Welcome to our Eastern Catholicism specialty store.

We are pleased to be able to provide resources to the faithful of the Eastern Catholic churches and to others who are interested in the traditions, practices and theology of the Eastern Catholic churches.

Panagia Mother of God icon

Although it is not commonly known in our Western world, the Catholic Church is actually a communion of Churches. According to the Constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, the Catholic Church is understood to be "a corporate body of Churches," united with the Pope of Rome, who serves as the guardian of unity (LG, no. 23). At present there are 22 Churches that comprise the Catholic Church. The new Code of Canon Law, promulgated by Pope John Paul II, uses the phrase "autonomous ritual Churches" to describe these various Churches (canon 112). Each Church has its own hierarchy, spirituality, customs, and theological perspective.

Because of the particularities of history, there is only one Western Catholic Church, while there are 21 Eastern Catholic Churches. The Western Church, known officially as the Latin Church, is the largest of the Catholic Churches - approximately 94% of Catholics belong to this ritual church. The Latin Church is immediately subject to the Roman Pontiff as Patriarch of the West. The Eastern Catholic Churches are each led by a Patriarch, Major Archbishop, or Metropolitan, who governs their Church together with a synod of bishops. Through the Sacred Congregation for the Eastern Churches, the Roman Pontiff works to assure the health and well-being of the Eastern Catholic Churches.

While this diversity within the one Catholic Church can appear confusing at first, it in no way compromises the Church's unity. In a certain sense, it is a reflection of the mystery of the Trinity. Just as God is three Persons, yet one God, so the Church is 22 Churches, yet one Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us:

"From the beginning, this one Church has been marked by a great diversity which comes from both the variety of God's gifts and the diversity of those who receive them... Holding a rightful place in the communion of the Church there are also particular Churches that retain their own traditions. The great richness of such diversity is not opposed to the Church's unity" (CCC no. 814).

Another way to think about the "diversity in unity" of the Catholic Church is to consider Our Lord's words "In my Father's house there are many mansions."

Although there are 22 Churches, there are only eight "Rites" that are used among them. A Rite is a "liturgical, theological, spiritual and disciplinary patrimony," (Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 28). "Rite" best refers to the liturgical and disciplinary traditions used in celebrating the sacraments. Many Eastern Catholic Churches use the same Rite, although they are distinct autonomous Churches. For instance, the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Melkite Catholic Church are distinct Churches with their own hierarchies but they both use the Byzantine Rite.

At present, our Eastern Catholicism specialty store carries products of interest primarily to Eastern Catholics of the Byzantine Rite. In the future we hope to be able to add more products of

This is a Russian 16th century icon of the Evangelist Mark, who was a disciple of St. Peter, who gave him the direction to become the first preacher of the Gospel and first Bishop of Egypt, later being martyred there by being dragged over cobblestones.

The splendour of Chant in the Eastern Church . . . The most common form in which the Divine Liturgy is celebrated in the Eastern Church is that laid out by St John Chrysostom. While its contents are essentially the same, its form and spiritual climate are very different from those of the Roman liturgy. The believer taking part in these mystical events feels himself transported into another …

This Jesus Icon holy card is imported from Italy and can be personalized with your own message or prayer. Cards come in sheets of eight with a minimum order of three sheets.

Performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and conducted by Paul Hillier

This is a 1672-1673 icon from Moraca Monastery in Montenegro.  St. Luke is shown painting the first icon of the Virgin from life, which she blessed with love.

This elegant brooch depicts the Theotokos (Mother of God with the Infant Jesus).  The faces are surrounded with shiny silver with amethyst crystals around the crowns.  The brooch is bordered with a golden rope design and measures 2in. x 1 1/4in.  This lovely pin makes a wonderful gift for any time of the year. The Vatican Library Collection of Jewelry and Gifts …

The acathist hymn to the Mother of God was first composed in the year 532, and is to the Byzantine Church what the Rosary and the Litanies of the Blessed Mother are to the Latin Rite. The hymn exalts the mystery of the Incarnation: the miraculous maternity and perpetual virginity of Mary cannot be admired without concurrent adoration of the condescension and wisdom of God who enclosed his …

This is a 10th century wall-painting from Hosios Loukas Monastery Church. Joshua, the son of Nun, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He lived 1500 years before Christ. Sizes are approxomate.

This is a modern Greek icon by Monk Michael of Athos.  St. Mary was the first to see the Risen Lord, and the first to announce to Caesar the Resurrection of Christ.  She lived later in Ephesus.

Our Beeswax candles are naturally beautiful and fragrant, and they are also good for your health!  They actually purify the air, whereas paraffin candles (the most common and cheapest type of candles, made from crude oil sludge), actually pollute the air!  We want the products we sell to be a blessing for others, not just a commodity that might even be harmful.  So we offer …

The Byzantine Rite A Short History Robert Taft, S.J. Much has been written regarding the western liturgy; the same cannot be said of the Byzantine liturgy. Father Taft contributes to a remedy of that shortfall through this work. In it he traces the origins of the Byzantine Rite during its period of formation: from its earliest recorded beginnings until the end of Byzantium (1453 c.e.). While …

This is a 16th century Rissian icon of St. Matthew, the son of Alphaeus, and brother of James.  One of the 12 Apostles, he preached and was martyred in Ethiopia.

This is an ancient 5th or 6th century icon from St. Catherine's Monastery at Sinai of the Holy Apostle Peter.  His life shows how God can transform us into instruments of his glory, if we only unreservedly give ourselves to Him in all honesty and humility.  Christ changed his name to Cephas in Aramaic, meaning rock, or Peter (Petros in Latin), for his confession of faith.

This is a print of a modern icon of the Hospitality of Abraham to the Holy Trinity painted by Monk Michael from Mount Athos in Greece in 1989. While Abraham was sittings at the tent door by the Oak of Mamre, the Holy Trinity in the form of three angels appeared to him, and he ran forth to meet them, showing them great hospitality. From this meeting Isaac was promised. Sizes are approximate. …

This icon is part of a modern, vibrant series of icons produced by the Benedictine iconographers of Conception Abbey, one of the largest and oldest Benedictine foundations in the U.S. Proceeds from the sale of these icons go to support both the abbey community of monks and the formation of candidates for the priesthood who are studying at Conception Seminary College. These beautiful …

This is a modern Greek icon of St. Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus of the Four-Days Dead.  One of the Myrrh-Bearers, she was faithful and did not abandon Christ during His Suffering and Death.  After the Lord's Ascension, she traveled preaching the Gospel with her brother and sister.  She is carrying the cross of a martyr.

Our Beeswax candles are naturally beautiful and fragrant, and they are also good for your health!  They actually purify the air, whereas paraffin candles (the most common and cheapest type of candles, made from crude oil sludge), actually pollute the air!  We want the products we sell to be a blessing for others, not just a commodity that might even be harmful.  So we offer …

Christ the Saviour Icon This is a Russian Icon from the 16th century, Moscow School. Christ's Gospel book is opened to the passage "Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgement."

Our Beeswax candles are naturally beautiful and fragrant, and they are also good for your health!  They actually purify the air, whereas paraffin candles (the most common and cheapest type of candles, made from crude oil sludge), actually pollute the air!  We want the products we sell to be a blessing for others, not just a commodity that might even be harmful.  So we offer …

Many Orthodox Christians follow the practice of censing the icons in their homes daily, which combines with prayers to rise like a sweet aroma before the throne of God.  This incense is formulated from the finest imported gums and resins available.  No extra essential oils added for this sweet and lively fragrance. Charcoal and censer required for use.