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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 spread quickly throughout the ancient world. As the Church took root in different regions, it naturally took on the language, culture, and prayer life of the people who received it.
In Western Europe, this gave rise to what most Americans recognize as Western or Roman Catholicism. In the East (centered around places such as Jerusalem, Antioch, and Constantinople [Byzantium]), a distinct Christian tradition developed, shaped by the cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Because this tradition reflects its Eastern Christian roots, churches like ours are called Eastern Catholic Churches.
The Byzantine tradition comes from the Greek-speaking Christian world of the Eastern Roman Empire. For this reason, Byzantine Catholics are sometimes also called Greek Catholics, with “Byzantine” referring to Byzantium, the ancient name for Constantinople.
Over time, Byzantine Catholic Churches became associated with particular peoples and regions, including Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Romanian, Hungarian, and others. Our mission belongs to the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church, one of the Eastern Catholic Churches that remains fully Catholic while preserving its own liturgical, spiritual, and cultural heritage.
By continuing to live this tradition today, we maintain a living connection with the earliest Christian communities, handed down through centuries under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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 spiritual 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.
Plan Your Visit
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.
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:
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Baptism and Chrismation (Confirmation) for those entering the Church.
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Full Communion for Christians of other traditions who wish to become Catholic.
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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. Divine Liturgy is at our building on Saturdays at 5:00 pm.
Join Us for a Meal – Fellowship is central to parish life, and we’d love to welcome you at table. We have a weekly potluck right after Divine Liturgy. If you are new, please join us even if you can’t bring anything this time!
Explore Resources – Learn more about Byzantine spirituality through prayer guides, parish events, and study opportunities. Check out our prayer resources to get started.
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.
