What is the Byzantine Church?

The Byzantine Catholic Church is one of the 23 Churches which make up the Universal Catholic Church. We are Catholics in communion with the Pope of Rome, faithful to our Eastern Christian theology and heritage.

Our ancestors in the Faith came to the United States from Eastern Europe. Today, members of the Byzantine Catholic Church come from many different countries and nationalities, and from every continent. Our faith in Jesus Christ is for everyone!

Are Byzantine Catholics really Catholic?

Yes; we are Catholics in union with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) whom we recognize as the visible Head of the Church. The Catholic Church is a communion of churches. It is composed of churches from the Eastern Tradition and Western Tradition. The Eastern churches help to complete the fullness of the Catholic Church. All Catholics share the same faith and same sacraments; the way of expressing them differs.

Can I worship with you?

Yes, we welcome all people to worship with us. The Sunday Obligation is fulfilled when worshiping with us.

What is Divine Liturgy?

Our Sunday worship is called the Divine Liturgy. This is when we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord by proclaiming His message in sacred scripture and receive His Risen Presence in Holy Communion.

Can I receive Holy Communion?

All Catholics who are properly prepared are welcome to receive. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to follow the canons of their own Churches and also are welcome to receive.

Why are there three bars on your cross?

The short top bar of the cross is where the Bible says the Romans inscribed, “King of the Jews." The diagonal lower bar is the foot bar to which Christ’s feet were nailed. It points upward in the direction of the repentant thief — on Christ’s right at His crucifixion, the one who accepted Him as Savior.

The Sign of the Cross?

We make the Sign of the Cross from right to left. This is done during Liturgy, mostly when making reference to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and generally make a small bow at the same time. This occurs many times in all our services.