Catholic Activity: Epiphany Mass in an Eastern Rite

The Eastern Rite churches really emphasize Christ's divinity that was manifested on the feast of Epiphany. Elsa Chaney suggests attending a Mass to see the richness of their liturgy. Note that this implies only Churches that are in accord with our Holy Father, not Orthodox Churches that have broken ties with Rome.

DIRECTIONS

Seeing in Epiphany the climax of the Christmas season should come quite naturally to the members of an apostolic group. The arrival of the three Magi has since early times symbolized the conversion of the entire world to Christ. The rich liturgy of the feast suggests more than one possibility for a meaningful celebration in an apostolic center, or in a parish or home where members of an apostolic group may meet together. But every practical application must spring from meditation and from renewed contact with the mystery of the manifestation of Christ's divinity.

One way for gaining fresh insight into Christ's divine and royal prerogatives is to attend, either on the feast or within the octave, a celebration of the liturgy in an Eastern rite. Attendance at Mass in an Eastern rite should be preceded by study of the Eastern origins of our own Epiphany liturgy and the mentality underlying it. Further study of the separated Eastern churches would make a full and interesting day for an apostolic group — a day which could have a missionary orientation.

Activity Source: Twelve Days of Christmas, The by Elsa Chaney, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, 1955