The "Rite" Question?

Which is the right "rite?"

Does it matter. Each of the Apostles in setting up their churches around the world established their unique way of saying the Divine Liturgy, yet it is all one faith, one baptism, one Lord and God of all.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

In case you are wondering, I'm trying to bump several unmentionable threads into oblivion. Want to help me?

If I'm not mistaken;the Byzantine Rite of the Latin Church uses a more Latin verison of it. Their are no rites.


As a Romanian Catholic (Byzantine), I can tell you that we use the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, except during Lent when we use St. Basil's liturgy.

God Bless~

Cleopa

Orthodox is Orthodox is Orthodox. We are one. We are the same. We are above all Christians: "Little Christs," second we are Orthodox: "Straight forward, Apostolic Churches," yes there are different sects. But we are one, and I hope each one of you is praying to unite, this is what our Lord wants. Pride, politics, and satans trickeries are what are tearing us apart.

cleopa_of_emmaus said:

If I'm not mistaken;the Byzantine Rite of the Latin Church uses a more Latin verison of it. Their are no rites.

As a Romanian Catholic (Byzantine), I can tell you that we use the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, except during Lent when we use St. Basil's liturgy.

God Bless~

Cleopa

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Dear Cleopa:

I used to attend the Melkite Greek Catholic Church before becoming Orthodox. The Melkites use the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom without the filioque addition to the Nicene Creed. They do have a beautiful Divine Liturgy. In fact, there was a time when the Greek and Antiochian Orthodox Christians learned to chant in English from the Melkites because the Melkites were one of the first to introduce English. Several Orthodox priests told me that the visited the Melkites and reported that the Melkites did a very good job.

Within Catholicism, there are many different "rites". They have the Byzantine Rite which all the Byzantine Catholics use: Russian, Romanian, Ukranian, Greek, Melkite, Carpatho-Russian, Ruthenian, etc. Then they have the Syriac, the Armenian, the Assyrian, the Coptic, the Chaldean, the Eastern Catholics from India, etc. Each Divine Liturgy has the basic parts: the Liturgy of the Catechumens, then the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The only difference is a slightly different wording of the prayers. All are beautiful and give glory and thanks to God.

I asked the Melkites why they sold Orthodox theology books in their bookstore and they responded that they were Orthodox Catholics, and held the same faith as the Orthodox Christians. However, they have a modified fast with the Catholic bishop allowing them to fast from December 10 to December 25 for the Christmas Lent. I didn't like the latinizations, but I do admit that I met some saintly people within the Melkite Church. They quietly prayed and fasted for those who refused. They also carried the Rosary beads like Orthodox carry the prayer rope.

Unfortunately, the Melkites and the Byzantine Catholics have been somewhat latinized and have been allowing any child under 14 not to fast and any senior over 59 to forget the fasting requirements, as do the Latin (Roman) Catholics. It appears that some of the clergy do not think that fasting is really necessary for the spiritual life. When we would get together for a conference, there would be lively discussions over the necessity of fasting.

Personally, I can tell you that fasting has really helped me. I look forward to all the Lenten seasons in the Orthodox Church. These times of increased prayer and fasting help me to focus on Christ in my life and lead me to repentance.

If I have said anything that is unclear, please let me know.

Hope this helps.

Your sister in Christ,
Elizabeth