FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are Catholics in unison with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) whom we recognize as the visible Head of the Catholic Church.  We are recognized as being “Catholic” by the local Roman Catholic Bishops and the Bishops of the United States of America and the whole world.

Having said that we are “Catholics”, we must now state we are not Roman Catholics, but Catholics who are identified as being Ukrainian Catholics.  As Catholics, we Ukrainian and Roman Catholics share the same faith and have the same seven sacraments.  The difference is that we Ukrainian Catholics have a different way or rite of expressing our faith in regards to Liturgy and customs.

What is Ukrainian Catholic?

  • The Ukrainian Catholic Church is a branch of the Catholic Church.
  • The Ukrainian Catholic Church is in full communion with the Pope or Rome.
  • Ukrainian Catholics hold the same beliefs as Roman Catholics, but often have a different emphasis.
  • Ukrainian Catholics have different customs and traditions that date back to the early centuries of the church.

What is the difference between the Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholics?

  • Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholics are virtually identical.  The biggest difference is that Ukrainian Catholics are in communion with the Pope of Rome, while Orthodox are not.  There are also some differences in belief.

Can Roman Catholics attend a Ukrainian Church and fulfill their Sunday obligation?

  • Yes! Any Catholic can attend any other Catholic church to fulfill their obligation.

What are some of the differences between Ukrainian and Roman Catholics?

  • The Liturgy (Mass) is almost completely chanted and is different that the Roman Mass.
  • Communion is given out to standing communicants, who receive both the precious Body and Blood.
  • Icons are used instead of statues.
  • Incense is used throughout the Liturgy.
  • Ukrainian Churches have a large icon screen, called the Iconostas, which separates the Altar area from the rest of the church.
  • Ukrainian priests can be married in Europe, but currently not in the USA or Canada.  (In individual cases candidates for the priesthood in the USA can petition Rome for permission to marry)

Do you celebrate mass the way it was celebrated before Vatican II?  (Tridentine)

  • No, we use the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which dates back to the 300’s.

How is communion given in a Ukrainian Catholic Church?

  • During Communion, both the Body and Blood of Christ are given to the person.
  • Rather than wafers, the Ukrainian Catholics use little chunks of bread cut from a loaf.
  • The bread is put in the chalice with the wine and gently placed into the person’s mouth with a gold spoon.

Can Roman Catholics receive communion in a Ukrainian church?

  • Yes, any Catholic can receive communion in any Catholic Church, whether it is Eastern or Western.

I’ve seen infants receive communion in a Ukrainian Church? Why is that?

  • It has been the tradition of the Ukrainian Church to always give communion to infants.  The reasoning behind this is that the children are innocent and therefore should be able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  It is a practice that goes back to the early church.

I’d like to become a Ukrainian Catholic.  I’m currently a Roman Catholic.  How do I do it?

  • To attend a Ukrainian Catholic Church on a regular basis, you don’t have to do anything special if you are already a Catholic.  Simply go.
  • Some people find that they are spiritually fulfilled at a Ukrainian Church and in order to bring closure to their spiritual journey they would like to be officially recognized as a Ukrainian Catholic.  The process is known as changing rites.
  • After discussing this with your priest, you write a letter to your Roman Catholic Bishop and the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop.  In the letter you state your spiritual reasons why you want to change rites.  At that point they will begin to process the paperwork.
  • You are not converting.  You are simply changing rites.
  • If you are not currently Roman Catholic, you can become a Ukrainian Catholic.  Please contact the priest and he will help you through the process.

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