Ukrainian Catholic (possibly Byzantine?) Divine Liturgy Questions

[MissyP89]

I heard back from the woman I wrote to the other night. She gave me some tips about Communion and I just now asked her what to wear.

 

Super friendly people. She says that they're a very small group and will help us along. No need to sweat getting things right.

[MarysLittleFlower]

Since it's Catholic, you can receive Communion there :) as has been mentioned, the priest will give you Communion using a spoon... I think you cross your arms on your chest, when you receive. You can see how others receive. Some Ukrainian liturgies are in English, some in Ukrainian, and some in both... maybe check if there are multiple liturgies on Sunday and if there's an English or bilingual one :) the liturgy is quite beautiful! much if it is chanted. Hope you enjoy it :) God bless!

 

[Anastasia13]

Since it's Catholic, you can receive Communion there :) as has been mentioned, the priest will give you Communion using a spoon... I think you cross your arms on your chest, when you receive. You can see how others receive. Some Ukrainian liturgies are in English, some in Ukrainian, and some in both... maybe check if there are multiple liturgies on Sunday and if there's an English or bilingual one :) the liturgy is quite beautiful! much if it is chanted. Hope you enjoy it :) God bless!

If you call ahead and they have a bilingual liturgy book, maybe they can hold that for you before you enter the sanctuary.

 

Also, it's a good idea to call ahead if you think something might come up, like a few days before you attend, there is a big storm and you might not get there earlier. That way, at least the priest will know there will be two visitors, and yes they are Catholic.

 

Where a skirt, knee length or longer is usually safe in an Eastern church. I bring a sweater with me sometimes if I am wearing a short sleeve or sleeveless top (some drives in some weather you just can't make in a long sleeve shirt). That's a quick fix way to make sure that your outfit is modest.  And yes, comfortable shoes. A few eastern churches have pews these days but some don't, and even if they have pews, you will be on your feet for probably half the liturgy. No three inch heals!  Maybe you can even find an outfit that goes with a cute little scarf that you can use on your hair if others wear veils and rock the look if they don't.

 

When in Kiev, do as the locals, and don't be afraid to ask questions when you get there.

Edited June 10, 2013 by Light and Truth

[vee]

Ever been to a Latin EF Mass?  Youll have that same sort of clueless feeling the first few times what with all the random sitting standing and crossing yourself.  Ive found even with a book to follow along that can it still become difficult and it might be better to set the book aside and just observe.until youve attended a few times and things become more familiar.

[brianthephysicist]

Lots of good stuff here. Thanks so much guys :)

 

It will be on Sunday the 23rd, so I'll be sure to let you guys know how it all goes.

[MissyP89]

Lots of good stuff here. Thanks so much guys :)

 

It will be on Sunday the 23rd, so I'll be sure to let you guys know how it all goes.

 

*Saturday night the 22nd. ;)

[Anastasia13]

*Saturday night the 22nd. ;)

Vespers or divine liturgy? I don't think vespers has communion.

[MissyP89]

Divine Liturgy at 5. 

[Apotheoun]

Vespers or divine liturgy? I don't think vespers has communion.

The Ukrainians have been influenced by the modern Latin Catholic practice of celebrating the Sunday Divine Liturgy on the night before. The new practice has tended to bring about the suppression of vespers. Sad but true.

[Anastasia13]

The Ukrainians have been influenced by the modern Latin Catholic practice of celebrating the Sunday Divine Liturgy on the night before. The new practice has tended to bring about the suppression of vespers. Sad but true.

 

These demi-Prot. practices must end one day. It's so lame.

[MissyP89]

So, we went. 

I liked it a lot. It's a very small parish -- there were maybe 25 of us there -- and all of them were extremely warm and helpful to us. We got to sit toward the front so Father could bring Communion to me at the pew (it was too narrow on the end aisles for my walker to fit).

 

The iconostasis was beautiful. The entire altar area was something to behold, actually. There were some things on the altar we didn't recognize -- one resembled a monstrance but featured an icon.

 

The liturgy was really beautiful, and they had a small booklet in the pews that had all of the prayers in both English and Ukrainian. Almost the whole liturgy was in English. My only complaint was that Father spoke so quickly that it was hard to really absorb what he was saying. Having the booklet really helped.

 

Communion went well (though I admit we barely had any time for prayer afterward). It wasn't as different as I pictured it would be. I admit that intinction is not my favorite thing ... I don't have a taste for wine at all, and so it's always difficult to receive the Precious Blood and not make an instinctive "oh, gross" face. :hehe:

All told, it was lovely. We'd like to go back again in the winter, when the liturgy is sung. It's an experience I'm glad I got to take part in.

[Lil Red]

you received Jesus and made a "oh gross" face? :o i'm shocked! 

[MissyP89]

I did not. It took much effort and a prayerful burying of my head in my hands, but no faces were made. ;)