We are Catholic!

We profess the same Faith as other Catholics but express that Faith in our own way.

The Byzantine-Ruthenian Church sui iuris (literally “of its own right”) is:

• Self-governing
• Equal in dignity to the Roman Catholic Church
• In Communion with the Bishop of Rome
• Unique in its clergy, law, institutions, liturgies, forms of spirituality, methods of theology

Notable Similarities

• Seven Sacraments
• Canon of Scripture
• Communion with the Holy Father in Rome
• Strong devotion to the Mother of God
• Venerations of the saints

Notable Differences

• Liturgical use and venerations of icons
• The way we make the Sign of the Cross
• Our liturgical calendars
• Ordination of married men to the priesthood
• Reception of Holy Communion
• Altar: priest faces East
• Iconostasis (icon screen)
• Standing for liturgical services
• Strong patristic tradition
• Emphasis on participation in the Heavenly Liturgy

To learn more about the Byzantine Catholic Rite and its Traditions, please contact us, we’ll be happy to talk with you.