On the 21. April 2013 the ITI Centre of Eastern Christian Studies (ECS) visited the parish of Leopoldau, Maria im Elend, Vienna to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and to present the spiritual and liturgical tradition of the Byzantine East. The Divine Liturgy was enthusiastically attended by the whole parish - most of whom were seeing a Byzantine Liturgy for the first time. Father Yosyp Veresh, ECS Director, gave a short presentation about the ITI and the mission of the ECS. In his homily he explained the symbolism of the small and great entrances during the Divine Liturgy. When the Paschal greeting “Khristós Anésti!” (Christ is Risen!) resounded, the whole congregation responded with great enthusiasm in different languages with, “Alithós Anésti!” (Indeed He is Risen!). The Paschal troparion was also sung in various languages and melodies. After the Divine Liturgy the ITI group, which included ITI rector, Msgr. Dr. Larry Hogan, as well as priests, professors and students, was invited to the Pfarrhof Leopoldau for an agape with the parishioners. There they learned that the history of the parish goes back to the year 1489. We would like to express our gratitude to Pfarrer GR Klaus Coolen, osc and to Chaplain Julian Hotico (alumnus of the ITI) for the kind invitation and the wonderfully organized time in the parish of Leopoldau. For more photos see:Heilige Messe im byzantinischen Ritus