Orientalium Ecclesiarum
DECREE ON THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF THE EASTERN RITE Promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI on November 21, 1964 Preamble 1. The Catholic Church holds in high esteem the institutions, liturgical rites, ecclesiastical traditions and the established standards of the Christian life of the Eastern Churches, for in them, distinguished as they are for their venerable […]
The Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite
Four liturgies are celebrated in the Byzantine Rite: The Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and of St. Basil the Great consist of three parts: the Preparation, the Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of Sacrifice. 1.The Preparation begins with the priest saying the Prayers of Intention, donning the liturgical vestments, and proceeding to the prothesis. Here, […]
The Sign of the Cross in the Eastern Rite
The sign of the cross is an important expression of faith and is frequently used during services. In the Eastern Churches, the sign of the cross is made with the right hand. The thumb with the first two fingers are joined at the tip, symbolizing the Blessed Trinity. The remaining two fingers are closed on the […]
Eastern Rites: From Rome and Back Again
FR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS As the Church hierarchy became more stable, the position of Patriarch was recognized. A patriarch had the highest ecclesiastical dignity after the Pope and possessed jurisdiction over a particular territory. The term “patriarch” comes from the Greek word for the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Strictly speaking, by the term […]
What’s an Eastern Rite Catholic?
Perhaps the easiest way to learn more about Eastern Rite Catholics is to attend a Divine Liturgy (which the Romans call ‘The Mass’) in one of their churches. Plan to attend an Eastern Rite liturgy some Sunday morning with someone who has already experienced one. You can readily learn from your CATHOLIC DIRECTORY or from […]