Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/media/2026/09/why-veil-statues.mp4
Source: https://www.odwphiladelphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Veiling-of-Images-and-Crosses.pdf
Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/media/2026/09/why-veil-statues.mp4
Source: https://www.odwphiladelphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Veiling-of-Images-and-Crosses.pdf
Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/files/2024/11/palm.mp4
Source: Catholic Answers. (2019). Palm Sunday. Catholic Answers. Retrieved from https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/palm-sunday
Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/files/2023/07/What-is-Passiontide_-for-kids.mp4
Source: CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Passiontide. (2023, July 06). Retrieved from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11535b.htm
Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/files/2023/07/What-is-Laetare-Sunday_-for-kids.mp4
Source: CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Laetare Sunday. (2023, July 06). Retrieved from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08737c.htm
Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/files/2024/11/penance2.mp4
Source: Chapter 18. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. (2020, July 31). Retrieved from https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/uscca/files/assets/basic-html/page-271.html
Download: https://kids.sdcason.com/content/files/2023/07/What-are-Penance-and-Mortification_.mp4
Source: Chapter 18. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. (2020, July 31). Retrieved from https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/uscca/files/assets/basic-html/page-271.html
Where does the word “Byzantine” come from?
Why: The city was “naturally called Byzantion” after Byzas, its founder.
Byzantium was renamed ____, after Emperor Constantine.
Answer: Constantinople
Why: Constantine made it his capital, and the city took his name: Constantinople.
“Byzantine” is a way of praying that many different peoples share.
Why: True! Greeks, Slavs, Arabs and others pray the Byzantine liturgy, which spread from Constantinople.
What did Byzantine Catholics keep?
Why: They kept their Byzantine way of praying and stayed in communion with the Church of Rome.
Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox Christians pray the same Byzantine liturgy.
Why: True! The difference is unity with the Pope. The Catechism says our communion “lacks little to attain the fullness” (CCC 838).
Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul...what do these 3 names have in common? Well, these are all names of one city, and the word Byzantine comes from this city. Not only that, but Byzantine Rite Catholics get their traditions from here too. Let’s explore more with this lesson. I’m your host, Shalone Cason, and let’s begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A city named for Byzas
A long time ago, a leader named Byzas founded a city, and it took his name.
“Byzas, after whom the city was naturally called Byzantion” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “Constantinople”)
Byzantion, or Byzantium, was a Greek city on a narrow strait where Europe meets Asia. It was the city of Byzas. So when we say “Byzantine,” we mean “from Byzantium.”
Constantine’s new capital
Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor, chose Byzantium for his new capital.
“the solemn inauguration of the new city did not occur until 11 May, 330” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “Constantinople”)
Constantine gave the city a new name: Constantinople, which means the city of Constantine! It was also called a “New Rome.” Its great church was Hagia Sophia, which means Holy Wisdom. So Byzantium became Constantinople.
A way of praying that spread
The way Constantinople prayed spread far beyond the city. The Byzantine Rite was...
“by far the most widely spread in the world.” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”)
This means that this way of praying spread all over. Missionaries carried the Gospel from Constantinople to many peoples, like the Slavs in Kyiv. Greeks, Slavs, Arabs, and others all prayed this same way. So “Byzantine” means a way of praying!
Still with the Pope
A Byzantine catechism tells how the Church of Kyiv stayed close to the Church of Rome. Kyiv
“remained in communion with the Church of Rome” (Christ – Our Pascha 307)
Over the years, Rome and Constantinople drifted apart. But the Church of Kyiv kept its Byzantine prayers and stayed united with Rome. Byzantine Catholics get their history and traditions from Constantinople and Kyiv.
Close to the Orthodox
The Catechism says Catholics and the Orthodox are very close. The Orthodox community...
“lacks little to attain the fullness” (Catechism 838)
This means that it wouldn’t take much for our churches, Catholic and Orthodox, to reunite. That’s because Orthodox Christians pray the same Byzantine liturgy, with the same icons and feasts. The difference is unity with the Pope. Even though we are so close, it will be hard for everyone to agree, soWe pray that one day we’ll all be together again!
So what does Byzantine mean? It was the name of a city that became Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire. It also became the name of the way people from that city prayed, and even though Orthodox and eastern catholics both share the Byzantine tradition, only the Eastern Catholics are in full communion with the Pope. Thanks for learning with us, and until next time, stay holy my friend
Every pixel drawing in this video is drawn by hand by Shalone Cason.
Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.
“It was in ____ that the disciples were first called Christians.”
Answer: Antioch
Why: Acts 11:26. Christians got their name in the city of Antioch.
Byzantine worship grew from the way Christians prayed in Antioch.
Why: True! The Catholic Encyclopedia says it “is derived from that of Antioch.”
What do Byzantine Catholics and Roman Catholics share?
Why: We share one faith and the same seven sacraments. We just pray in different ways (CCC 1202).
The Catholic Church is only the Roman, or Latin, Church.
Why: False! The Catholic Church is a family of Churches, Eastern and Western (Christ – Our Pascha 285).
Who are all the Catholic Churches united with?
Why: All the Catholic Churches are united with the Pope, “the successor of the apostle Peter” (Christ – Our Pascha 291).
Some Catholics pray with icons and receive communion with a spoon, but why do they do this, and who are they? Well, let’s get a quick introduction to Byzantine Rite Catholics with this lesson. I’m your host, Shalone Cason, and as always, we’ll begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
It started in Antioch
Long ago, Jesus’s followers spread the Good News to a big city called Antioch.
“it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26)
That’s where Christians got their name! Saint Peter and Saint Paul both lived there for a while, and the way Antioch prayed is where our story begins.
Its prayers came from Antioch
An old Catholic encyclopedia tells us where Byzantine worship comes from.
“It is derived from that of Antioch.” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”)
It grew from the way Antioch prayed, then grew up in a great city called Constantinople. Its old name was Byzantium, and that’s where the word Byzantine comes from!
One faith, many ways to pray
The Catechism tells us why Catholics pray in different ways.
“Churches of the same geographical and cultural area came to celebrate the mystery of Christ through particular expressions characterized by the culture” (Catechism 1202)
Byzantine and Roman Catholics believe the same things and share the same seven sacraments. We just pray differently: Byzantine churches are full of icons, and the whole Liturgy is sung!
A big Church family
A Byzantine catechism tells us how the Catholic Church is put together.
“It is in these, and formed out of them, that the one and unique Catholic Church exists.” (Christ – Our Pascha 285)
The Catholic Church is a big family of Churches, each with its own bishops. The Latin Church is the biggest. The Ruthenian, Ukrainian and Melkite Churches are Byzantine. Together, they’re one Church!
Together with the Pope
What makes all these Churches Catholic? The same catechism tells us.
“The first among self-governing Churches is the Church of Rome, because its presider is the Pope of Rome, the successor of the apostle Peter.” (Christ – Our Pascha 291)
The Pope takes Saint Peter’s place, and all these Churches are united with him. So Byzantine and Roman Catholics can receive Communion in each other’s churches!
And that’s the Byzantine Rite in a nutshell. It’s a form of prayer started in Antioch, and it is one of the many ways that Catholics can pray while still being one church in communion with the Pope! Thanks for learning with me, and until next time, stay holy, my friend.
Every pixel drawing in this video is drawn by hand by Shalone Cason.
Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.
Chicago
c) The Augustinians.
b) Peru.
b) Canon Law. That's the study of the Church's laws.
False. He is the first.
True
False. No phones, computers, or internet is allowed.
False. Cardinals come from all over the world.
c) Over two years. It was for the election of Pope Gregory X.
79 / seventy-nine
True
False. He was a Jesuit.
b) 12 years. He was pope from 2013 to 2025.
Where does the word “Byzantine” come from?
Why: The city was “naturally called Byzantion” after Byzas, its founder.
Byzantium was renamed ____, after Emperor Constantine.
Answer: Constantinople
Why: Constantine made it his capital, and the city took his name: Constantinople.
“Byzantine” is a way of praying that many different peoples share.
Why: True! Greeks, Slavs, Arabs and others pray the Byzantine liturgy, which spread from Constantinople.
What did Byzantine Catholics keep?
Why: They kept their Byzantine way of praying and stayed in communion with the Church of Rome.
Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox Christians pray the same Byzantine liturgy.
Why: True! The difference is unity with the Pope. The Catechism says our communion “lacks little to attain the fullness” (CCC 838).
Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul...what do these 3 names have in common? Well, these are all names of one city, and the word Byzantine comes from this city. Not only that, but Byzantine Rite Catholics get their traditions from here too. Let’s explore more with this lesson. I’m your host, Shalone Cason, and let’s begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A city named for Byzas
A long time ago, a leader named Byzas founded a city, and it took his name.
“Byzas, after whom the city was naturally called Byzantion” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “Constantinople”)
Byzantion, or Byzantium, was a Greek city on a narrow strait where Europe meets Asia. It was the city of Byzas. So when we say “Byzantine,” we mean “from Byzantium.”
Constantine’s new capital
Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor, chose Byzantium for his new capital.
“the solemn inauguration of the new city did not occur until 11 May, 330” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “Constantinople”)
Constantine gave the city a new name: Constantinople, which means the city of Constantine! It was also called a “New Rome.” Its great church was Hagia Sophia, which means Holy Wisdom. So Byzantium became Constantinople.
A way of praying that spread
The way Constantinople prayed spread far beyond the city. The Byzantine Rite was...
“by far the most widely spread in the world.” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”)
This means that this way of praying spread all over. Missionaries carried the Gospel from Constantinople to many peoples, like the Slavs in Kyiv. Greeks, Slavs, Arabs, and others all prayed this same way. So “Byzantine” means a way of praying!
Still with the Pope
A Byzantine catechism tells how the Church of Kyiv stayed close to the Church of Rome. Kyiv
“remained in communion with the Church of Rome” (Christ – Our Pascha 307)
Over the years, Rome and Constantinople drifted apart. But the Church of Kyiv kept its Byzantine prayers and stayed united with Rome. Byzantine Catholics get their history and traditions from Constantinople and Kyiv.
Close to the Orthodox
The Catechism says Catholics and the Orthodox are very close. The Orthodox community...
“lacks little to attain the fullness” (Catechism 838)
This means that it wouldn’t take much for our churches, Catholic and Orthodox, to reunite. That’s because Orthodox Christians pray the same Byzantine liturgy, with the same icons and feasts. The difference is unity with the Pope. Even though we are so close, it will be hard for everyone to agree, soWe pray that one day we’ll all be together again!
So what does Byzantine mean? It was the name of a city that became Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire. It also became the name of the way people from that city prayed, and even though Orthodox and eastern catholics both share the Byzantine tradition, only the Eastern Catholics are in full communion with the Pope. Thanks for learning with us, and until next time, stay holy my friend
Every pixel drawing in this video is drawn by hand by Shalone Cason.
Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.
“It was in ____ that the disciples were first called Christians.”
Answer: Antioch
Why: Acts 11:26. Christians got their name in the city of Antioch.
Byzantine worship grew from the way Christians prayed in Antioch.
Why: True! The Catholic Encyclopedia says it “is derived from that of Antioch.”
What do Byzantine Catholics and Roman Catholics share?
Why: We share one faith and the same seven sacraments. We just pray in different ways (CCC 1202).
The Catholic Church is only the Roman, or Latin, Church.
Why: False! The Catholic Church is a family of Churches, Eastern and Western (Christ – Our Pascha 285).
Who are all the Catholic Churches united with?
Why: All the Catholic Churches are united with the Pope, “the successor of the apostle Peter” (Christ – Our Pascha 291).
Some Catholics pray with icons and receive communion with a spoon, but why do they do this, and who are they? Well, let’s get a quick introduction to Byzantine Rite Catholics with this lesson. I’m your host, Shalone Cason, and as always, we’ll begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
It started in Antioch
Long ago, Jesus’s followers spread the Good News to a big city called Antioch.
“it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26)
That’s where Christians got their name! Saint Peter and Saint Paul both lived there for a while, and the way Antioch prayed is where our story begins.
Its prayers came from Antioch
An old Catholic encyclopedia tells us where Byzantine worship comes from.
“It is derived from that of Antioch.” (Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”)
It grew from the way Antioch prayed, then grew up in a great city called Constantinople. Its old name was Byzantium, and that’s where the word Byzantine comes from!
One faith, many ways to pray
The Catechism tells us why Catholics pray in different ways.
“Churches of the same geographical and cultural area came to celebrate the mystery of Christ through particular expressions characterized by the culture” (Catechism 1202)
Byzantine and Roman Catholics believe the same things and share the same seven sacraments. We just pray differently: Byzantine churches are full of icons, and the whole Liturgy is sung!
A big Church family
A Byzantine catechism tells us how the Catholic Church is put together.
“It is in these, and formed out of them, that the one and unique Catholic Church exists.” (Christ – Our Pascha 285)
The Catholic Church is a big family of Churches, each with its own bishops. The Latin Church is the biggest. The Ruthenian, Ukrainian and Melkite Churches are Byzantine. Together, they’re one Church!
Together with the Pope
What makes all these Churches Catholic? The same catechism tells us.
“The first among self-governing Churches is the Church of Rome, because its presider is the Pope of Rome, the successor of the apostle Peter.” (Christ – Our Pascha 291)
The Pope takes Saint Peter’s place, and all these Churches are united with him. So Byzantine and Roman Catholics can receive Communion in each other’s churches!
And that’s the Byzantine Rite in a nutshell. It’s a form of prayer started in Antioch, and it is one of the many ways that Catholics can pray while still being one church in communion with the Pope! Thanks for learning with me, and until next time, stay holy, my friend.
Every pixel drawing in this video is drawn by hand by Shalone Cason.
Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.
CHORUS
The priest says this is my body, this is my blood,
When it's time for communion.
And Jesus said, "This is my body. This is my blood,"
And that's holy communion.
The last supper was the first Holy Communion.
At Liturgy, we celebrate Holy Communion.
Jesus said Remember Him in Holy Communion.
Jesus takes bread and wine and makes Holy Communion.
CHORUS
Every child of God should take their first Holy Communion.
Go to Liturgy and celebrate Holy Communion.
If you want to honor Christ, partake in Holy Communion.
If you want eternal life, you will receive Holy Communion.
CHORUS
What did we achieve in 2025?
We have not collected any donations at this time. However, we need your assistance to break even on hosting and computer equipment. It is our goal to make full 3D animated videos for each new song and lesson we create in 2026. The computing power required for these videos is very expensive. We will not be using AI to create these videos; therefore, it is very time-consuming as well.
And may God bless you and your family!
Sincerely,
Shalone Cason
Chords: I, IV, iii, ii
Jesus is the Son of God.
That's why we call Jesus, Lord!
Peter and the Apostles,
They all called Jesus, Lord.
In the Divine Liturgy,
We call on Jesus the Lord.
Lord have mercy!
Lord have mercy!
