Frequently Asked Questions
Can Roman Catholics attend a Byzantine Church to fulfill their
Sunday obligation?
Yes! Any Catholic can attend any other Catholic Church to fulfill their
obligation.
What are some differences between Byzantines and Roman Catholics?
- The Liturgy (Mass) is almost completely
chanted, and is different than the Roman Mass.
- Communion is given out to standing communicants, who receive both the precious
Body and Blood. (The priest uses a gold spoon to drop the bread/wine into their
mouth.)
- Icons are used instead of statues.
- Incense is used throughout the Liturgy.
- Byzantine Churches have large Icon Screens which separate the Altar area from
the rest of the church.
Are the Eastern Catholic Churches the same thing as Greek Orthodox Churches?
No, they are not the same thing. The Greek Orthodox Church, and the other
Eastern Orthodox Churches, are not in communion with the Pope of Rome. In
contrast, the Eastern Catholic Churches are in full communion with the Pope of
Rome.
This having been said, it is important to note that the Eastern Catholic
Churches have a great deal in common with the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and are
virtually indistinguishable. In most respects there are no differences between
them. This is because the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches share a
common heritage, which colors all aspects of Church life. The average visitor
cannot tell the difference between a Byzantine Catholic parish and a Greek
Orthodox parish. This is because we share so much in common, and have almost
identical liturgical, spiritual, and theological perspectives.
Are priests in the Eastern Catholic Churches permitted to marry?
No, priests are not permitted to get married. But married men may be ordained as
priests. There's a big difference.
In all but two of the Eastern Catholic Churches, married men may be ordained to
the priesthood.
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