Why I Go to a Byzantine Church, and Other Questions

[@tMatt5M]

Hey fellow viewer. Let's pray for Bud.

[@gadielrivera1880]

tMattLZ Just did. May God bless him.

[@texasmike7709]

Absolutely we should pray for Bud and all those who have lost their way. He is indeed a prodigal son. We should pray for the conversions of souls daily particularly those full of hatred and unbelief. Jesus invites and wants all of us to join Him in His love.

[@thecomforterhascome2031]

Praying!

[@CatholicK5357]

I myself attend an Anglican Catholic Church which is part of a fairly recent new Ordinate - basically a way for Anglican Churches to return into full Communion with Rome while maintaining much of the High Anglican liturgy. It is very similar to the Tridentine Rite with a few small differences, including that it is said in English. They use Incense every week and use the old fashioned vestments and use real Catholic music. I love it.

[@themorbidmole9247]

I live near Charleston South Carolina which hosts a Sarum (Anglo-Catholic) Parish. It's quite beautiful, and it is interesting to see Catholics doing a better job preserving the Sarum rite than the English themselves.

[@Lovrofthearts]

@Keith I'm so intrigued. Do you mind sharing what city your church is located in?

[@PrenticeBoy1688]

I'm curious, too. You say 'Anglican Catholic Church', which is the name of a denomination; a part of the Continuing Anglican movement which dates back to the mid-1970s when the Episcopal Church USA began to 'ordain' women. It tends to be Anglo-Catholic in its manifold liturgical eccentricities and doctrinal orientation, but it most certainly is not a part of the Roman Church, nor is it new in the sense of having been created in the last decade or two. Is this an Anglican Use parish of the Roman Catholic Church, or were you merely misinformed?

[@CatholicK5357]

@@PrenticeBoy1688 No I am not referring to a protestant denomination. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. I attend a Catholic Church of Anglican (English) patrimony. We are part of an ordinariate which has it's own jurisdiction, and were given this gift by Retired Pope Benedict; although the process was started by St. John Paul II. There are several of these groups around the world. Mine in particular, in North America, is called the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter - a bit of a mouthful. And I am part of a deanery within that ordinariate for Canada: the Deanery of St. John the Baptist. We are made up of former Anglican congregations who had petitioned Rome for decades for a way to come back in. Rome answered the call, and now offers it to any Anglican congregation that wishes to come in. My priest had to go through a process of being ordained by the Catholic Church so that he could remain our priest. Our Bishop is Stephen Lopes, and our cathedral is in Texas. If you wish something to compare it to. Consider how the military ordinariate is a separate jurisdiction from local diocese. Or how some of the Eastern Catholic Rites have their own separate diocese that expand beyond local cities. Or how the FSSP has it's own gov't, but is still under the Catholic Church. But I did not join the group until after they came into the Catholic Church. When I was deciding to become Catholic, I became aware of this church in my local city. I received Evangelium classes (similar to RCIA) and was confirmed in 2016 on Divine Mercy Sunday. And since we are Catholic, I can attend any Catholic Church and participate fully in the Sacraments.

[@civrn368]

Don't they have women priests

[@djnightingale7450]

As a Greek Catholic, I'm very proud to watch this video 😊 Come to Ukraine, we've got the biggest Byzantine Catholic community over there!

[@anthonylangford8575]

In a Latin but fell in love with the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy family in Lourdes in France and for the first time attended an Eastern Catholic liturgy. If there were a Byzantine Catholic church in my home city I would attend regularly. The nearest is 50 or so miles away.

[@roccotoothycombs]

DJ Nightingale yes but the Greek Catholics in Ukraine is heavily latinized on purpose as to say they aren’t orthodox. Whereas in America the Greek Catholics spend copious amounts of time trying to convince themselves they are orthodox.

[@guilhermepaschoalplatania4727]

I’m also a greek catholic from Brazil God bless you and all the cristhians brothers and sisters☦️

[@davidfigueroa8188]

@@roccotoothycombs None of what you just said is true.

[@karmelicanke]

Love the Ukrainian Akathists esp to Sacred , Immaculate hearts and Akathist to St Michael Archangel. Beautiful, mystical!

[@ChevySpeedAddict]

I was raised in the Byzantine Catholic Church, and later was introduced to the Roman tradition. I am growing more in love with my Eastern traditions every day now, and my wife is as well since I introduced her to it while we were dating. The Eastern traditions capture a beauty of Christianity that is not found anywhere else, imho.

[@73cidalia]

ChevySpeed724 Unfortunately, as far as the mass goes, the current Western tradition is not very traditional as far as history is concerned, as it only dates back to the 1960s. The Latin mass was on a whole other level. It would have been wonderful if it had been translated into the vernacular instead of having the mass overhauled. I would regularly attend a Byzantine church in a heartbeat (I even understand Eastern theology better than the Latin versions), but since the only local ones are quite ethnic, and I’m already struggling with getting my lapsed-Catholic husband more involved in attending church, I’m trying to keep things simple and familiar while looking for a more engaging parish.

[@davidfigueroa8188]

@@73cidalia Many of the “ethnic” Churches are ethnic in name only. I attend a Ukrainian Catholic Church. I am not Ukrainian, and neither are many of the other parishioners. In fact, I’d say that only about 30% of the congregation is ethnically Ukrainian. Most of us are former Latins, and others are converts to Catholicism. There are actually very few ethnically centered Byzantine Churches

[@AC-tu3kj]

@@73cidalia i totally agree with your comment, and am in a similar situation with my husband too. Though he's beginning to show signs of wanting to return to the Sacraments i think. And we both, raised in the west, have a dissatisfaction of novus ordo of course, and an interest in the Byzantine. Your husband may also be interested in it rather than what is "familiar." I want to find our "home/s" for worshipping God. Either way, we gotta keep praying Rosaries for our husbands 🙂🙏

[@PrenticeBoy1688]

@@davidfigueroa8188 We have the same problem with ethnic Germans in orthodox Anglicanism. I'm only half kidding ... we don't discriminate ... but I find that something goes slightly awry when an ethnic liturgy is taken over people from outside of that tradition's, er, traditional ethnic group. Certain cultural subtleties are lost. Just my opinion drawn from my own limited experience.

[@MarkEliasGrant]

Come back. It is absolutely beautiful. Melkite Rite here. The dull Latin rite Liturgies I have been to are often lagging in mysticism behind Anglicans and Lutherans. Sad state of affairs for Latins.

[@spidernymph8964]

Alright folks, we're making this a hashtag. #PrayForBud Also, Matt, don't worry about the hair comments, your hair looks quite fine.

[@jacquelinemaria2902]

The Byzantine Church is so beautiful. I went to a retreat in NYC this month and I learned so much about its beauty.

[@caefroddo8285]

Jacqueline Maria I heard about a youth retreat of the sort on the Light of the East podcast. I am glad it went well. As a lifelong Ukrainian Greek Catholic (Byzantine), I admire the Byzantine Catholics I have met as an adult who are from the non-Ukrainian churches, for their spirituality and “knowing their stuff,”

[@pranansubba9587]

I have a dream to attend all Catholic Rites;

[@Cratees]

Same

[@gabolujan3109]

@@Cratees same

[@pancratius602]

Same. I've got Dominican rite, Latin rite, Byzantine, and Syro-Malabar. With Byzantine, I've been to Ruthenian, Russian, Ukranian, and Melkite. Melkite is definitely my favorite.

[@anthonylangford7797]

​​​@@pancratius602ve been to both forms of Roman, Dominican, Carthusian, Syro Malabar and Byzantine ( Ukranian) rites. (and Ordinariate)

[@pancratius602]

@@anthonylangford7797 Anglican Ordinariate would be a Latin subrite, wouldn't it? I know some Anglicans not in communion with Rome may celebrate the Sarum rite. There's also a rite of Zaire, or Zaire Use mass in the Latin rite.

[@username1172]

We must extend our most tender love and prayers towards Bud. God bless him

[@michellea9857]

As someone who had a conversion to Jesus Christ through the Catholic charismatic renewal for many years I got so much out of the New Mass, however, as I went deeper with the Lord I discovered the mysticism of the Eastern Rites and the Traditional Latin Mass which makes it so much harder to go back to the Novus Ordo as I feel so much more closer to Jesus through these ancient rites. I feel like I am in heaven.

[@love2youtoday]

No competition between East and West! ❤️

[@gerryvyti4256]

MERE CHRISTIANITY IS GREAT! One of my favs

[@adamcharleshovey7105]

It is very good.

[@dominicschmitz4933]

I abualutly love mere Christianity it partly saved me from ...well the suicide now I'm watching lots mass online and reading Mathew Kelly

[@peaceandlove1255]

@@dominicschmitz4933 how’re you doing now buddy? A fellow lockdown convert? Much love

[@crowlikemadness]

Convert 5 plus years ago, from NO /to TLM and finally found my home in the Byzantine Catholic rite. Still learning a lot about the Byzantine church and I tend to get a lot of information from the Orthodox, very helpful.

[@olyajones4667]

Wow really cool Matt! I have grown up Ukrainian Catholic and have really come to my faith these last few years. The accessibility of many Roman Catholic videos have strengthened my love of the faith. I love taking what I’ve learnt and bringing it to liturgy. I really resonate with Pope John Paul’s quote ‘breath with both lungs.’ Thank you for that!

[@LD-nl5vf]

You are very comfortable answering that kind of comment. You are living a beautiful faithful Catholic life that you are so humble, peaceful and full of love😘😍

[@Littlemermaid17]

I loved this video! If you’re taking suggestions, a more in depth vid about Eastern Catholicism would be absolutely unreal! God Bless ✝️❤️🙏

[@weepingwillow11]

Thank you for sharing how you found a Byzantine rite home! Might you consider talking about the differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Rite Catholicism? When speaking to an Eastern Orthodox friend, I see many parallels, but he feels there is a great division. I'm hoping to open up a more productive dialogue and I'm unsure how to do that.

[@ChevySpeedAddict]

I'd be interested to know the answer to this as well. From my understanding as a Byzantine Catholic, the only major difference is that Orthodox Christians do not acknowledge the authority of the Holy See. However, Catholics are permitted to participate in Orthodox liturgies fully, including communion.

[@jenniferrinaldi8808]

Not communion from what I understand. A cousin of mine who is Catholic tried to receive communion in an Orthodox church and was refused.

[@ChevySpeedAddict]

@@jenniferrinaldi8808 I believe the Orthodox can still refuse if they wish to, but if they don't, you're not violating any stipulations of the Catholic church.

[@linkers2293]

I dont think thats right, a Catholic should not recieve communion in an Orthodox church because there is still a division

[@weepingwillow11]

ChevySpeed724 Yeah, I’ve had a Catholic priest tell me the Orthodox sacraments are valid (my friend then retorts “then why not just become Orthodox?”) It seems as though Catholics accept Orthodoxy, but Orthodoxy doesn’t accept Catholicism? It’s a bit confusing. I know there are some things observed in the Eastern church, such as the absence of the Filioque and perhaps a variant view of heaven, amongst other things, but I am unsure if this is both Eastern Rite and Eastern Orthodoxy or just the latter.

[@donretsas1791]

I am GREEK ORTHODOX and love my Eastern Catholic Brothers & Sisters.

[@johndavidjones7475]

Thank you for what you do. Pints With Aquinas and your videos have made an impact on mine and my sons life. Prayers for Bud. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

[@judith1620]

Friends of mine from Romania are members of a church that was Eastern orthodox until 300 years ago it became roman Catholic but they still use orthodox literary and now it's kind of a mix. Random story....

[@adamcharleshovey7105]

Sounds like Latinisation. Sometimes I go to a Melkite Greek Catholic church. It is not Latinised.

[@baoduong2203]

I’m a Latin Rite Catholic that is fully drawn in the Byzantine Rite. While I was Protestant I investigated Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy and was 98% certain that I would join Orthodoxy. Now here I am a Latin Rite Catholic with no Byzantine Rite near me. Unfortunately I’ve seen many of the eastern rites have been heavily latinized Edit: I am now a traditional Latin rite Catholic that primarily attends the traditional Latin mass. I will say that I love traditional Catholicism. The NO parishes seem to have a disconnection with the Saints of the past, which is something I loved while I was exploring Orthodoxy. I wanted wisdom from the saints and to see how the saints lived the gospel. The traditional Latin mass parishes fixes this problem. All of my priests have such a connection of the lives of the saints. (I recommend going to the KZbin channel Sensus Fidelium!)

[@weepingwillow11]

Bao Duong It sounds like your investigation is very similar to my friend’s; a Protestant who investigated Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy and is pretty sure they’re going to become Orthodox. If you don’t mind my asking, what made you change your mind? And yes, a search of my area indicated there were not any Byzantine Rite parishes within reasonable distance. It’s too bad, since as Matt discussed, there are so many things that western rites can learn from the east, with no issue.

[@ByzAsian45]

well its kinda true. Protestant starting to searching ancient churchs, but most protestant embracing orthodoxy maybe because they find out the history that Constantine was latin eastern orthodoxy, not catholic church

[@methodiosscott4564]

You should become Orthodox. Just sayin....

[@baoduong2203]

Morgana Sorry for the late response, but my response would be a very long one! In summary: I would say that authority was the main deciding factor for me. Looking back in the OT for example we often see one “head” of authority. Moses and David for example. Looking in our world today. A country has a single leader, company has a single head. That is what drawn me to Catholicism was due to the Papacy. Holy Mother Church has a central authority that can lead the Church through contemporary problems. Currently the Orthodox Churches are a mess in terms of leadership. The tension between the Moscow Patriarchate and Constantinople over Ukraine has led a big schism in the Orthodox Churches, Moscow has excommunicated Constantinople. Russia has now excommunicated the Alexandria patriarch since he recognized the autocephalous church that Russia sees as schismatic. Orthodoxy can’t fix it since it doesn’t have a central authority. (But i appreciate orthodoxy with Eastern spirituality. Seeing the Trinity in terms of persons. Eastern spirituality is focus on an encounter with God). It is a rather complicated matter, and I will not comment on this issue with the orthodox. I don’t have the time to engage in a dialogue between Catholics and orthodox I have researched both perspectives on the Papacy. I remember being really torn between the two (happened twice). I was Catholic that was not at peace with my decision to become Catholic and not Orthodox. I was not at peace for many months actually. Until one day I prayed during a Catholic mass. The Eucharist was just consecrated so the real presence was here. I begged Christ. I cried. I was so confused. I begged him asking him if I should convert to the Orthodox Church. Somehow afterward I was begging him I felt his peace. This kind of peace that he gave me is unexplainable to me. It was my direct encounter with God and this peace that has allowed me to love Catholicism more. The Novus Ordo Mass in comparison to Divine Liturgy of Byzantine Catholics and Eastern Orthodox is not great. The priests seems disconnected with the saints and the fathers of the church. My orthodox priest always had great knowledge of the saints, and you get this feeling of “fullness” as you learn from the saints. Which is why I consider myself a traditional Latin rite catholic now. I primarily attend the traditional Latin mass now. The priests at the latin mass has so much knowledge and wisdom of the saints that has given me the tools to fully live out the catholic faith. The beauty about Catholicism as well is the fact that you are in communion with different eastern churches as well. As a latin rite Catholic I am in communion with Byzantine Catholics. I am in communion with marionite Catholics, I am in communion with Coptic Catholics , and other Eastern rites. (The Maronite Catholic Church never left Rome) I would recommend: Orthodoxy and Catholicism Comparison by Dave Armstrong, Upon this Rock by Steve Ray. To understand the catholic perspective.

[@knuckles9863]

What? Constantine is one of the pre-schism Catholic church figures. “Latin Eastern Orthodoxy” Are you high?

[@Ricksterpt]

I was watching you and Sister Natilie. And found out your birthday is just like mine July 16. Yay God bless you brother. Love your show. Its been a great blessing.

[@themorbidmole9247]

Western Church theology is based on Roman law, whereas Eastern Church theology is based on Greek philosophy. They are mutually enriching to each other.

[@deutscheseele]

🤔

[@davidfigueroa8188]

BürgerMeister I don’t see anything confusing

[@ShazammelCamel]

Attended my first Byzantine liturgy last night. It was beautiful! Still prefer the TLM just because it’s my heritage as a Roman Rite guy, but it has its own merits, and lots of them at that.

[@joehaaf1913]

Matt you have a great since of humor. God Bless!

[@barbarabaker9746]

As always Matt, we listen and learn.

[@osn4794]

Pray for the man in the last comment.

[@diegoavellanedamatteo9090]

I was baptized in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. My parents are not eastern by any means but they loved the liturgy and how they did baptism. So they decided to baptize me and my brother in that church. All my other sacraments have been in the Roman rite. I really want to start going to the Byzantine rite now on. I have to speak with the wife first hahaha

[@guilhermepaschoalplatania4727]

I am a greek melkite catholic and i love your vídeos.Jesus Christ Bless you and your family. IC XC NI KA

[@radoslavhospodar8824]

I am a Byzantine Catholic from Slovakia and I have been following you for several years. So good to learn that you attend a Byzantine Catholic Church. I will be in Ohio for an exchange semester this summer. Maybe we will run into each other in church, who knows! :) Come to Slovakia if you want to see the perfect intersection of Western and Eastern Catholicism. Bishop Milan Lach is now back from the U.S., so you can visit him as well. God bless you!

[@jaranarm]

All Western Catholics should get to know the Eastern churches. So far I've attended Byzantine, Ukrainian, Syro-Malabar, and Maronite churches and they're all remarkably distinct from the Latin one that we're all used to. I read that there also used to be more Western churches but they were all absorbed by the Roman church. Will they someday have their own particular churches recognized?

[@rosilychacko8394]

I'm a syro - malabar catholic

[@Melons-vg8dq]

I love my Greek Catholic Church. I wish more would join our church. I always thought they should also offer the Latin host during Communion for the germ phones.

[@randomjunk1998]

Same thing happened to me, just feels like home and I love it, so welcoming and kind it’s really a feeling of community even on the day my girlfriend and I walked in as strangers they welcomed us with open arms

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

Love it thanks from Ontario Canada

[@mariannelaba]

Pursuing eastern catholic and anglican use liturgies is quite rewarding I've found. A lot of useful material, videos on the Internet.😊😊😊😊

[@briankelly85]

thank you. i enjoy your videos. god bless you.

[@jenniferrinaldi8808]

I know Father Steven. He was a deacon in my parish before his ordination. He's a great priest.

[@emmagareis1634]

I don't get to go to the Byzantine mass often, but I love it!

[@argelbargel7680]

Even the smaller Eastern churches are beautiful.

[@nichmon3221]

I like what you replied to Bud with. Some people are just so hateful and can't stand when the rest of us are at peace.

[@wilwelch258]

There are Byzantine Rite Lutherans as well, holding to the Augsburg Confession and 1580 BoC but using the Eastern Liturgy of St John. I think that’s cool as a Lutheran myself. Blessings.

[@УрошКалиниченко]

Sometimes I just browse the internet, seeing what other people think about us Lo and behold, I am NOT disappointed, GREAT video!

[@alfredhitchcock45]

I wanted to convert into Eastern Catholic because I don't like the Vatican 2 mass full of feel good songs. Even St. Padre Pio didn't like the Vatican 2.

[@anthonylangford8575]

If you become officially a Catholic of another church/rite you won't be converting but transferring. Mind you if you are lucky to live near an Eastern Catholic church you could just attend and receive the sacraments without actually officially becoming one.

[@anthonylangford8575]

And of course there's always the Tridentine (extraordinary) form of Latin Mass!

[@drumsandcymbals8779]

@@anthonylangford8575, people are so wrong about this issue, it's not a transfer. Once you become Orthodox you deny the pope and some priests will deny you sacraments if they know you left.

[@richlopez5896]

I'm a Byzantine Catholic and a Catholic CAN attend ALL of the various Catholic Rites

[@kzizzles8329]

@@drumsandcymbals8779 It's a transfer if he is going into an eastern rite Catholic church since they are in full communion with Rome. Byzantine/Eastern Rite Catholics and Eastern Orthodoxy are distinct because Eastern Catholics, as Lord Sebastian Flyte stated in his original comment, are in communion with Rome. The Orthodox churches certainly do deny the primacy of the Pope, Byzantine Catholics (Key word: Catholic) affirm the primacy of the pope

[@richardkjames9700]

I am very happy to see the acceptance of Eastern Rite in Catholic Church, in india I belong to Eastern Rite of Apostle St James Syrian rite

[@PalvoChekov]

St. Thomas Aquinas may have been dubbed, "The Dumb Ox" however, he certainly raised relevant philisophical questions and gave some pretty good answers.

[@dorisodonnell2948]

Matt, you're a good sport! Thanks for your great videos. God bless

[@margokupelian344]

I belong to the Armenian Apostolic church (Orthodox) and I find the liturgy most fascinating. The music is heavenly and so is the content of the liturgy. But I have an ecumenical spiritual life. Like Matt said, each has it’s own beauty and riches (and I’ve felt that way from the beginning) and I feel at home with both. I can’t explain the feeling. It’s like I feel God’s presence in both churches. I feel the Catholic spirituality in the Catholic Church very strongly and the same with the Orthodox Church. They’re all beautiful. I think in the eastern churches the external expressions of reverence are more emphasized and I love that. But most of the time I attend Catholic Mass. I read the messages of True Life in God that Jesus has been giving to this Greek Orthodox lady since 1985 to this day. Her name is Vassula Ryden. It’s about the unity of the Churches. Vatican examined her writings bc a great number of Catholics were following the messages, but the Orthodox Church refused to even read it. In these messages Jesus says: Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, you all belong to me and you are one in my eyes! I personally believe that Jesus built His Church on Peter, the rock, and He wants the churches to be united under Peter. It’s not like all the other churches should change their beliefs about their differences but it’s going to be like “unity in diversity”. I’m just fascinated with these messages. They helped me so much to grow spiritually and to recognize the Heart of God. The website is tlig.org

[@mkultrawhatever1791]

I agree with St. John Paul II. Raised as Roman Rite, but ensconced from time to time with Greek/Slovak and Ukrainian Catholic. All in Communion.

[@chadwillingham8359]

Matt, I was confirmed Roman Catholic but converted to Eastern Orthodox for a while and Chrismated. I reverted back to Catholic Church but hopefully find a Byzantine Catholic Church someday. I love the Eastern Liturgy

[@leonardstefanyshyn40]

Hey Mat. Your the bomb. Keep up the good work. 📿📿📿🙏🏻

[@Cookoo49]

Converting to Catholicism and I love your stuff

[@teena4rl211]

At last..another Eastern Rite Catholic...the OTHER Catholics! :-) I was brought up attending both (different sides of the family) and am familiar with both and equally at home in both. However, as an adult I came to prefer the Eastern Rite for numerous reasons and attend there. My experience is that many Roman Catholics a) do not even know we exist and in such great numbers too; and b) have no idea we, too, are under the Pope. So nice to chance upon this video!

[@Cratees]

I don't consider you as 'other' but as my fellow brothers and sisters-like one of the two lungs of the church 🙂 I actually am really yearning to attend an eastern rite liturgy but alas I'm from the Philippines with no accessible way of doing so.

[@Nollie]

Praying for Bud. #PrayForBud

[@nathanielolson]

Why is it that God allows humans to be redeemed but not the fallen angels? #AskMattFradd #PrayforBud

[@jimmymcdonagh3397]

I'm not necessarily sure but my best observation would be the fact that the were angels. And supposed to be near perfect beings physically and spiritually but still decided to abandon God when they every reason to stay with him they decided to follow Lucifer and abandon God and his immeasurable mercy. Beings like that don't want to be saved. Considering they've seen God and still chose to rebel against him. Hope that helps

[@ocalaballa]

Angels are on a much higher and completely different plane of existence than humans. Angels make every decision of their entire existence all at once, so Angels either choose to serve God forever or to rebel against Him.

[@jimmymcdonagh3397]

@@ocalaballa yes exactly. They aren't like humans who are flawed and are willing to change. The angels made there choice with every advantage that could possibly be given to them. Even the most blasphemous person would change there mind before the face of God. If those fallen angels didn't, they dont want to be saved

[@AC-tu3kj]

I think I read a brief explanation by Father Amorth in one of his books I'm reading and he said something like it has to do with intellect. The angels are much more intelligent than us humans. Therefore, they know completely what they are rejecting. Great question!

[@tomsaltsman]

I'm bewildered as to how any fiction can replace Spirit-guided scripture and catechism study. Of the seven churches in Revelation, the only one Christ praised and promised to protect was the one who kept the Word: the church of Philadelphia. I assume that the other six did not.

[@crohunter100]

???

[@TMHoff-mx3dr]

What are the biggest differences between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. I had this discussion with a friend of mine who says she is no longer Catholic but Eastern Orthodox Christian. The main concepts we came up with were the following: 1. They do not consider the pope to be infallible nor the head of the church. Rather a bishop that is a “head among equals” 2. They do not believe that transubstantiation occurs at a specific moment in the mass. 3. Priests in the Eastern Church can be married. 4. They do not adhere to the belief in the Immaculate conception or the Assumption. 5. The sacraments can be received at any age. 6. Western Catholics may not commune in an Eastern Orthodox Church but Eastern Orthodox may commune in a Western Catholic Church. 7. We do not recognize the same saints. After the great schism in 1054 AD (?) there seems to be different saints for each side, if you will. 8. Mass is based off of Latin (not necessarily spoken in Latin) in Western Catholic services but mass is spoken in a region’s native dialect/language in Eastern Orthodox services. 9. Each side has a different view of Original sin. It sounds like the Eastern Orthodox do not believe in the concept of original sin. Does that still make them the same Catholic Church when basic concepts such as original sin, transubstantiation and the Immaculate conception are not viewed the same between the East and the West? I would love to learn more about the differences and similarities between the two. If you practice one over the other are you a true Catholic under the Roman Catholic Church? If we don’t believe in the same theological principles, are we even the same branch of Christianity? Thanks for any info you can share with us on this. I personally find beauty in each church. I like how when you walk into an Orthodox Church you see the resurrected Christ at the front instead of the crucified Christ, which is often found in the back. I also love the use of icon imagery with to aid in spiritual meditation and prayer. Have a swell day mate!

[@bodbod9997]

I think you may be confusing Eastern Orthodoxy with Eastern Catholicism. Eastern Orthodoxy is a group that split off from Catholicism in 1054. They are not Catholics. I think that is what your friend is. Eastern Catholicism is what Matt Frad is. They believe in Papal Infallibility and the Immaculate Conception, but have a similar liturgy to Eastern Orthodox and their priests may marry. That are 100% Catholic.

[@weepingwillow11]

This is exactly where I am with my friend! A few of these I can address: as Bodbod 99 said, Eastern Rite (aka Eastern Catholicism) has many similarities in appearance to Eastern Orthodoxy but holds with Roman Catholicism on those core doctrinal issues. Orthodox priests can only be married if they enter the priesthood after being married. They cannot marry after being ordained, similar to a deacon in the Catholic church. A Catholic priest told me that should an Orthodox priest convert to Catholicism, he would be allowed to stay a priest and married. This same priest also told me that Catholics also view the Pope as a head among equals, and that the phrase “Pope” means “papa,” and is essentially an honorific. Infallibility is where things get sticky, and I have trouble articulating (resources appreciated, if anyone has them!) I’ve also heard that they don’t observe the Immaculate Conception or Assumption because of their different view of original sin, that they “don’t need those doctrines to maintain consistency.” Isn’t there also a different view of heaven? I’m unsure if my friend and I were maybe saying the same thing with different words or not. Again, I’m just very confused....

[@everettsmith661]

So- do you study Eastern Orthodox theology as an Eastern Catholic? I am wanting to also utilize the beauty and richness of the east in my practice, but not sure if it is acceptable to read Eastern Orthodox books as they are not in communion with us. Insights much appreciated.

[@jsjajohnson2532]

I am a syro malabar Christian from kerala ( one ofnthe eastern rites

[@RayWihak-nw3sv]

Ukrainian Catholic here and I agree, it’s not a competition.

[@pjsmith4369]

Hi there, a little confused on the children receiving The Eucharist as babies. I grew up in the RCC and the Ukrainian Catholic Church at the same time, plus I had an Uncle who was a Ukrainian Catholic Priest. My mom was Ukrainian Catholic and my Dad was Roman Catholic. I just love The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. As my Uncle, who had Degrees in Theology and Philosophy from the Gregorian College in Rome, explained to us - the Roman Catholic Mass has about 3,500 words while The Divine Liturgy has 8,500. At Baptism, yes, the Sacrament of Confirmation is also administered. But not the Sacrament of Communion. You might be attending an Orthodox Church. We are still not in full communion with the Orthodox Church since the Great Schism of 1054. So still not allowed to receive Communion in the Orthodox Church. The Byzantine Catholic Churches are in communion with Rome, but have different canon laws. Just thought I'd clear that up.

[@leonardstefanyshyn40]

Love them all. Grew up Ukrainian Catholic my great grandparents helped build a church here over 100 years ago when I migrated from Ukraine. Many of my friends are priests along with my children and they’re children. I do go to RC mass as well. Love the difference. Although one is steeped in tradition instead of modernizing or conforming to the rest of the world. I guess I’m just oldschool.

[@mattc925]

Actually infant Communion was a common practice in the entire Catholic Church up until sometime in the 1200s when the Latin Church began withholding the Precious Blood during the Mass.... ....anyhow the practice was continued, unbroken in the (Byzantine) East, however in the 19th and 20th centuries it began to be suppressed (especially in the USA) due to pressure from the Latin Church (similar to the suppression of the married priesthood in the USA).... ....nowadays many Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Churches are returning to their ancient practices, I attend a Byzantine Catholic Church (Ruthenian) in the Pittsburgh area and infant communion is quite common there.

[@suigeneris2663]

Thanks, very interesting! 🙏🙂

[@michaelsalter3459]

Does anyone know why Matt hasn't done a video in a while for Ascension Presents? I really enjoyed watching his videos...

[@CatholicByzantineEvangelist]

Love our Byzantine Catholic Faith!

[@jackdarragh1711]

#ASKMATTFRAD. HOW CAN I BE MORE LIKE JESUS? LOVE your videos, I watch them every night.

[@Gougi6]

I go to a Byzantine Church! =D

[@SturFriedBrains]

I wish I hadn't fallen away from the Church while St. Pope JP II was alive. Such a beautiful way of putting it, "the Church needs to breathe with both lungs." Ever since my return the vitriol between east and west has really has been my bane. I love and appreciate the Roman liturgy of my youth, and the ancient Eastern traditions I'm learning about now. Most of the schism is quite superficial anyway. The only big sticking point I can see is the Pope, and that shouldn't even be a massive issue, as 99% of Christian life is contained at the local level or that of the diocese. Realistically until mass communication (a blink of an eye in Church history) the Pope had very little role in the lives of almost every Christian, and our modern conflicts are almost entirely in our heads.

[@EC-rd9ys]

I read the Way of the Pilgrim some months ago. It was interesting... because I'm still not sure how to apply that to my own life. Also it didn't seem too far off of Roman Catholicism to me, but that's probably just because there wasn't really anything in the way of the church at large presented in the story.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hehe, nice. I wonder what's it like receiving the eucharist via spoon. God bless, Proverbs 31

[@richlopez5896]

I prefer it.I have attended a Byzantine Church in Arizona the past 14 years

[@AC-tu3kj]

Don't do what I did years ago when I attended and close your mouth before the priest takes the spoon out ! 🤦🏻‍♀️😳🥲😂😂

[@SevenDeMagnus]

I love our Catholic Church, it's so rich figuratively but I love the latin mass, above all.:-)

[@marykatedrewsen1027]

Hey, Matt. I'm working on learning more about the Faith and discernment in life. I have a Mormon friend who has so many questions I can't even begin to answer. How do I speak to him? I've given him the Memorare prayer, which he's promised to say every day "because I asked him to." What else can I do? I honestly don't know how to ask...

[@yltcraxe]

I saw some in a reddit forum suggest that his stint at Byzantine churches may have ended and he's back to more TLM now that he's moved? What's not clear to me is if he actually formally changed rites? If he didn't I'm not sure why his children were charismated and received Eucharist. I'm pretty sure you have to actually belong to the rite to have your kids fully participating in the sacraments.

[@debbie2027]

Thanks Bud, you're a champion ....HAHAHAHAHA !!!!!

[@MarkEliasGrant]

As a Melkite I welcome you! We have fidelity to our liturgical practices. No "reform" like the Roman Rite engaged in is welcome in our rite. We also do not have "conservative" or "liberal" views associated with liturgical practices as in the Roman Church. The liturgy just IS the one of our forefathers and will remain so. We do give communion and confirmation at about 1 year old. PS - our priests may be married if they marry *PRIOR* to ordination. Married priests may never become a bishop who are monastics. Monks and nuns and priests in religious orders (e.g. Jesuits) may NOT be married. A priest may NOT get remarried without a dispensation after the death of his wife.

[@david_porthouse]

You still are a Latin-rite Catholic unless you formally apply for a transfer. On the whole, I would suggest that everybody stick to their own rite unless there is a good reason for a transfer, being married to somebody from another rite being one obvious good reason. A wife can change to her husband's rite, and a widow can change back again, without needing to make a formal application. Children take their rite from their father. Take care that your children are aware of what rite they are if they get married in the future.

[@richlopez5896]

Catholics are free to attend.I attended a Byzantine parish for years before transferring from the Roman Rite any and ALL Catholic Rites.Maybe he is in the process of transferring RItes

[@anastasiawasylinko5482]

I'm Ukrainian Catholic! #PrayForBud

[@terrytzaneros8007]

refreshing.

[@mr.d2105]

Way of a pilgrim is a great story!

[@luciaspes5126]

#AskMattFradd When's the next video on Ascension Presents or what's up?

[@connor90549]

Hello Matt Fradd! I have a question for your future videos. I am a high school student and was wondering your thoughts on how to handle friends and non-friends discussing vaping and marijuana. Thanks 🙏! -Connor

[@drumsandcymbals8779]

My problem is in the Nicene Creed we say the "ONE" church, how can we agree on the sacraments as TWO "lungs"? I'm very confused.

[@Cratees]

Both these 'lungs' are in full communion with each other 😁 as a Roman Catholic I can attend an eastern orthodox liturgy and fulfill Sunday obligation yayyy

[@drumsandcymbals8779]

@@Cratees I actually have done research since I posted this comment. We are not all in full communion, some Orthodox priests will deny Catholics communion, and some Catholic priests will deny Orthodox. Plus Orthodox aren't in full communion with the pope like you and I. I also misinterpreted the video, Matt isn't talking about Orthodoxy.

[@Cratees]

@@drumsandcymbals8779 right, there are some churches that are in full communion and some that aren't there yet, but I did check for Matt's church 🙂 and it's A ok.

[@danielelam5513]

Greek Bible's are cool but I lost mine. How can I find my Greek Bible? Because baby, it's cold outside.

[@bagobeans]

ask St. Anthony to help you find your bible.

[@danielelam5513]

@@bagobeans This is finally making sense to me. I was so confused but I knew I wasn't losing my mind on accident.

[@bagobeans]

@@danielelam5513 You are not losing your mind, my friend. I have lost or misplaced several things and I ask St. Anthony for help and he has always come through. Ask Him to help you find your Greek bible, but, and this is very important, be patient. Being patient is the hardest part, but he has always come through for me. :)

[@danielelam5513]

Let's go find out "The Secret" too because obviously... It's not a lie.

[@bagobeans]

@@danielelam5513 I dont get what you are saying? 😒

[@mgaston2496]

It would have been nice for you to extend a bit more time for Bud or put a link to give Bud an answer. Do you think he was trolling? Even so, an answer may help someone else watching.

[@gill426]

I would love to see your hair combed, just for once. 😮 Other than that - really neat video, thanks!

[@phatcrayonz]

I will

[@DualFrodo]

Mere Christianity is brilliant

[@carloynmullaney8430]

#askfrmike hat is the catholic church's opinion on polytheism? Hinduism, I'm Catholic and I'm in six grade and I'm learning about other religions and most are polymorphism related , at a public school

[@amespointer]

Are you still avoiding social media? I didn't start but I plan too. Wondered how that went/Is going.

[@brendanguinee850]

#askmattfrad I recently saw the channel Endless Love of Jesus Ministries and the video on Catholics. What’s your response to that?

[@reactorhamster3323]

One step closer to Orthodoxy.

[@s.146]

Eastern Catholic is much closer to Roman Catholic than to orthodoxy ❤️

[@richlopez5896]

orthodoxy is actually a step towards Eastern Catholic

[@pinamawya1967]

Has anyone else noticed that after this video, Matt hasn't been on Ascension Presents?

[@sohaminyoh]

If that's the case then that was the right decision by the channel.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

Andy Warhol was a Byzantine Catholic.

[@suigeneris2663]

el dude Yeah, he was Czech. His intelligence had more to do with his blasé, whimsical attitude than his actual work.

[@johnsantony774]

#AskMattFradd Is Matthew 27 : 52 & 1 Corinthians 15 : 20 contradict each other ??

[@cindyfoley1964]

Dear Matt PLEASE HELP! I have been a devout Catholic my whole life, but the past ten years my mental health has gone into a rapid decline. I would literally be dead without my faith because of my battle with invasive suicidal thoughts. I have 3 clinical diagnoses and have been hospitalized several times...and now I am battling agoraphobia, which means I am so limited to the times I can get to Mass, I say my 3 mysteries of the rosary daily, but I am in such fear for my mortal soul...what am I to do? Please help me. I also offer up all my mental sufferings. Is watching Mass on tv sufficient for now and should I ask to be put on the list for sick and shut-ins....I live in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, which as you know is extremely liberal. I have spoken with many priests about this and they tell me not to worry about it God would never judge me for this but I don't believe it

[@mannydefreitas4956]

Try go to a Catholic healing mass in your area and attend a full confession there. They will prepare you for deliverance and then you will be prayed over. This will help you immensly.

[@Allison-vm2jn]

#askmattfradd is struggling with overeating/binge eating grave matter and intrinsically disordered?

[@cassandrajordan2820]

So do byzantine churches not require reconciliation before the communion?

[@TheChristianFairy]

They do and children who are old enough to fast and confess do so.

[@philotheasbliss]

He became so much more Based in the flip of a hat!

[@luluq01]

Matt, I was under the impression that Roman Catholics are not allowed to receive communion from Byzantine churches and also vice versa. Can you clarify?

[@aaronia8092]

Orthodox Church is separate from Catholic Church. But there is the Byzantine or Eastern Rite Catholic Church which is in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, accepting the Pope, and we are all Catholic and can receive communion from each other.

[@richlopez5896]

Catholics are allowed to receive communion in ALL Catholic Rites

[@kmavros111]

Which Eastern Catholic Church in Georgia?

[@hcolumbia4520]

Epiphany Byzantine

[@tommyofaquino]

Wya, Matt? It's been a while?

[@djegon8314]

best from POLAND!

[@ellal.6742]

#AskMattFradd Can you please talk about how a catholic should view money and being able to pay ones bills? I have always had a negative view of having money, (after all, Jesus was poor) but I really don't think this thought pattern is correct or healthy. My entire life I've been in some want financially and don't want to keep being in the same boat, it's miserable. Please give some insight for the right understanding of money in life. Thanks mate,

[@dustindurben6549]

So is eastern Catholic Church the Orthodox Church? it’s kinda confusing because I always heard of the churches in the East as Orthodox Churches not Eastern Catholic Churches

[@richlopez5896]

Eastern Catholic Churches are in full-union with Rome but have maintained their orthodox liturgies and traditions.

[@mariorizkallah5383]

@@richlopez5896 so it’s deceptive

[@jupiterinaries6150]

There is the Byzantine Rite and the Roman Rite and together they comprise the Catholic Church.

[@dreamcore]

a few more too

[@michaelleggett3980]

In my home RC Diocese of Brooklyn NY, covering both Brooklyn & Queens, there are 13 Eastern Catholic Churches. 10 are Byzantine Rite(7 Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches, 1 Melkite Greek Catholic Church, one Byzantine Ruthenian Mission Parish & one Romanian Mission Parish, 1 Maronite Catholic Church of Antiochian Rite, one Coptic Catholic Church of the Alexandrian Rite & the Armenian Rite Parish of St Ann's, which was the Cathedral Parish in the USA, which has moved to Queens). 8 Eastern Parishes are in Brooklyn & 5 are in Queens.