Eastern Catholic Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy (Eastern Catholic)
St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church welcomed Father Damian Higgins of Holy Transfiguration Monastery which is located in Mount Tabor, California. Father Damian is also an iconographer, which is what brought him to the Carolinas for an icon workshop at the Oratory in Rock Hill, S.C. Whenever he is in the area, he is gracious enough to visit us at St. Basil to celebrate Divine Liturgy with our local mission. Today he spoke about the altar clothes on the icons themselves describing how these windows to heaven give us a glimpse into the Kingdom of God and a reminder of all that Jesus Christ has done for us.
The entire liturgy is chanted with some very soothing incense throughout the liturgy to the sound of the jingling bells which is a signature on the thurible of orthodox liturgy. The people participate throughout most of the liturgy in a more intense manner which draws you closer to the mystery taking place. By the end of this liturgy you are fully edified by your prayers, participation and Holy Communion. Fellowship usually follows any gathering which can be something as simple as snacks and coffee or a potluck of sorts. St. Basil is always filled with warm people and spirits drawing you closer to the Eastern Catholic Tradition.
I encourage you to find an Eastern Catholic Church near you and enjoy their roots in orthodoxy. This liturgy is always beautiful and submersed in a tradition established by one of the Apostles. I have been fortunate to attend, as well, the Ge'ez liturgy (Eritrean/Ethiopian Catholic), the Syro-Malabar (Indian Catholic) and the Maronite (Lebanese) here in Charlotte. All these experiences have brought their own enjoyment and understanding of God and His people in the Catholic Church. These ancient traditions have been preserved in the same manner the Roman Church preserves latin. For example the Maronite liturgy during the Eucharistic prayer is said in Aramaic the language our Lord spoke. The Syro Malabar Church stems from St. Thomas the Apostle who brought the faith to them, and the Ethiopian/Eritrean is from St. Phillip. These rites were established through Vatican II with the primary hopes of bringing those of ethnic Orthodox backgrounds back to Jesus' Catholic Church. I would like to share with you the gospel chanting of the Ukrainian Catholic Church I attend at times. For more videos of my experiences and travels please search "The Traveling Shepherd" on Youtube and online. Thank You and God Bless you with all His Angels and Saints.Gospel Chanting
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In October 2010 after nearly 15 years away from the Church I had an experience that I called my "epiphany" that brought me home for good. In the process I began roaming around the northeast living in a Catholic retreat house and growing in my new found love for Jesus and His Catholic Church. In the process I began sharing my experiences of the depth and diversity of the Church. Today I share those experiences through "The Traveling Shepherd" identity as a roamin' Catholic Missionary. I write unique holy card and minister to the people in helping them to jump start their faith. In finding them a place that offers like charisms to their spirituality ignites a fire and love for the Catholic faith whether they are new to the Church or returning. I host local pilgrimages regularly in the Charlotte diocese as well abroad from time to time. I also attend many of the diverse parishes we have in the Charlotte area including 3 Eastern Catholic Churches (Maronite, Syro Malabar, and Ukrainian Greek). My blog www.thetravelingshepherd.blogspot.com reflects some of these experiences, travels and writings.
