If this is your first time visiting a byzantine catholic church, welcome! Below is a list of customs that byzantine Catholics follow upon entering the church. If you are new to our parish, or if this is your first time visiting, please feel free to participate in these customs. If you have questions about these customs or are not sure what to do ask any of our parishioners and someone will gladly assist you. We do suggest that first time visitors allow themselves to take in the beauty of the Divine Liturgy and not worry too much about the customs, as you will learn those in time!
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory forever!
First
Take a candle in the vestibule for those you have offended, for those who have offended you, and for each special prayer petition.
Second
On Sundays, during the 50 days of Pascha (easter) , on festive holy days and during their festive periods: upon entering the nave for the first time on a given day, make three profound bows, each time touching the back of your right hand to the floor, then crossing yourself and saying, (at the first bow) “o god, be merciful to me a sinner;” (at the second bow) “o god, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me;” (at the third bow) “o lord forgive me, for i have sinned without number.” (only one Poklonia, or one bow as above , is necessary for each subsequent entry the same day.)
On weekdays, and during penitential periods: upon entering the nave for the first time on a given day, make three Poklonia, by making the sign of the cross, dropping to your knees, touching your forehead to the floor, saying, (at the first Poklonia) “o god, be merciful to me a sinner;” (at the second Poklonia) “ o god, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me;” (at the third Poklonia) “o lord forgive me, for i have sinned without number.” (only one Poklonia, or one bow as above, is necessary for each subsequent entry the same day.)
Third
Proceed to the tetrapod and venerate the icons and crucifix, or cross, there placed, by either:
A.) Profoundly bowing twice, each time touching the back of your right hand to the floor and making the sign of the cross as you rise, then kissing the hands or feet (never the face, as did Judas) of the holy figures, and the sacred wood of the cross (additionally making the sing of the cross between each specific veneration, if there are more than one); then, stepping back, making one more profound bow, touching your hand to the floor and signing yourself with the cross;
Or:
B.) Twice inclining your head while making the sign of the cross, then kissing the hands or feet (never the face, as did Judas) of the holy figures, and the sacred wood of the cross (additionally making the sign of the cross between each specific veneration, if there are more than one); then, stepping back, making one more inclination while crossing yourself.
Fourth
Light your candles, placing them upright in the sand, either at the tetrapod or in front of any other icon, as you say your prayer for each intention. (on weekdays and at penitential times, you may kneel, if you wish, to pray, after placing your candles before each icon.)
Please follow these sacred customs, no matter how early or late you arrive for Divine Liturgy. Outside of services, reverential silence is always observed in a byzantine church.
Getting ready for the Divine Liturgy
When you are coming to participate in the Divine Liturgy, every household should bring a non-perishable food item for the poor. Present this to the deacon or priest, or place it in the basket, at the prothesis table. At the same time, you may ask for a commemoration for the living and for those who have fallen asleep in the lord by giving the names along with a voluntary monetary offering, and receiving in return a prosphora to be shared later at home.
If you are unsure what to do, please approach any of our parishioners and they will gladly assist you!.
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory forever!
