Frequently Asked Questions

The Divine Liturgy is the principal worship service of the Byzantine Catholic Church, equivalent to the Mass in the Roman Catholic tradition. It was composed by St. John Chrysostom in the 4th century. The Liturgy includes Scripture readings, a homily, the consecration of the Holy Gifts, and Communion. It typically lasts about 90 minutes and features congregational singing, incense, and prayers.

The iconostasis is a wall of icons and religious paintings that separates the nave (the area for the faithful) from the sanctuary (altar area) in Byzantine churches. It has three doors: the central Royal Doors through which the priest brings out the Holy Gifts, and two side deacon doors. The iconostasis symbolizes the boundary between heaven and earth, and the icons on it depict Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), saints, and Gospel scenes.

In the Byzantine tradition, leavened bread (prosphora) is used for the Eucharist, unlike the unleavened bread in the Roman Catholic Church. Leavened bread symbolizes the Resurrection of Christ — just as yeast causes dough to rise, so Christ rose from the dead. This practice dates back to apostolic times and is one of the differences between the Eastern and Western liturgical traditions.

Icons are an integral part of the Byzantine Catholic tradition. They are not idols — they are windows into heaven that help the faithful focus on prayer and draw closer to God. The veneration of icons was affirmed by the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 AD). Icons are written according to strict canons, and every detail — colors, gestures, symbols — carries deep theological meaning.

In the Byzantine tradition, the sign of the cross is made from right to left (right shoulder first), unlike the Roman Catholic practice of left to right. This symbolizes the path from Gods right hand to us, from the heavenly to the earthly. Three fingers are held together (thumb, index, and middle) — symbolizing the Holy Trinity, while two fingers are pressed to the palm — symbolizing the two natures of Christ, divine and human.

Chrismation is a Sacrament that in the Byzantine Church is administered immediately after Baptism, even for infants. The priest anoints the newly baptized with Holy Chrism (aromatic oil) on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, ears, chest, hands, and feet, saying: 'The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.' This is the equivalent of Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church, but is administered much earlier.

Holy Communion may be received only by baptized Catholics (of either the Byzantine or Roman rite) who are in a state of grace and have observed the Eucharistic fast. If you are not Catholic, you are still welcome at the Liturgy — you may approach the priest with your arms crossed over your chest and ask for a blessing.

The sign of the cross is made at the beginning and end of prayer, when entering the church, at the mention of the Holy Trinity, before and after the reading of the Gospel, when the Holy Gifts are brought out, and at many other moments during the Liturgy. Do not worry if you do not know all the moments — simply observe the other faithful and follow along. It will become natural over time.

The Byzantine Catholic Church (also known as Greek Catholic) is in full communion with the Pope of Rome but preserves its own liturgical tradition, canon law, and spirituality. Key differences include: the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (instead of the Mass), leavened bread for the Eucharist, Communion under both species (bread and wine together), Baptism with Chrismation for infants, married clergy (for parish priests), the Julian church calendar, and a rich iconographic tradition.

Yes! The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and recognizes the primacy of the Pope. This union was restored by the Union of Brest in 1596. We preserve the Byzantine rite of worship, our own canon law, and traditions, but we share the same faith and Sacraments with the entire Catholic Church. Our Major Archbishop is His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk.