What is the Byzantine Church?
The Byzantine Catholic Church in America is one of the 23 churches that make up the Universal Catholic Church. We are Catholics in complete mutual communion with the Pope of Rome, faithful to our Eastern Christian theology and heritage.
Our ancestors in the Faith came to the United States from Eastern Europe. Today, members of the Byzantine Catholic Church come from many countries and nationalities, and every continent. Our faith in Jesus Christ is for everyone.
Can I worship with you?
Yes, we welcome all people of good will to worship with us. We worship God in spirit and truth and seek first His kingdom. It is He who calls us.
What is Divine Liturgy?
Our Sunday worship is called Divine Liturgy. This is when we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord by proclaiming His message in sacred scripture and receive His Risen Presence in Holy Communion.
Can I receive Holy Communion?
All Catholics who are properly prepared are welcome to receive. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to follow the canons of their Church and also are welcome to receive.
Why are there three bars on your cross?
The short top bar of the cross is where the Bible says the Romans inscribed, “King of the Jews”. The diagonal lower bar is the foot bar to which Christ’s feet were nailed. It points upward in the direction of the repentent thief — on Christ’s right at His crucifixion, the one who accepted Him as Savior.
We make the Sign of the Cross from right to left. This is done during Liturgy, mostly when making reference to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and generally make a small bow from the waist at the same time. This is called a reverence and occurs many times in all our services.