Frequently Asked Questions

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In the Byzantine Catholic tradition, genuflecting (kneeling on one knee) is not typically practiced as it is in the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, it is customary to enter the church quietly, make the Sign of the Cross, and offer a deep bow—called a metania—facing the iconostasis or the tabernacle, if the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

Many parishioners also venerate the icons at the front of the church by making the Sign of the Cross, bowing, and kissing the icon as a sign of reverence and prayer.

In summary:

• Genuflecting is not required or expected.
• A bow and the Sign of the Cross are the traditional forms of reverence.
• Venerating icons is welcomed and encouraged, but not obligatory.

Visitors are always welcome to participate at their own comfort level. If you're new to Eastern Catholic worship, don't worry—our parish community is here to support you as you become familiar with these rich and beautiful traditions.

It’s completely natural to feel a little overwhelmed during your first visit to a Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy. The sights, sounds, and movements may be unfamiliar—but that’s okay.

You are not expected to know everything right away. The Byzantine liturgy is rich with symbolism, chant, incense, and prayer. Much of it is sung or chanted, and the faithful participate by standing, bowing, crossing themselves, and responding throughout the service.

If you’re new, here’s our advice:

• Simply be present. Let the beauty of the liturgy wash over you.
• Feel free to follow along using a service book (available at the entrance), or just watch and listen.
• Join in as you feel comfortable. The rhythm will start to feel more familiar with each visit.

Our liturgy is meant to be experienced—not rushed or overly explained in the moment. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize prayers, responses, and movements. Many visitors find that attending just a few services helps them feel at home.

And of course, if you ever have questions, our clergy and parishioners are happy to help.

That’s a great observation—and a common question for those coming from a Roman Catholic background.

In the Byzantine Catholic tradition, the posture of reverence during the Divine Liturgy is standing, not kneeling. Standing is an ancient sign of respect and resurrection, especially during joyful liturgical seasons and at the most sacred moments—such as the consecration.

Here’s what to know:

• We stand during the consecration as a sign of honor and attentiveness to the mystery unfolding before us.
• Kneeling is generally reserved for specific penitential moments, such as during Great Lent or special services like kneeling vespers on Pentecost.
• If you're unsure what to do, simply follow the congregation. No one will think twice if you stand quietly and reverently with others.

You're always welcome to ask one of our clergy or parishioners if you’d like more guidance. We’re glad you’re here and exploring the richness of our Eastern Catholic worship.

Yes. As a Roman Catholic, attending the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church does fulfill your Sunday Obligation.

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is in full communion with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. We share the same faith and sacraments, even though our liturgical traditions, music, and customs follow the Byzantine Rite rather than the Latin (Roman) Rite.

Whether you attend Mass in a Roman Catholic parish or Divine Liturgy in an Eastern Catholic parish like ours, you are fully participating in the Eucharistic celebration of the Catholic Church.

If this is your first experience with Eastern Catholic worship, we warmly invite you to enter into the beauty of the liturgy and ask any questions you may have afterward. You are always welcome here.

What you’re seeing is a beautiful part of our tradition called the Mystery of Holy Confession. In the Byzantine Catholic Church, it is common for the faithful to receive confession and absolution before or even during the Divine Liturgy, often right after the Great Litany or other prayers.

Confession is a sacred time for personal repentance and reconciliation with God, helping prepare one’s heart to receive Communion worthily. Many parishioners take this opportunity to confess regularly, sometimes even weekly.

If you’re new, don’t feel you need to participate right away. You’re welcome to observe quietly or ask the priest about the practice. Confession is always private, and the priest is there to offer guidance and healing.

At Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, following the Byzantine Rite tradition, Communion is received in a distinctive and reverent way:

• Communion is given under both species (the Body and Blood of Christ) together by the priest using a spoon.
• When it’s your turn, approach the priest with your arms crossed, usually with the right hand placed over the left.
• Open your mouth slightly and tilt your head back to receive the Eucharist from the spoon.
• It is not customary to say “Amen” when receiving Communion in the Byzantine tradition.
• After receiving, make a small bow or sign of the cross and return quietly to your seat.

If you are not prepared to receive Communion or are not a Catholic, you are welcome to come forward and ask the priest for a blessing instead.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about receiving Communion, please feel free to ask our clergy.

What you’re seeing at the end of the Divine Liturgy is the distribution of Antidoron—blessed but unconsecrated bread—not additional Communion.

Antidoron is a traditional part of the Byzantine Rite. After Communion, the priest blesses and distributes this bread to everyone present, including those who did not receive Communion. It is a sign of fellowship and blessing, and all are welcome to receive it.

If you are unfamiliar with Antidoron, feel free to receive it or simply observe. It’s a beautiful way to share in the community’s prayer and blessing.

Unlike some Western Catholic practices where daily Mass is common, the Byzantine Catholic tradition does not typically celebrate the Divine Liturgy every day. Instead, the liturgical calendar focuses on Sundays, major feast days, and special liturgical seasons such as Great Lent and Pascha (Easter).

This approach reflects the Byzantine emphasis on the communal and festal nature of the Divine Liturgy, which is celebrated as the central act of worship primarily on days set aside for the Church’s highest solemnities.

While some monasteries or larger urban parishes may offer daily Liturgies, it is not a widespread practice in most Byzantine Catholic parishes. Instead, daily prayer and devotional services such as the Hours, Vespers, and Matins are encouraged to support the spiritual life of the faithful throughout the week.

Yes, in the Byzantine Catholic Church, it is common and perfectly normal for parish priests to be married.

Unlike the Latin (Roman) Catholic tradition where priests are typically celibate, the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Byzantine Catholic Church, have a long-standing tradition of ordaining married men to the priesthood. This practice dates back to the early centuries of Christianity and remains an important part of Eastern Catholic spirituality and discipline.

A few key points:

• Married men may be ordained as priests, but bishops are usually chosen from among celibate (monastic) clergy.
• If a man is unmarried when ordained, he is generally expected to remain celibate.
• Married priests serve as pastors, spiritual fathers, and leaders within their communities just as celibate priests do.

This tradition reflects the Eastern Church’s understanding of priestly life and the different disciplines that exist within the universal Catholic Church.

If you have more questions about our clergy or traditions, our parish clergy are happy to talk with you.

Many parishioners at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church choose to dress in their best attire as a sign of respect and reverence for the Divine Liturgy and the sacred space of the church. Dressing “up” is a long-standing tradition in many Eastern Christian communities, reflecting the belief that coming to church is a special, holy occasion.

That said, there is no strict dress code. We warmly welcome everyone, whether you come in formal clothes or casual attire. The most important thing is the attitude of the heart—coming with reverence, openness, and a desire to participate in worship.

If you’re unsure what to wear, business casual or neat, modest clothing is always appropriate. And remember, everyone is welcome just as they are.

Yes, absolutely! Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church welcomes all people—regardless of background, ethnicity, or nationality. While our parish celebrates and preserves Ukrainian traditions and culture, our doors are open to everyone seeking to worship, learn, and grow in faith.

Whether you are exploring the Byzantine Catholic tradition for the first time or are looking for a welcoming faith community, you will find a warm and friendly family here. Everyone is invited to join us in prayer, fellowship, and service.

Yes, and we’re glad you noticed! At Holy Trinity, we’re more than just a congregation—we’re a church family. It’s very common for parishioners to stay after the Divine Liturgy to talk, catch up, and share time together. Sometimes there’s coffee and refreshments; other times it’s simply standing outside chatting or helping with parish events.

This strong sense of community is a big part of Eastern Christian life. We believe that worship naturally leads to fellowship, and we encourage visitors and new faces to join in. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself! We’d love to get to know you.