by Brent Kostyniuk
“I’ve looked at life from both sides now…” I’m sure Joni Mitchell’s words mean something different to just about everyone who hears them. Over the past several months, they have taken on a special new meaning for me, as I reflect on St. John Paul II’s famous exhortation that the Church needs to breathe through both lungs – East and West.
For the past five years, this column has used the saint’s words as a focus in attempting to spread knowledge and appreciation of Eastern theology and spirituality to those from the Christian West. Often, the theme was based on a specific incident. On one occasion, the sacraments of initiation were discussed, in response to a query from a Latin Catholic over whether or not my ten year old daughter could be a godparent. The point to be made was that in the East, children receive the three sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Christmation (Confirmation) and Holy Eucharist – at birth, making them full members of the Church. Another column sought to correct the mistaken notion that Eastern Christians somehow do not accept the Trinity, something which is utterly incorrect. The idea was dispelled with numerous examples of Trinitarian based prayers found in the Divine Liturgy, as well as in the form of the sign of the cross.
Sometimes, the lack of knowledge of the East borders is surprising. In a conversation this week, I learned of a parish secretary who refused to believe the Ukrainian Catholic Church was, indeed, an integral part of the universal Catholic Church. At times like that, I realize a lot of work still needs to be done.
However, there is also a great deal which is very positive.
In my current “day job” I have had the opportunity to work with teachers, administrators, and Latin Church priests from across Alberta. It has given me the opportunity to see inside the Latin Church – to see things “from both sides.” On the most basic level my task has been to simply make sure they are aware of the existence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, along with other Eastern Catholic Churches which now have parishes in the province. The next step is instilling in them the appreciation that, although we all belong to the same Catholic Church, our theological and ecclesiastical heritages are different. We are the same, just different! I dealt with this theme in the recent “You Say Potato” Both Lungs column.
To my great delight and surprise, I have found not only a genuine desire to learn more about the East, but invariably those people I have been working with are very understanding of the need to preserve the traditions of both East and West. Moreover, many teachers and administrators have taken it upon themselves to acquire a commendable awareness of the East. Even more, they are sharing that knowledge with their students.
At a recent meeting, I arrived planning to explain the Eastern tradition for the sacraments of initiation. However, I soon discovered that those present were already well aware of them, and had, in fact, implemented plans for assisting Ukrainian Catholic children in maintaining their own spiritual heritage. They had taken pains to ensure any Ukrainian Catholic children were involved in religion programs, yet were encouraged, to understand they were different and needed to receive guidance from their own pastors or catechists. Above all, I have been warmly welcomed as a fellow Catholic, albeit one who does things a little differently.
Similarly, I was asked to do a presentation on Byzantine Traditions a school district faith formation day. The 25 teachers and support staff seemed genuinely interested in learning about the East. Many took notes; many questions were asked. After the presentation, we gathered in the parish church for a moleben – prayer service. As with any other Byzantine liturgy, it is normally sung. Given the choice, the group opted to stick with that tradition, and even decided to take the time to learn the melodies used in the responses. They wanted the complete experience!
For my part, I have come to understand a bit more about the Western tradition. I confess that it still seems very foreign to me, but I’m sure the same can be said for those from the West when they first experience the East. From the witness of those people I have met, I have come to appreciate there is deep faith in the West, even if it is expressed in a way which is unfamiliar to me.
The point is that more than ever, I realize the wisdom of St. John Paul’s words. The Church must truly breathe through Both Lungs. We can learn from each other and grow from that experience.
This piece first appeared in The Prairie Messenger. Reprinted with permission.
