This is the largest of the Eastern Catholic Rites, numbering 5 million souls. The rite is situated in Ukraine and Belarus, the countries much loved by the Mother of God, which together with Greater Russia will be consecrated to Her Immaculate Heart and become totally Catholic. The popes have given the apostolate of the conversion of Russia to the Ruthenians.
Immediately after the Consecration the priest crossing his hands makes a sign of the Cross above the altar with the Sacred Species singing:
"Thine of Thy own we offer to Thee in behalf of all and for all."
On the altar can be seen: the tabernacle, (the Ruthenians shape their tabernacles like little Eastern churces); the Evangelium or Gospel; the star (which covers the patern and represents Bethlehem); the Communion spoon for distributing Holy Communion to the Faithful, and the hand-cross for kissing.
