Credo Series
I believe in One Lord
Nourished by the Hand of Christ in the Sacred Eucharist
THE MYSTERY OF HOLY COMMUNION
WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION?
Holy Communion is what we described in Holy Baptism as living in the fullness of Christ by allowing Him to nourish us with the spiritual gifts; that of giving himself to us as nourishment for our earthly journey towards Him via the consecrated bread and wine which unites us in Him and makes us Church; the Communion of Saints! (Eph 2: 17-22)
WHERE ARE THE GIFTS ADMINISTERED?
The gifts are given to the People of God by the presbyters and assisting deacons from the ambo (on the steps of the iconostasis of the church); here the faithful gather in line to become what they receive; Christ! Thus, becoming bread broken for others in need, wine outpoured for those who thirst in the deserts of doubt and temptation.
WHO CAN RECEIVE THE GIFTS?
Traditionally, only those who are members, or in this case in full Communion (Baptized) with and in the Orthodox Church may approach the Life Giving Mysteries! Yet, all who truly believe and desire to be united to Christ and His Church may approach and be nourished. For when one professes Christ, they also join themselves to the community of faith they embraced in Baptism under the pastoral guidance of the presbyters, and deacons, who receive authority to form the People of God from the successors of the Apostles; the Bishops!
WHEN ARE THE GIFTS ADMINISTERED?
Towards the end of the Divine Liturgy, after the clergy have communed; the gifts are administered to the People of God! The Reserved Sacrament (that which has been placed aside for the sick) may be administered to these at the discretion of the presbyter.
WHY MUST WE DRAW TO HOLY COMMUNION?
We all know when our body is telling us that we are hungry or thirsty, thus without hesitation we recourse to the fridge. Likewise the soul too needs its dose of nourishment which now days is unfortunately neglected and even impeded by erroneous doctrines. Hence, full membership as mentioned before must be maintained by constant participation. Thus, the faithful are invited by the Lord to honor the Sabbath by drawing to His table and being nourished by His life giving Mysteries; “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you will not have life within you!” (Jn 6: 48-51)
HOW MUST WE RECEIVE THE GIFTS?
When we pile food on our plate we do so with the hope of the plate being clean in order to avoid contagion. Likewise when we draw near to this Awesome Mystery, we must be aware of our own spiritual disposition and receive the Lord into our inner being in the fervent hope of our Salvation. Thus we come in faith with hands crossed overlapped touching our shoulders in order not to interfere with the administration of the Mystery. Hence, we identify ourselves by stating our name, our church if not a parishioner of that church and open wide our mouth, consume, allow our lips to be wiped, kiss the bottom of the chalice and move on towards the prosphora table; a place where blessed bread and wine are offered to refresh the palate after communing! (Also given to non - orthodox who can’t be communed -as a sign of love and care)