RICHMOND – The Rev. Robert A. (Basil) Parent will celebrate the Byzantine Eucharistic Divine Liturgy at St. Ambrose Church, 27 Kimball St., junction of Hawthorne and Kimball streets, at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Stephen McGrath, a deacon candidate for the Melkite Greek-Catholic (Byzantine) Church, will lead the chanting of the Divine Liturgy.

Parent is Byzantine Greek-Catholic priest of the Diocese of Newton, Mass., for the Melkite Greek-Catholic Church. He was born and raised in Lewiston and was ordained in 1986 for the Melkite Greek-Catholic Diocese of the United States. He has served Melkite parishes in Central Falls, R.I.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Scranton, Pa.; and Danbury, Conn.

The Melkite Greek-Catholic Church is one of the numerous eastern churches of different rites in communion with Rome. It follows the Byzantine Rite, the second largest rite in the church.

The Melkite Church is governed by His Beatitude Gregory, Patriarch of Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem and all the East, successor of St. Peter on the throne of Antioch where the followers of Christ were first called “Christians.”

The Melkites, as they are called, came to the United States over a century ago from their native countries in the Middle East. Their churches are scattered throughout the United States and form one Eparchy or Diocese governed by His Grace Bishop Cyril Boutros.

All are invited to attend the divine liturgy and learn how Byzantine Christians celebrate their faith. Discussion with questions and answers will follow the liturgy for those interested.

Anyone interested in the Byzantine churches or anyone who is a member of any of the Eastern churches and is interested in future services is invited to see Parent after the liturgy or contact him at 375-6581.