Questions
Greetings
I have noticed that when Ukrainian Greek Catholics greet one another they often do not say "hi, how are you doing?". Often they say something else, what is this all about, and what are they saying?
Every group and culture has its own set of greetings, salutations and good-byes. Often, we can identify someone by these greetings and salutations. For example, if someone were to greet you with, say, "Live long and prosper", you would know immediately where they're from! And so it goes with Ukrainian Catholics, and indeed, many Christians and Christian groups. Again, by way of example, if someone greets you with "Vivat Jesus" (Jesus lives) they are likely a member of the Knights of Columbus. And so it goes with Ukrainian Catholics too. "Greetings and Salutations" below outlines our more common greetings and when they are used. At the end of a letter, or email, we often say 'good-bye' with the expression, z Bohom - with God.
Greetings and Salutations.pdfWhy do you use an Orthodox Cross in your Church?
The three bar Cross, sometimes referred to as an Orthodox Cross, is a common style of Cross throughout Christianity, especially among the Eastern Churches. The top bar represents the inscription board that Pilate had fixed to the Cross of Christ. The middle bar our Saviour’s hands were nailed to, and the bottom bar is the footrest upon which His feet were nailed. This style of Cross in addition to having three bars also has ‘eight ends.’ Eight is a number that appears often in our Ukrainian Catholic Liturgy as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ at each Liturgy, for, Christ rose from the dead on the eighth day of the week: “The eighth day. But for us a new day has dawned: the day of Christ's Resurrection. The seventh day completes the first creation. The eighth day begins the new creation. Thus, the work of creation culminates in the greater work of redemption. The first creation finds its meaning and its summit in the new creation in Christ, the splendor of which surpasses that of the first creation.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 349)
There are truly many forms and styles of the Cross of our Lord. Each reflects a particular aspect for our faith and spiritual traditions. The “Tree of Life” Cross is also a popular style of Cross in our Kyivan Christian tradition. In this style of Cross the footrest is not shown, rather, the Cross is rooted in the Vine: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower ... I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15.1, 5)
Below “The 3-barred Cross” prepared by the Archpriest, Very Reverend Stephen Wojcichowsky, for Edmonton Catholic Schools offers an excellent overview.
Three Bar Cross.pdf