154 Gold Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 GrandRapidsUGCC@gmail.com 773-969-1181

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 


I'm Roman Catholic, can I take Holy Communion here?

Yes, any Catholic, Roman or otherwise, can receive Holy Communion at any Catholic church. In our Church, we give Communion from a spoon directly into the mouths of the communicants. Please tilt your head far back and do not stick out your tongue.

Does attending a Divine Liturgy satisfy my Sunday obligation.

Yes, it does.

Is your worship the same as Mass?

Mass comes from the latin closing of the Western liturgy, "Ita missa est." Mass is a strictly Western term. Our worship is called the Divine Liturgy according to either St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil, depending on the time of year. Our liturgy will seem pretty different, but you will recognize similarities.

What is the Divine Liturgy like?

Divine Liturgy is our participation in the continuing worship offered to God in Heaven, depicted in Isaiah and Revelation, therefore we offer to God our hearts in both song and action. The Liturgy is sung throughout, and the Church is oriented to represent Heaven and Earth. One of the most notable differences between East and West, is the presence of the iconostas, or icon screen, separating the altar area from the rest of the church. The iconostas always bears the image of Our Lord and his Mother, as well as the patron saint of the church, and typically St. Nicholas.

I'm not Catholic, how do I join?

You will want to speak with one of the clergy after Liturgy. Initiation into the Christian Church is done by Baptism, Chrismation, and by receiving Holy Communion for the first time.

Didn't see your question?

Go to the Contact Us page, and send us your question. One of the clergy will get back to you shortly.