www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology St. Athanasius in Tulsa

Hello, this is my first post and I am glad to be on the forums because there is so much wisdom to learn from here! I will be confirmed in the Roman Rite here in two weeks but I have a problem. I have been talking to my Orthodox friends here at the University of Oklahoma and I have fell in love with Eastern Theology and liturgical expression. There is something so attractive about Eastern Christianity and I can't put my finger on it but whatever it is, it is strong. However, I know that I love the seat of Peter and could never be seperated from it. SO that leaves a problem.......until I found out about Eastern Rite Catholics. However, there are only two Eastern Rite missions here in Oklahoma and I wanted to know if anyone has any information about the one in Tulsa or Oklahoma City?

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dear byz, Fr. Gary Sherman has St. Athanasius in Tulsa. They have services in the basement of St. Augustine Church on Apache just west of Lewis. It is a very nice little chapel, with an iconostasis and no pews.

Fr. Gary is a married former Lutheran pastor who was ordained as a married Roman priest for the Diocese of Tulsa and subsequently received Byzantine and Maronite faculties.

As for OKC, I have never been there but my sister has. When she went, Fr. Philip Seeton, an RC priest with biritual faculties, was holding services in the chapel at Bishop McGuiness High School where I believe he was teaching at the time.

Fr. Gary's website: : http://www.byzantines.net/SaintAthanasius/

Fr. Phil's: http://bcmo.thischurch.org/

Diak, thank you for the information! It is very helpful!

the peace of Christ be with you!

Dear Katie:

How will this be done?

It would nice if you can be enrolled directly as a member of the Tulsa or OKC Eastern Catholic mission/parish. What does your RCIA Team/Leader say?

Alternatively, you could go on with the ceremonies on Easter Vigil and be accepted into the RC Church and then seek transfer of canonical enrollment to the Eastern Catholic Church sui juris of your choice later.

Welcome home!

Amado

My name isn't Katie...it is Chris But yes I do believe I will eventually ask for a transfer of Rite. I am also seriously considering the priesthood and have been for a while. Would I have to learn Ukrainian if I were to go to a Ruthenian seminary? It sounds like a difficult language but so is German (my major). Any info on Ruthenian seminary would be great if anyone feels like sharing! -Chris

Chris, you can attend seminary for the Melkites and Ruthenians without having to learn or be instructed in another vernacular language (but learning Greek and Old Slavonic for liturgical purposes should be on your list )

Deer Chris:

I just thought you were Katie (from a Catholic board I also frequent), who is also from Norman, OK, who goes to the same U and being accepted into your local RC Church this Easter Vigil!

My, am I really getting old!

Say hello to Katie for me, if you go to the same RCIA.

Amado

P.S.

There are so many Ruthenians here (this is THEIR board after all ) and they will address your concerns shortly, if not later, as I hide under my computer table red-faced!

Amado, don't worry about it! These things happen! That is interesting about Katie, I will have to ask around. We have a big RCIA group and I am still learning names and faces. Thank you for your concern though!

The Peace of Christ be with you

Chris