"We believe that the venerable and ancient tradition of the Eastern Churches is an integral part of the heritage of Christ's Church, the first need for Catholics is to be familiar with that tradition..."
- Pope John Paul II, Orientale Lumen, "Light of the East" (1995)


Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church is located in Springfield, Oregon. Click here for a map to Nativity parish. Nativity is an Eastern Catholic Church, one of three Eastern Catholic Churches located in Western Oregon.

There are twenty-two distinct Churches which together form the Catholic Church: the Western or "Latin" Church, which nearly all Americans are familiar with, and the Eastern Churches, of which there are a total of twenty-one. The Ukrainian Catholic Church is the largest of these Eastern Churches.

• More about the Eastern Catholic Churches
• History of the Ukrainian Catholic Church
• The story of Nativity parish
• A Family Chart of the Catholic Rites

John Paul II has written a great deal about the richness and beauty of the Eastern Catholic (and Orthodox) tradition. Here are some of his thoughts and reflections on Eastern Christianity.

Thinking of visiting Nativity parish? Here is more information that may help you in your first visit.

Nativity parish is part of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas, which is based in Chicago and consists of the entire western United States.

• Eastern Catholic Churches • Ukrainian Catholic Church • History of Nativity • Visiting Nativity parish? • Catholic Chart of Rites • Eparchy of St. Nicholas