I grew up Catholic and currently attend a regular Western rite church in Aurora, Colorado. I plan on attending the Holy Protection Byzantine Rite church in Denver this Sunday.

This hopefully won't be just a one time thing. I am fascinated with the Byzantine Empire and their culture and traditions. I think I really want something more than a regular Catholic church has to offer. I've done some research and it sounds like a really cool experience, to the point that I may want to join the Byzantine rite.

I actually never have received the sacrament of confirmation, so I could even do that. If I get married someday, it could even be a Byzantine Catholic wedding. Either of those things would be deeper than a traditional ceremony. The whole tradition sounds like something with a lot more substance.

I think this could be what I really want.

I don't really have much to help you with in this case, but feel it's important I say this. The substance is the samenot more or less in one rite or another. The delivery changes, but the substance is wholly perfected in both rites. May I ask, why are you dissatisfied in the Latin rite?

It's almost like it's set up for a busy person who doesn't want to get too deep into it. I think I want something deeper and more immersive than that. From what I've read about the confirmation and wedding ceremonies, it is a lot more like a glorious coronation than a basic ceremony too.

Got it, that makes complete sense. Sounds like you're inclined towards tradition and elevated reverence. I am the same way. I'm lucky enough to have an excellent Latin rite Novus Ordo five minutes from my house. It's extremely reverent and they pull out all the bells and whistles. There's no TLM parish or Eastern Rite parish near me. I have attended a few different Eastern Rite masses (mainly Maronite) and absolutely love it. If you're inclined and feel this is the best place for you to experience our Lord, definitely check out a Byzantine parish. I just wouldn't rule out the entire Latin Rite, as there are plenty of excellent and reverent Novus Ordo parishes

747Ag said:

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TSJ said:

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If I may, this video came up recently for me. It gets at one of the elements where the Latin church might be chasing the world instead of standing up to it.



I am Orthodox so I understand seeking something deeper more connected with the saints throughout time in belief and practice.

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ByzantineBro! I went to this guy's wedding back in August. His bride is an old friend of my older kids. We (747 family) love "Mrs. ByzantineBro" and her family... her parents are one of my daughter's godparents.

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And the world gets a little bit smaller! How cool is that!

I went to Divine Liturgy today and I like it.