Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church facts for kids
The Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church, also known as the Byzantine Catholic Church in the United States, is a special kind of Eastern Catholic church. It follows the Byzantine Rite, which is a way of worship and traditions used by many Eastern Christian churches. This church is one of 23 Eastern Catholic churches that are in full communion with the Holy See, meaning they are part of the worldwide Catholic Church led by the Pope.
There are two main groups within the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church: one in America and one in Europe. In the United States, the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh is self-governing. This means it manages its own affairs, like choosing its leaders, while still being connected to the Pope.
Contents
What is an Eastern Catholic Church?
Eastern Catholic Churches are Christian churches that have their own unique traditions and ways of worship, different from the Roman Catholic Church, but they are still in full communion with the Pope in Rome. They have their own leaders and customs, often based on ancient Christian communities in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
The Byzantine Rite
The Byzantine Rite is a set of religious practices, prayers, and ceremonies that come from the ancient city of Constantinople (now Istanbul). Many Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches use this rite. It includes specific ways of celebrating Mass (called the Divine Liturgy), special hymns, and unique church architecture.
Being Self-Governing (Sui Iuris)
When a church is "self-governing" or sui iuris, it means it has its own laws and leaders. For example, the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh in the U.S. can make decisions about its own church life and choose its own bishops, but it still recognizes the Pope as the head of the entire Catholic Church. This allows different Catholic churches to keep their unique traditions while being united.
Images for kids
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Metropolitan Judson Procyk (1931–2001) holds the cross for veneration after Vespers at a monastery pilgrimage in California in 1996
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia católica bizantina rutena para niños
