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Becoming Byzantine
WHAT IS THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
The Byzantine Catholic Church is part of the worldwide Catholic communion, in full union with Rome, while preserving the liturgy, spirituality, and theology of the Christian East. We share the same faith, the same mysteries (sacraments), and the same Gospel, yet we express them through the traditions of the early Eastern Church.
Our Roots
Christianity was born in the Holy Land and quickly spread to the great centers of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome. When the capital of the Roman Empire moved east to Byzantium (later Constantinople), the Church developed a rich liturgical and spiritual life that reflected the culture of the Eastern Mediterranean. From this heritage, the Byzantine Catholic Church emerged.
Our parish belongs to the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church, one of the many Eastern Catholic Churches, each with its own history, culture, and liturgical tradition. Together, these churches preserve a living link with the earliest Christian communities while remaining in communion with the Pope of Rome.
Our Worship
Worship in the Byzantine Church is often described as heaven on earth. The Divine Liturgy is sung in its entirety, surrounded by the fragrance of incense, the glow of candles, the beauty of icons, and the richness of chant. Every sense participates in proclaiming the glory of the risen Christ among us.
We bow, we cross ourselves, we hear Scripture sung, and we receive the Eucharist as the true Body and Blood of Christ. The goal is not only to hear about God but to enter into His glory and taste the Kingdom to come.
Our Beliefs
Byzantine Catholics believe we are called to become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Salvation is not only rescue from sin, but participation in the very life of God. The Fathers of the Church taught: “God became man so that man might become God” (St. Athanasius).
This transformation happens through the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments):
Baptism, Chrismation, and Eucharist unite us to Christ and fill us with the Holy Spirit.
Repentance (Confession) heals us and restores us to grace.
Holy Anointing, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the other Mysteries sanctify every part of life.
Our Life Together
Christian faith is never lived alone. In the Byzantine tradition, we share life as a parish family—through worship, meals, social gatherings, fasting, and mutual support. Community life flows from the Eucharist we celebrate together and is sustained by prayer, generosity, and hospitality.
Personal prayer also plays a central role. Many Eastern Christians pray the Jesus Prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
This simple prayer is repeated in silence, leading the heart into deeper communion with God.
Becoming Byzantine
New to the Byzantine Catholic Church? You are not alone! Many who come to St. Rafa’s are encountering this ancient and beautiful tradition for the first time.
For Roman Catholics
The Byzantine Catholic Church is fully Catholic. Attending the Divine Liturgy at St. Rafa’s fulfills your Sunday obligation. While the form of worship looks different from the Roman Rite, the Eucharist and sacraments are the same. You will notice differences—such as Communion given with a spoon, or infants receiving all three sacraments of initiation—but you will find the same Lord Jesus at the center.
For the Curious & The Seeking
You do not need to be Catholic to worship with us. Many come simply to experience the beauty of Eastern liturgy, ask questions, or explore faith for the first time. Whether you are searching for a spiritual home or simply visiting, you are welcome here.
For Those Who Wish to Join
If you feel drawn to make St. Rafa’s your spiritual home, Father Michael can walk with you through the next steps:
Baptism and Chrismation (Confirmation) for those entering the Church.
Full Communion for Christians of other traditions who wish to become Catholic.
Transfer of Rite for Roman Catholics who feel called to live out their Catholic faith in the Byzantine tradition.
Next Steps
Attend a Liturgy – Come and see the worship of the Church that has shaped Christians for centuries.
Join Us for a Meal – Fellowship is central to parish life, and we’d love to welcome you at table.
Explore Resources – Learn more about Byzantine spirituality through prayer guides, parish events, and study opportunities.
Reach Out – Contact Father Michael with any questions or to begin a conversation about the faith.
At St. Rafa’s, you will find an ancient tradition that is alive today—one that unites heaven and earth, past and present, God and His people.
