TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF OUR LIVESTREAMING LITURGIES
April 13, 2021
OUR ARCHEPARCHY IS BLESSED WITH SEVERAL ONLINE RESOURCES: LET US GROW IN FAITH AND GROW STRONGER TOGETHER!
When the pandemic first starting spreading fear and concern across the globe, many Ukrainian Catholic parishes quickly got on board with livestreaming technology (several parishes were already using this in various places around the world). Here in the Archeparchy of Winnipeg, at least ten parishes began offering either livestreaming or posted videos of their services. All of them offer their Sunday Divine Liturgy and some even offer daily liturgies and other prayer services. See the list below and, when you can't attend the liturgy in-person at your home parish, attend 'online' at one of the parishes of our Archeparchy.
We don't want to make the mistake, however, of allowing "web surfing" or "channel hopping" habits to influence our participation in our liturgical life. Our online participation needs to be just that - participation. We want to take part in the service and be fully engaged as we would be 'in-person'. Participation is with mind, body and soul. We may research as to which liturgical service we would like to attend, but when we make the commitment we want to participate fully.
Late last month, Father Rostyslav Pendiuk, the head of the Patriarchal Youth Commission of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, offered this advice regarding how to conduct oneself during an online Liturgy.*
1. Decide, in advance, the time and source (link) of the Liturgy that you will watch.
2. Prepare the room in which you will participate. Clean it. Place an Icon and/or Cross in an appropriate place. Maybe light a candle.
3. Dress appropriately. It doesn't have to be your "Sunday best", but pyjamas or a gym outfit aren't really the most appropriate.
4. Just prior to the appointed time, gather everyone in your household. You might even invite friends, neighbours or relatives join you at the time (to the extent that Covid protocols permit).
5. Conduct yourself exactly as you would in church. Concentrate on that which is happening during the Liturgy. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by other things. Stand and sit as you would in church.
6. Be attentive for the duration of the whole Divine Liturgy.
7. When the Service is over, spend a few minutes in silent prayer and reflection, to thank the Lord.
8. Plan to have a nice family or private Sunday breakfast or brunch after the service!
(* adapted from: The Spiritual Splendour of Lviv )
