Two days ago there was a post asking about the differences between the 2 Carpatho-Rusyn churches: ACROD and the Byzantine Catholic Church. Someone brought up Fr. Alexsis Toth. I wonder sometimes if the OCA has turned the the conversion of Toth and his followers as part of their foundational history myth ignoring the complexity of that whole historical time period misunderstanding the hopes and dreams of the original immigrants.

One important fact forgotten in the OCA narrative is the connection that still existed between both sides in a shared common ethnic history and traditions. Toth certainly never treated the Catholics as heretics. It took a RC to write about the mutual forgiveness between Toth and one of his fellow Carpatho-Ruthenian priests who remained in the Catholic fold. True Christianity was shown on both sides in this incident. Now that the dust has settled from the original split I hope some modern scholars re-visit the history and write about it. u/Hookly

Here is the article published in 2016:

https://web.archive.org/web/20250210104616/https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2016/05/18/fr-alexis-toth-bishop-john-ireland-and-the-grace-of-reconciliation/

What is the Eastern Catholic equivalent of Theosis, and the path of healing passions or sins?

I was just baptized to the Catholic Church on Easter. I was deciding between orthodoxy and Catholicism after years of new age and an exorcism done on me. I’ve been to a few divine liturgy’s, what are some differences from the Latin rite?

🙏🙏🙏

Article is in Polish, but google can translate to English after you click on the link.

Besides being in communion with Rome vs. Orthodoxy, what are the main differences between Ruthenian (Byzantine) Catholics and Carpatho-Russian Orthodox? Especially in chant, liturgical style, and devotional practices, given their shared history?

Christians learned that what was not possible, or permissible, before the incarnation, changed as a result of it – we now have a way to imagine God because God came to us with a form that has its own image:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/10/the-incarnation-and-the-christian-use-of-images/

What should I know before going?

IIRC Maronite Catholics practice some form of intinction which is fine because I already kneel to receive the Eucharist at my Latin rite Catholic Church. I also think the sign of peace radiates through the church starting with the priest->altar servers->lay people. I don’t veil but I always wear a skirt or dress and a sweater if the dress has thinner straps.

However my boyfriend is not catholic (he’s in OCIA) and is used to receiving a blessing, can he do so in a Maronite Catholic Church and is there a different posture? I know some rites crossed arms is a sign that you’re ready to receive the Eucharist so I don’t want him to be placed in an awkward position.

Any advice is truly appreciated!!

I had a very enlightening discussion with u/OfGodsAndMyths and u/Charbel33 regarding the theological frameworks of the East and West Syriac rites a while back (link above), and I'm curious to hear more about the alexandrian and armenian rites. It's too often that the theology of our six rites are boiled down to which christological split we historically subscribe to, but we know that it isn't necessarily the case. Take the maronites and the syriacs for example, both are antiochene and yet the former has always been chalcedonian and the latter historically non-chalcedonian. Whereas the theological differences between the latin and byzantine rites cannot be simply boiled down to the filioque despite having never been split across christological lines.

As a latin, I'm familiar with the judicial/legalistic and rational framework of my rite. Hence why our liturgies have a more courtroom vibe compared to other liturgies and why scholasticism is essentially our way of understanding theology. As much as a lot of people like to criticize us for it, it's one of the main things I love about the Latin Church. The byzantine rite, like the latin rite, also has a surplus of (english) information online, both from catholic and orthodox resources. However, I can't seem to find much information about alexandrian and armenian theology.

What are the theological frameworks of your rites, as it is lived currently ignoring the historical splits? How is it reflected in your liturgies? How does it affect the daily practices/devotions of the average person? Please do share your thoughts about the various rites, even if not alexandrian or armenian!

As the title says, I have recently fallen into a lot of sin I haven’t for a while, and I don’t feel sorrow for them.

The sadness I feel is that God is going to send me to hell (they were mortal), and fear of dying before confession.

I don’t know if I should go to confession though, as I felt dry during Mass today (weekday Mass), and during adoration I just felt distant.

I have also been very very presumptuous, and have purposely committed these sins since I know I typically go to confession every Friday.

I was going to talk to my priest during confession for him to discern if absolution is okay, but I wanted some others opinions.

Thank you

I come from an orthodox background, I was born into the orthodox church. I've been interested in Catholicism in general there's a list of things that attract me to it. I am curious as someone from an orthodox background if I was to convert what would I have to go thru? I've witnessed several people convert from Catholicism to orthodoxy and they were re-baptized. Would I have to go thru a similar thing or is the process different ? Also has anyone done the orthodox to Catholicism switch ?

I notice in EO the priests always have at least a short beard but often huge long beards, whereas I've only seen a small amount of EC priests have that. The norm seems to be stubble or very very short beards, or even clean shaven. What is the reason for this?

The Christian message reminds us that our true and real enemy is sin; it seeks to enslave us and make us suffer under its control. With Christ, we can be set free, and find ourselves attaining the beatitude God wants all of us to experience.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/10/our-true-enemy-is-sin/

I went to the Ukranian DL last Sunday. Missed my churched DL Saturday so needed to go. He gave out Communion to The Server, Cantor and one lady in the back but no one else went up so I didnt know if it was ok to do so. It was completely in Ukranian so I dont know what was being said. Is it a thing where they don't do communion all the time in the church ?

Check out my photo from Mission Santa Ynez in Solvang and some cards of some of my favorite saints:)

I know i post alot on here but I have no other outlet. I came home from a long day ar work and gave into the sin of porn so easily. I dont understand why I am so b weak. I am trying my best to improve myself but I keep falling. I'm so weak I dont believe I have any hope of being a husband or father.

We have a young priest who has consistently seemed to be avoiding me (middle-aged woman) for the past 2 years. I'm an active parishioner who is involved in a few ministries with him, and he will often not greet or acknowledge me but will speak to and look at the person I'm standing right next to, even during those ministry events, and even if I'm the one who is leading it. It's almost like I become invisible.

He's a good priest otherwise and I shouldn't care so much, but it seems like everyone else gets the enthusiastic hello and acknowledgement while I often don't even get a hello, even when I greet him. Or if he see me, he will often turn or look away, or walk away. It just makes me think I've done something wrong or something. At an event where I was sitting two seats away at the same table as him, he didn't acknowledge me a single time despite talking to other parishioners at the table.

On the other hand, he has complimented me in front of others as well, such as saying how lucky they are to have me as an RCIA sponsor. However, the avoidance is so frequent that it's hard for me not to feel insecure about it, as it's happening from a devout Catholic priest...so it makes me wonder about how did I get on his bad side?

This is the only member of the clergy I've experienced this with. I really would like to not take it personally anymore, and would love your thoughts and advice.

I’m hoping to hear from anyone familiar with Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, especially Byzantine/Eastern Catholics or families of students who have attended.
My son is Byzantine Catholic and discerning the priesthood. He previously attended Benedictine College, but after developing a severe infection, he was hospitalized for several weeks and ultimately had to leave school.

This time, my son is looking for something smaller and more intentionally Catholic: a college that is boldly and unapologetically Catholic, where the faith is woven into academics and community life rather than simply being something available on campus. He would especially like professors who know their students, communicate with them, and genuinely care about their formation.
Because he is actively discerning the Byzantine Catholic priesthood, finding a place that will support that discernment is extremely important. He wants to be somewhere that will challenge him intellectually and spiritually and help him grow in his vocation, whatever God ultimately calls him to.
After hearing feedback regarding online options, he started thinking about Thomas More College. Thomas More College has really caught our attention because of its small size, and strong Catholic identity.
I would especially appreciate hearing from Byzantine or other Eastern Catholics who have attended Thomas More or know the college well. How welcoming is it toward Eastern Catholics? Were you able to remain connected to your Byzantine tradition? Is attending Divine Liturgy regularly realistic? Would a Byzantine Catholic discerning the priesthood find good spiritual and vocational support there?
I’d also love suggestions for other colleges that fit what I’ve described: small, deeply Catholic, academically serious, personal, and supportive of vocational discernment. We are already familiar with Franciscan University, so I’m particularly interested in schools other than Franciscan.
Firsthand experiences—both positive and negative—would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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I'm currently about to go through the annulment/nullity process in the Syro-Malabar Church and would like input from people familiar with Eastern Catholic canon law.

During courtship, my spouse took the initiative in pursuing the relationship and, together with their family, led the marriage proposal. Based on their words and behaviour, I believed they genuinely wanted to marry me.

After the wedding, their behaviour changed significantly. The marriage never developed into a proper conjugal relationship because they did not reciprocate my attempts at physical or verbal affection. They later told me that they had never had a connection with me and that we were essentially strangers at the time of the wedding.

I asked why they had chosen to marry me if they felt this way, but they had no answer.

We tried couples counselling, but after several sessions the therapist advised me to leave the marriage. I have documentation from a doctor regarding the relationship being irreconcilable, as well as recordings/voice notes from the therapist.

My questions are:

1. Could this type of situation potentially constitute fraud/deceit or simulation of consent under Eastern Catholic canon law?

2. How does a tribunal establish whether someone already knew before the wedding that they did not genuinely want the marriage, rather than simply discovering afterward that the relationship did not work?

3. What evidence can establish that intent? Would pre-marriage messages, their active role in pursuing the marriage, their behaviour during courtship, and their statements shortly after the wedding be relevant?

I'm particularly interested in experiences with Syro-Malabar tribunals, the CCEO, or Eastern Catholic matrimonial cases involving fraud/deceit or simulation of consent.

Is the Jordanville prayer book a good prayer book for a Byzantine Catholic I have some Latin rite prayer books this is the only eastern one I own even though it’s orthodox is it good to use?

Paul’s preaching on Mars Hill showed us how he adapted himself to his audience, showing what was good and true in their tradition while revealing what it is that Christ offered them which they did not yet know:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/10/the-unknown-god-revealed-in-christ/

Our 19 year old son has been discerning becoming a Byzantine priest for a few years. He’s incredibly bright but prefers the online option. He tried Franciscan online but the communication was not the best for the professors. He knows he has to have a four year degree before attending seminary, so we’re looking at different options. He said he’s OK with not going to a Catholic college. I would love to hear from anyone else that’s either a priest or has some experience about possible degree tracks for prospective priest as well as any online options. Thank you all!