The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
78 writings in The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments). Clear
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is the Orthodox understanding of Real Presence?
When we say the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, we mean it. Not symbolically. Not spiritually in some vague sense.…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why do Orthodox use leavened bread?
We use leavened bread because it shows us something true about Christ and His Kingdom. The leaven itself matters. Walk into any Orthodox church on…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What kind of wine is used in Communion?
We use real wine, usually red. It’s fermented grape wine mixed with a little water, and it becomes the Blood of Christ. But if you’re…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why do Orthodox receive Communion with a spoon?
We receive Communion with a spoon because it’s the safest, most reverent way to give people both the Body and Blood of Christ together without…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why do Orthodox give Communion to infants?
We commune infants because they’re full members of the Church. Baptism makes them Christians, chrismation seals them with the Holy Spirit, and the Eucharist gives…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Who can receive Communion in an Orthodox church?
Only baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians in good standing may receive Holy Communion at St. Michael’s. This is because of what we believe the Eucharist…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why can’t non-Orthodox receive Communion?
We don’t allow non-Orthodox Christians to receive Communion because the Eucharist isn’t just a symbol of unity, it’s the expression of an already-existing unity in…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is closed Communion?
The Orthodox Church reserves Holy Communion for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who’ve prepared themselves through fasting, prayer, and confession. That’s closed Communion. The reason…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
How do I prepare to receive Communion?
You can’t receive Holy Communion unless you’re a baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. That’s the first thing to know.…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is the Eucharistic fast?
The Eucharistic fast is the short period before receiving Holy Communion when you abstain from food and drink, though water is allowed. It’s how we…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
How long do I fast before Communion?
The traditional discipline is to eat and drink nothing from midnight, or from waking, until you receive Communion. At St. Michael, water is allowed. If…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What prayers should I say before Communion?
You’ll find a set of prayers in your Orthodox prayer book called the Prayers Before Holy Communion. These are the traditional prayers the Church gives…
