Communion is one of the great Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. It strengthens the spiritual strength of Christians, heals mental illnesses and testifies to the unity of the believer with the church. It is interesting that in the first centuries, when Christianity was only becoming a religion, a baptized person who did not start communion at the prescribed intervals was absent from the church and ceased to be considered a believing Christian.
Instruction manual
1
The sacrament of the Holy Mysteries of Christ must be properly prepared. At least three days before the sacrament, fasting without eating fast food, refrain from entertainment and pleasures. Devote this time to thinking about the sins in which you will have to confess on the eve of communion.
2
The day before the sacrament, attend the evening service, during evening prayers and in the morning read the prayer book, namely the Follow to Holy Communion. On the eve of the sacrament - in the evening and in the morning - you can neither eat, nor drink, nor smoke.
3
Adults and children over seven years of age must confess before communion. Typically, confession in the church begins before the liturgy. On the morning of Communion, come to the temple before the service. The rite of communion itself is performed after the liturgy. If you confessed, repented of your sins, and they were forgiven, then you were allowed to participate in the sacrament.
4
Go to the pulpit - this is a high place in front of the iconostasis. On it stands a priest with a tray and a Chalice. Skip ahead the children and men who should receive communion first. Fold your arms crosswise, clearly state your Christian name. Reverently sip wine from the Chalice (the Blood of Christ) and take the soaked bread (the Body of Christ), immediately swallowing it. Kiss the lower part of the Chalice, go to the table, where the clergy give small communion of prosphora and wine diluted with hot water ("warmth") to all who took part.
5
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the priest will make a cross to which you should touch your forehead and lips. Now you can leave the church.
6
After Communion on this day, if possible, do not enter into ordinary conversations, do not engage in everyday affairs and work, devote the day of Communion only to charitable deeds, watching spiritual films, reading spiritual books, helping loved ones, and doing mercy.
