The observance of Sunday is rooted in weekly commemoration of Christ’s resurrection since the Apostolic times. Our Lord rose from the dead “on the first day of the week” (Mk. 16:9), referred to by the Romans as the Day of the Sun (” Dies Solis” ), hence the English name-Sunday. Since the Scripture presented Jesus as “the Sun of Justice” (Mal. 3:20), St. Jerome (d. 420) had no difficulty in accepting the Roman name, saying : ” If it is called the day ot the sun by the pagans, we willingly accept this name, for on this day the Light of the world arose (In. 8:12), on this day the Sun of Justice shone forth.” Continue reading →

The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on September 8, belongs on the list of the Twelve Major Feasts of the Byzantine rite liturgical year (cf. Gospel of Sinai, 715 A.D.) We usually do not celebrate the birthday of the Saints, but rather their “birthday to heaven,” that is, the anniversary of their death , considered as the beginning of their blessed life with God. Nevertheless, there are two exceptions, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, since we commemorate not only their birthday to heaven, but also their nativity, their coming to this earth . Continue reading →

The liturgical year is a system of yearly church celebrations by which the faithful repeatedly relive the salutary mysteries of their salvation. In the liturgical year Our Lord Jesus Christ continues to live with us, to teach us, and to lead us to our heavenly destination. Continue reading →

The most characteristic feature of a Byzantine Rite church is the iconostasis (Gr. eikon-image; stasis-stand, support), attracting attention by its artistic composition and design. It is a colorful picture screen that separates the sanctuary from the nave, surround ing the sanctuary with a certain feeling of mystery and protection. Usually, it is an elaborate work of art in which the skills of architecture, woodcarving or metal-work and painting generously concur. Its present form reflects the particular features of Ruthenian art which should be meticulously preserved, since they belong to our spiritual heritage. Continue reading →

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commissioned His Church to preach “the repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations” (Lk. 24:47) in His name. Since He does not “wish that anyone should be lost, but that all be brought to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9), our Lord endowed the Church with the power to forgive sins by instituting the Holy Mystery of Penance, simply known as – Confession. The Holy Mystery of Penance is the mystery instituted by Jesus Christ to forgive, in His name, the repentant sinner all his or her sins committed after baptism. Continue reading →

The Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of Matrimony is one of the seven channels of divine grace, instituted by Christ, to sanctify and to support Christian family life. A Christian marriage is a vocation, that is a special invitation of God to two baptized persons to marital union, in order to devote themselves to the service of a new life in Christ. Continue reading →

In the Byzantine Rite, besides the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and of St. Basil the Great, we have a third liturgical formulary, known as the Holy Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. As the very name suggests, the Eucharistic Gifts given in the communion at this service are pre-sanctified, consecrated beforehand. Strictly speaking, this office is not considered a ” complete Liturgy,” but is only a service of a solemn Holy Communion. Continue reading →

In the Byzantine Rite the week preceding Easter, during which we spiritually relive the mysteries of our redemption, is called Passion Week. It is also referred to as the Great Week, on account of the “great and indescribable benefits that have befallen us during this week (St. John Chrysostom). Continue reading →

The Mystery of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ Through baptism we are regenerated to the divine life of grace and become the children of God. Through chrismation we mystically participate in the descent of the Holy Spirit, who seals (confirms) us in the divine life of God’s children and enriches us with His abundant gifts. However, it is through the Holy Eucharist that we become intimately united to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who becomes our spiritual nourishment, leading us into life everlasting. Continue reading →