As an Ukrainian Catholic I really dont view our Divine Liturgy and Daily Office (which requires at least 2 people) as being "liturgical" in the sence that a Roman Catholic would. In our spirituality, which is rather different than Latin spirituality, worship and belief are the same thing. Of course the same is true for Roman catholics but we really do emphasize that - that is why we never changed our Liturgy, to change it IS heresy. That's why the Old Believers of Russia exist, and even today some people are throwing a fit over the changing of a few minor words in the new Byzantine Catholic Church's translation of the Divine Liturgy.
Starzaz | 11.09.07 - 2:13 pm | #

I don't understand how a liturgy is not liturgical. Can you explain that?

Roman Catholics belief that "lex orandi, lex credendi" just as you do. We just realize that the Mass has changed over the centuries--yes, even before Vatican II!--and that doesn't change Catholic belief contained in the Mass.

Besides, your assertion that Ukranians have never changed their liturgy doesn't square with reality. Not only has it changed considerably in the 1000+ years after the coming of Christianity to the Ukranians, it changed considerably here in the US as the Ukranian churches accepted all kinds of latinizations. Rosaries, Fatima statues, dismantling icon screens, First Communions and Confirmations--it changed quite a bit, often at the instigation of the laity. And they are very reluctant to go back to Eastern practice in many cases.

I don't like it when Catholics play this card--that the East is superior than the West. It's usually a cheap romanticization that doesn't fit reality.

Nice picture, by the way, Tom.
Peadar99 | 11.10.07 - 9:23 am | #