[RedImmik]

I don't think that sounds odd at all. Most of us are bi-ritual by necessity. I think the concern is with spiritual formation - what we do primarily is one rite (at home prayers) as each cursus of a liturgical tradition was developed so that it trains the Christian who follows it.

So - I'm Western rite normally, but often participate in both Arabo-Byzantine, Helleno-Byzantine, and Slavo-Byzantine worship (and, there is enough difference between those, so that going from Greek to Slavic is surely 'bi-ritual'.) Even more with the Old Rite such as they have in Erie, PA - which is very beautiful.

Otherwise, I think the whole paradigm of the rites being different enough so to require a term 'bi-ritual' is more native to late Roman Catholic thought, and not really part of our Orthodox understanding of worship. An Orthodox Christian simply in the worship of the local church - it is all the Orthodox ritual (whether Chrysostoma, Gregorian, etc.) In the Russian Church, we have had clergy serving multiple rites for the past two centuries - but without the idea that they were 'bi-ritual' (sometimes we say so as a concession to weakness) - a Russian Orthodox priest simply celebrates those rites of the Russian church: whether the New Rite, Old Rite, or Western rite (all have been approved by the Holy Synod.)

Thanks for the reply, especially the last paragraph. It hints at one of my points in my post: it's all Christian anyway.

I have a friend who is always asking, "what's the point?" I think if one is focused on that, the rest will take care of itself.

Yes, missing the forest for the trees is enticing when being handed down such a rich Tradition.

Your friend is right.

What about the ancient wisdom of just adopting the rite particular to where you happen to be worshiping?

A particular rite is the expression of the faith, but the western and eastern rites were happy to co-exist for centuries sharing in the same faith.

Well, that's just it...in the ancient Church, with no phones, internet, etc. regional Christians practicing different rites might not have the access to the practices and devotions of other regions, and limited contact with Christians from other regions, that we do now. As it stands, I can google anything, and probably get it.

Personally, my devotional life is edifying.

And, I happen to be worshiping in the Byzantine rite and the Gregorian Mass. I'm a woman from two worlds at the moment.

Wow...I wasn't even aware that this would be an issue. I'm a total newbie though, I just became a catechumen a couple of weeks ago....our church (Ukrainian) doesn't have a building, so when we can't get the usual room so services are cancelled, I plan on going to an Antiochian church near my parents house. I figured as long as I go to services on Sunday, and follow the prayer rule the priest gave me at home...is there more than this I need to think about?

Also, why does it matter which church you attend? I don't mean hopping aorund all the time so that you don't get to know the people and the priest at one place regularly, but... I mean, if I moved, and the closest church was Greek Orthodox, would it be better for me to drive out to find Ukrainian one instead?

Sorry if I seem very ignorant with my questions.

My prayers for you as you come home to the Church. I get so excited talking to catechumens!

Don't let my frets disturb your peace--it's important to cultivate a relationship with a parish and your parish priest. My "primary" parish family has supported me throughout my journey through their prayers and I'm eternally grateful. With obedience to the prayer rule given to you, you do well.

You are not limited to the jurisdiction you happened to be received into in the Orthodox Church. You might want to get to know who your new Bishop is and the traditions of that particular parish, but that's really about it.

It's not ignorant at all! The more questions, the better.