The importance of understanding Eastern Christianity

University Concourse ^ | October 2000 | Anthony T. Dragani

[Kolokotronis]

Romulus, I was kidding about the confession stuff! I thought you'd get it. Sheesh! As for the rest of it, well I'm not Roman Catholic, though a Catholic and you're not Orthodox, at least as the the term is used here, though quite orthodox. That's where the confusion can lie, even if you and I aren't confused.

[tlRCta]

"Articles like this one and another about the good relations between the Churches in a part of Turkey do have the potential to confuse people, especially lurkers."

What is a "lurker"? (Sorry, I am new to FR and just got my account yesterday...)

[siunevada]

Your memory is probably fine. I grew up in NY. That's the way it was here.

But I'm compulsive, so....

I have ‘My Sunday Missal’ - Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat January 6, 1938. Lots of good information for preparation; what we’re doing, why we’re doing it. The OCP missalettes look pretty stark compared to this.

Page 10 – “My Sunday Missal is now arranged for the ‘Dialogue’ or ‘Community’ Mass; sometimes called ‘Dialogue’ because the officiating priest does not recite the Mass alone in a ‘monologue’ but the congregation recites aloud the server’s responses and other parts of the Mass, uniting with the priest in a ‘Dialogue’…”

Page 34 – “Approval of your Bishop is required to initiate this fruitful practice, now approved in 100 dioceses throughout the U.S.A.”

“The Congregation recites aloud (a) same responses as the server; (b) also, in union with the priest, texts on pages…” (Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Domine, non sum dignus)

I remember Mass this way in half a dozen parishes across the country. Two thoughts about why our memories are different. Maybe you were in a diocese that did not promote this? Or, ever popular throughout time for Catholics, just because they tell us to do something doesn’t mean we are going to do it.

[murphE]

The only time I recall the laity participating at the Mass pre-Vatican II

I don't understand why "vocalizations" during mass are being equated to "participation" at mass. A person can assist quite faithfully at mass in silence, much like Our Lady, and St. John did at the foot of the cross, no?

[NYer]

And therein lies at least one rub! :)

Not sure I understand. The liturgy he celebrated last night was absolutely glorious! I was amazed at the bishop's approach of drawing the congregation to him by blending Arabic into the English dialog, both during the liturgy and in his homily. The Lebanese immigrants were immediately drawn to him - an American!

Before the liturgy even began, he stopped to speak with each and every person present! Faces lit up immediately, as they recognized that this is a man of the people, a true shepherd greeting each member of the flock. And this was no cursory "hello". He spoke with each one. After the liturgy, he received each one the same way, as did the Vicar General who accompanied him.

When everyone was assembled at the Hall and even before dinner began, the bishop made the rounds of all the tables, switching from English to Arabic and back again. The people loved him! He is genuine, sincere and humble. When Abouna introduced him to me, his eyes lit up as he recognized my name. He grabbed my hand and held onto it for 5 minutes as he spoke with me about my letter. Throughout the evening, I took pictures of him with parish families. As he was leaving, he sought me out, took my hand again and said: "We need more catholics like you!"

In his homily, he spoke of the growth within our parish. He also said it is impossible to clap with one hand and that Abouna needed assistance in all aspects of this growth. (He worded it so much better.) He commended him for what he had accomplished and thanked us for all we do to help him.

Ironically, today, I attended the funeral of a diocesan priest. A long line of white and grey haired priests processed into the church, filling 8 pews. The principal celebrant was Bishop Howard Hubbard! And, Abouna was asked to concelebrate the Mass (he is bi-ritual); the connection comes from the fact that the deceased priest has once served the Maronite Church when we were without a priest. Two days - two bishops! What a contrast! The Maronite bishop, Vicar General and most of its priests are young and vibrant.

[Kolokotronis]

"And therein lies at least one rub! :)

Not sure I understand."

His appointment by the Pope; Eastern Bishops in the Churches not in communion with Rome are chosen by synods of bishops with clerical and lay input, or synods of bishops, clergy and laity together.

You know, this fellow sounds just great, exactly what I would expect an Eastern Bishop to act like among his people. Him being with you and your priest, that image of you all together, is a living icon of The Church.

[k omalley]

"What is a lurker?"

Someone who reads the threads on FR or any message board but never posts. There could be hundreds or thousands of them. We never know what impression they might be getting or what they are thinking.

[tlRCta]

Thanks.

Also, what is "ping" and "bump"? Or is there a master list of terms like this?

[k omalley]

A ping is when you post a comment or an article and forward it to a list of names who might be interested to read and comment. Some people keep ping lists of people who share similar interests.

A bump is when there is an article posted which has had few comments posted or hasn't been commented on for awhile and you feel that it is very important or interesting and want FReepers to take notice. You simply bump it to the top by writing BUMP in the comment box and posting.

Welcome to the Religion forum! You are in for some interesting times.

[tlRCta]

I love the Religion forum! (Hi All!) I have been one of those silent lurkers since about the time of the pres. election, when I learned of Freerepublic.com.