The invention relates to a hybrid reverse flow catalytic apparatus having two reaction zones: a homogeneous reaction zone in porous ceramic and a heterogeneous reaction zone with catalyst, arranged in two different catalyst beds. A first catalytic bed located in a central region of the reactor is provided with a low activity catalyst and a second catalyst bed located in a peripheral region of the reactor is provided with a high activity catalyst. The provision of two catalyst beds containing different catalysts reduces the effect of radial temperature gradients in the reactor and improves the overall efficiency of the reactor. The invention also relates to method of performing catalytic and thermochemical reactions in said apparatus.