgy taped from the EWTN monastery chapel. Unfortunately its in a RC chapel thats a bit tacky and there is no Ikonostasis. The singers are Roman Catholics that do a good job for probably never being exposed to Eastern music. I mean they aren't good but they suffice. Also, EWTN cut out some Tropars and Kondaks if I remember right.

Hope it helps.

Dear SR,

Being one of the priests on that series has also been a member of this forum, I hesitate to say anything contrary to it publicly. But I'd hate to see you waste your money if this isn't what you're looking for. It is mostly all just dialogue between the two priests. It is very basic and general in reference to the Eastern Churches. I was hoping for something a little more indepth and specific. Yet, I don't regret buying it even if it wasn't what I'd hope it'd be. This is because I figure it is worth supporting any Roman Catholic organization which is trying to get the word out about our great Eastern Christian tradition.

hope this helps,

Wm. Der-Ghazarian Wolfe

I think that these two priests do a good job with the circumstances they were in.

Also, we need to be thankful that EWTN at least allow Eastern Catholics to be exposed via the series or other programs.

Of course, we want to do some more, do more SHOW and tell. That COSTS MONEY. Are you willing to dig deeper in your pocket and donate some more to make it happen?

By the way, when does it start airing again? I know there is a new set of series. I cannot wait. I'm so impatient! I'm looking forward to it.

Have a good one.

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

PS, also we need to thank EWTN for putting CLOSED CAPTION in that program!!!

When the series first aired I commented on what I felt was lacking in the show, as well as where I thought it was good. As a result, I got involved in a discussion with one of the priests involved -- and I think we both grew through that discussion.

There is, sadly, a limit to what can be put into such a program -- too little time, too much material. I felt that the Byzantine Rite churches got pretty good coverage, while the other Rites were not (not surprising). Within the Byzantine tradition, the Ruthenian Church received the focus of most of the material, although the other Churches were touched upon. Some generalities were made to appear to apply to all Eastern Churches when, in fact, they don't (not even all Byzantine Churches).

Considering the audience was Western, the program was a pretty good overview of the Eastern Churches. For an Eastern Catholic is was pretty basic.

Edward, deacon and sinner

I was able to watch the show on Friday mornings before going to work when my family and I first started attending the Byzantine Church, so for me it was very helpful. It also helped to "wet my appetite" for things of the East. My favorite part was the recording of the Divine Liturgy in Aramaic - it was so very beautiful.

Something else that was very helpful was Fathers Michael and Francis appearing on Living His Life Abundantly to teach about Byzantine Christmas. I bookmarked the audio and would listen to the Compline quite often - it helped familiarize me with chanting, and the words helped prepare me for Christmas.

Glenn