Baptism | Chrismation | Eucharist | Confession | Unction | Marriage | Priesthood

Eucharist

"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him" (John 6:56)

The Sacrament of Eucharist is the ceremony by which, under the form of bread and wine, Christians partake of the real Body and Blood of Christ. This Sacrament was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-28)

The Lord commanded His Disciples to “do this in remembrance” of Him (Luke 22: 19). According to the Gospel of John in chapter 6, the Lord identified Himself with the “bread of life” sent by the Father to save the world and stressed the importance of this “food from heavens”:

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. (John 6:51; 55-56)

Although the Eucharistic ceremony has a commemorative aspect (cf. Lk. 22:19), the elements involved, the bread and wine, are realistically transformed during the service of the Divine Liturgy into the real but invisible Body and Blood of Christ. That is why the Orthodox Church believes that the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist is not just a “commemorative” dinner in remembrance of the Last Supper and Christ’s redemptive act on the Cross but also has a sacrificial and realistic character. It is the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving offered up to God, by the Church, in Christ, on behalf of the whole creation. Christ gives Himself as sacrifice and is in the same time the real Officiator of the entire Eucharistic ceremony. The Holy Communion subsequently becomes spiritual food for those who receive it uniting them to Christ and cleansing their sins.

The visible officiator of this Sacrament is the bishop or the priest, assisted by deacons.

The Orthodox Church admits to Communion only its members who are in good standing and are properly prepared to receive it. Why just the members? The Orthodox Church has a unique understanding of what unity means. Since the Eucharistic Sacrifice is offered by the Church to God on behalf of its members, there is no question of why would not be offered to outsiders like you offer a meal to your neighbor in the name of hospitality and good manners. For us, partaking from the same chalice is the sign of unity among members and not the other way around. That is why concepts like “inter-communion” and “Eucharistic Hospitality” are alien to the Orthodox Theology of the Eucharist.

As part of a recent Eucharistic revival, more people become informed of the real character of this ceremony and its importance for the Christian lifestyle. Liturgy is not just a social gathering but rather it is an act of communal worship meant to transform our lives and bring us closer to God. Taking communion is not just a personal matter but rather a sign of unity of the Body of Christ, since we all partake from one chalice. Finally, since it is a sacrificial offering and in order to complete this act of worship, it is our duty as Christians to participate in the Divine Liturgy and take communion.

Click here for the Service of the Divine Liturgy during which the Holy Eucharist is celebrated.