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

An outstanding translation of the Sacred Scriptures produced by the Dominican School of the Bible in Jerusalem ( Ecole Biblique de Jerusalem), a Pontifical institution recognized for it's excellent scholarship and archaeological work over many decades.

This beautiful Russian Wall Crucifix was painted in the mid 1700's, and shows the Lord on the Cross after His side was opened and His blood and water flowed out.  On the right and left of the Cross stand the Mother of God and St. John, His beloved disciple.  The Cross stands on Golgotha, the place of Adam's skull, with angels flying overhead, looking down in wonder. The warm red and …

This is a Byzantine Greek style icon written in 1987 of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." - from the Byzantine Liturgy of St. John Chyrsostom.

This is a modern Greek icon of the Archangel Gabriel whose name means "Man of God" in Hebrew.  He always helps, informs, and guides God's people.

This beautiful icon of the magnificent Guardian Angel holding a cross and sword measures 3 in. x 4 in. The icon is on wood.   Sizes are approximate.

This is a modern Greek icon of the Archangel Michael by Monk Michael of Athos.

This icon of the Holy Trinity on wood measures 3  in. x 4 in. Color may vary for larger icons.

This 14th c. Byzantine icon, now in the Athens Byzantine Museum, is of the Holy Archangel Michael, who is the captain and the leader of the whole angelic host. Sizes are approximate.

This St. Raphael icon measures approximately 6in. x 3in.

Who is Mary for us today? Pope John Paul II explored this question in a series of general audiences talks given from 1995 to 1997. Collected in this volume, these catechesis form an easy-to-follow course in Marian doctrine and devotion. Basing his thought on the Council's lead, the Pope places Mary in a scriptural and ecclesial context. The humble Virgin of Nazareth appears as she really was - …

This striking icon of the Theotokos blessing was painted by Monk Michael from Karyes on Mount Athos in 1989. The Virgin is shown cradling her Son as He reaches up to touch her face with His blessed hand. On her forehead and shoulders are three stars to symbolize her virginity before, during, and after child-bearing. Sizes are approximate.

Estonian Pilharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier The period from 1880 to 1917 marked a renaissance in Russian choral music.  Previously, Russian choral music had been dominated by German and Italian influences.  Now composers returned to old Russian chant as the source for their works, thus creating a thoroughly Russian choral style.  Although Sergei Rachmaninov wrote only a few …

This icon depicts the Apostles gathered to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost just 50 days after the Resurrection.  Over each Apostle is a tongue of fire.

Christ seeks the lost sheep even if He must leave his flock and go out to find what has wandered away from the others in His fold.  We too are lost and have wandered from the safety of the enclosure of God's Holy Commandments,  especially to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourself.  In this modern Greek icon, we see the Lord Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, who …

Mary Mother Of God - Her Life in Icons and Scripture Giovanna Parravicini Rare and precious Oriental icons, some created in mosaics, are arranged to tell the story of Mary. The accompanying text offers comments and explanations of the images and their symbols. A life of Mary as presented in the writings of the great fathers of the Eastern Church and in the liturgical rites of the …

Panagia - Formidable Protection - Icon This is a copy of a Nizhni-Novgordo icon of the Mother of God (Panagia - or All Holy) that settled in 1654 at a monastery named after her.

This beautiful icon of Christ was painted in 1992 by Father Andrei from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York. The icons are done in egg-tempera and blend the Russian and Byzantine iconography, proving that the ancient art of traditional iconography is certainly alive and well to the present day. 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 …

Washing the Discples Feet - Paschal Icon This Greek icon shows Our Savior and Lord ever so humble, washing carefully and lovingly His own disciples feet.

A great treasure of Russia, this famous and beloved icon is attributed to St. Luke, who it is said painted it on a board from the table on which the Virgin, her Son, St. Joseph the Betrothed and his children would take their meals.  Taken in 450 to Constantinople, then to Kiev in the early 12th c., she came to Vladimir in 1155.  Repainted several times, only the faces remain original.