The Melkite Greek Catholic Church
Who is the Melkite Greek Catholic Church?
The Melkites, or Byzantine rite Catholics of Middle Eastern origin, are the descendants of the early Christians of Antioch (Syria). Christianity was established in this area of the Middle East by St. Peter before he traveled on to the imperial city of Rome. In the 5th century, there arose some teachers who said that Christ was not truly God and truly man as well. They would not accept the teaching of the Catholic Church as defined by the Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.) Those in the Middle East who did accept the decision of Chalcedon followed the lead of the Byzantine emperor and were dubbed Melkites or King’s Men from the Aramaic word “melek” meaning King.
Source: Melkite.org
Who are “Eastern Catholics”?
“Eastern Catholic” refers to the autonomous, self-governing Catholic Churches that have their roots in the Christian East. They are equal to Roman (Latin Rite) Catholics and are in full communion with the Holy Father, the Pope. Saint John Paul II taught in Orientale Lumen that the “ancient tradition of the Eastern Churches is an integral part of the heritage of Christ’s Church”. Eastern Catholics include all those Eastern Christians (both Byzantine and non-Byzantine). Examples of non-Byzantine Eastern Catholic include Maronite Catholics and Chaldean Catholics.
“Greek Catholic” and “Byzantine Catholic” are used interchangeably. “Greek Catholic” was originally applied to those Orthodox Christians in both central and eastern Europe and the Middle East who retained their Orthodox liturgy and theology but who restored full communion with Rome, which was lost in the centuries after A.D. 1054. The term “Greek” referred to the liturgy and theology of these Churches and the term “Catholic” signified their full communion with Rome. In the middle twentieth century (especially in the United States) it was thought that the term was confusing as it suggested Greek ethnicity, so the term “Byzantine Catholic” came into use, with the term “Byzantine” intended to be a non-ethnic counterpart of “Roman.”
“Melkite Catholics” are those Greek or Byzantine Catholic Churches that have their origins in the Middle East. “Melkite” is from the Syriac word “malka” (“King”). It was originally a pejorative term for all Middle-Eastern Christians who accepted the teachings of the Council of Calcedon (A.D. 451) and the Byzantine Emperor. Over time it was retained only by Eastern Catholics. Eastern Orthodox do not use the term. Melkites trace their history to the first century AD, to the early Christians of Antioch (in present day Turkey).
Source: Byzcath.org
For Roman Catholics
The Melkite Greek Catholic Church is in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, and attending our Divine Liturgy fulfills your Sunday obligation in the same way that Mass at your own parish does. The Catholic Church teaches that a Catholic may fulfill the obligation at any Catholic rite (Can. 1248 §1.). Catholics in good standing may receive Communion.
The liturgy we celebrate is the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the same liturgy used across the Byzantine churches for about 1,600 years. You will recognize the shape of it: readings, a homily, the creed, the consecration, the Our Father, and Communion.
Some of the differences you may notice include: the music, which is sung throughout; the presence of icons; the extensive use of incense; and the way Communion is given, on a spoon with bread and wine together. Chairs are used in place of pews, there are no kneelers (Eastern Christians usually bow in place of genuflecting), and the sign of the cross is made from right to left. See our Plan Your Visit page for more information on what to expect during the liturgy.
You do not need to learn anything before you come. The booklet at the door has the service in English. If you want to read ahead, the Eparchy’s explanation of the Divine Liturgy and the Guide for the Confused, both linked on the About page, are the two documents we recommend.