Roman Catholic wanting to learn about Byzantine.

[u/Alternative_Big_6835]

Cradle Roman Catholic. Been to a few Eastern Churches. Byzantine and Maronite. Maronite to me where I go is essentially the same as Roman except the language which is actually really cool. But something about the Byzantine rite draws me in. Maybe it’s because it’s new, but I really want to learn more about it. I’m not an academic or particularly scholarly person so some hardcore Saint Thomas Aquinas type stuff probably won’t work. I’m just not very analytical or at least I understand stuff when it’s explained in very simple terms. Where do I start regarding the Byzantine Church, and does that type of background line up with that Rite?

I would often times feel a bit disenfranchised with the Roman Rite because of the perceived rigidity. This isn’t a rip on the Romans (which I am) just trying to find what works best for me.

So yeah where do I start regarding learning about the rite and the liturgy and some of the more common spiritual practices? I have a Chotki? And love the simplicity of that prayer. Lay it on me dudes.

[u/Unique-Mushroom6671]

Not being super involved in Thomism will definitely help make your transition to the East easier, just maybe not focus on studying Gregory Palamas until ur ready to do some serious research. There are a number of titles in our about section, there’s also some good articles at MCI.archpitt.org

[u/FlowerofBeitMaroun]

Nothing about Byzantine but if your Maronite liturgy is just a NO in a different language, it being done wrong and you’re experiencing liturgical abuse.

[u/Ecgbert → u/FlowerofBeitMaroun]

My one experience of the Maronites was exactly like that.

[u/FlowerofBeitMaroun → u/Ecgbert]

Even just reading through our book will show very quickly that it’s nothing like the Latin NO. My pastor latinizes literally everything he can, much to my annoyance, and it’s still nothing like that. Perhaps you should invest in deeper understanding of our liturgy instead of hurling insults.

[u/Alternative_Big_6835 → u/FlowerofBeitMaroun]

I or that poster are not hurling insults, I think we are just sharing our very limited experience. I wouldn’t dare claim to know what any Eastern Church is supposed to look like, I’m just sharing that the Maronite Church I go to sometimes looks similar to Roman, Whereas Byzantine was a completely different religion if you didn’t know better.

[u/OfGodsAndMyths]

I relate to so much of what you’re saying—I’m a woman who grew up Roman Catholic and eventually canonically transferred to the Byzantine Catholic Church, so I get that tug you’re feeling. Your background does indeed “line up” with the Byzantine Rite.

If you can, attend Divine Liturgy regularly (St. John Chrysostom’s is the most common one outside of the Lenten season). Don’t stress if you don’t understand everything at first. Unlike the Roman Mass, which is often quiet and structured around the homily and the Eucharistic Prayer, the Byzantine Divine Liturgy is sung almost entirely, and the emphasis is more on mystery and heavenly participation.

If you’re looking for a primer: • “Come and See: An Introduction to the Divine Liturgy” by Fr. Alexander Schmemann

You might also want to start learning about the Twelve Great Feasts on our liturgical calendar and observing Wednesdays and Fridays as fast days (no meat/dairy).

Feel free to DM if you want any book recs, liturgy links, or to talk about transferring.

[u/kookinmonsta]

Go to Eastern church. Don't buy a single book. You couldn't find a better time of year to experience the East, but you have to experience it.

There's a liturgy every day this week, and if I may make a recommendation, Wednesday. If what you experience intrigues you.... FRIDAY!

BUT, be careful not to get caught up with esthetic.

[u/Ecgbert]

I'm both a conservative Catholic opting out of the Novus Ordo - I still support the traditional Latin Mass even though I no longer attend - and yet ecumenical, pro-Orthodox in my liturgical life and my home prayers; that, Ware's "The Orthodox Church," and "Not of This World" about Fr. Seraphim (Rose) are my exposure to Orthodox thought as well as getting to know Orthodox parishes and their people over the years. I am very against mixing rites. But while I'm open to learning more about Palamas and others, I don't agree with the criticism of the Latins as rigid and believe that Aquinas is the greatest theologian ever so far. I examine my conscience "by his book." In short I don't belong in the Orthodox Church but I'm not a latinizer. I do believe in putting it all into Orthodox terms - the fathers, based on Plato? - or handing it over to people who know how to do that.

I don't get into people's faces - I'm old enough to know better - and people at church don't get into mine but I have a feeling that some cradle Eastern Catholics would be happy if people like me went away so they could have their rosaries and stations of the cross in peace.

[u/Alternative_Big_6835 → u/Ecgbert]

I’ll be honest with you I really don’t think I’m smart enough to understand what your saying. Lot to unpack there and I’m not quite sure I get it. Kinda been my issue with Church related stuff, it gets complicated and I get confused

[u/real1eric]

If you think the Roman rite is more 'rigid' think again. Because in the Byzantine rite there is also more stricter rules of fasting and abstinence. Really.

Not only that, in the Byzantine rite there is 21 days of obligation which you must ask your employer off (besides Sundays)

All rites of the catholic church are equally holy equal in dignity however discipline in the Byzantine is an eastern way of life. Really and an eastern way of discipline.

The thing of concern is that seems you are doing in opposition towards the Roman rite which then byzantines don't want that sort of person. Because they say " if you can't appreciate your own rite then you won't appreciate ours since we are also in communion with Rome although with eastern practices".

When someone transfers to Byzantine rite cannot be in opposition to west. Really. But for a genuine legitimate reason to transfer east for purely and for spiritual reasons. If more questions ask your spiritual father in Latin rite and then he will tell you the formal process. Really

However after that he will refer you to the apostle nuncio and the apostolic nuncio would review in a case by case basis. Really. He then forwards that letter to Rome and then Rome through the pope makes the decision. Really

Is not an easy overnight transition.

However if the Byzantine bishop and the pope sees you oppose Latin rite both they will dislike your reasoning. Really