In the days of increased attention to Orthodoxy in our country, it is necessary to have at least general concepts about the holy sacraments of the church. One of the seven sacraments is Holy Communion. Why is it necessary? What does it mean? How to prepare for it? What are the rules and canons for Holy Communion? All this, as the basic knowledge of an Orthodox person, is necessary for everyone to know in order to join the church.
The word "Eucharist" in Christianity is translated from Greek as "thanksgiving." However, such names as "Holy Communion" or "Holy Communion" have become widespread among believers associated with the Russian Orthodox Church. You can use in communication both versions of this holy sacrament. And the etymology of this concept refers to the communion of the Savior's Body and Blood. That is, while eating, believers in the Lord become involved in Him.
Jesus Christ himself established all seven sacraments of the church, and therefore Holy Communion also has its origin in divine origin. It is intended to change the spiritual life of a believer and is recognized by all Christian communities in the world.
Sacrament of Holy Communion: general concepts
At the memorial to all believers in the Lord's Last Supper, His last meal with twelve disciples took place, after which there was a betrayal of Judah and the crucifixion of the Son of God. It was during this meal that Christ uttered the words: “Take and eat, this is my Body, ” he took bread and broke it, blessing, and then he offered his cup of wine to his companions, “drink, this is my Blood.”
The Church teaches its followers to receive the sacraments of the sacraments, during which the sacred union of the souls of believers with Him takes place. At this mysterious moment, a mystical ignition of Christ's love takes place inside the communicating people, which protects them from a sinful fall and generates benefactors. There is a heavenly cleansing of the soul and body, which is a direct precursor to the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, where God the Father rules with his Son by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The need for the sacrament
According to the Holy Scriptures, it is known to mankind that the first Christians tried daily to receive Holy Communion. This was due to the fact that the ancestors of modern believers every day were ready to reunite with Himself. They led a very strict lifestyle, constantly having only righteous thoughts and committing sinless acts. In addition, they constantly fasted. Modern man, as a rule, does not have the opportunity to lead such a pious lifestyle, and therefore he is advised to partake of the communion, at least during fasting.
However, in the ideal case, the laity should strive to perform the sacrament of communion every week. The priests urge the parishioners to do this as often as possible, because modern life is full of various temptations, and only the holy Mysteries of Christ can give a person enough strength to resist them. In addition, you must always remember that death can come to a person every second of his life. Therefore, the readiness to depart to another world should be accompanied by appropriate spiritual cleansing, which is given to believers only during Holy Communion.
In order for communion dates to be closer to a person by identification, it is possible to draw up a communion schedule, tied, for example, to birthdays, dates of marriages, memorial days of relatives and other important events in everyone’s personal life. Of course, no one can not restrain anyone in such an important matter as confession and communion. Moreover, it must be remembered that the communion of the sacrament of communion is possible only after confession, which involves spiritual purification through repentance. In general, every Christian should have his own confessor in the person of, for example, the priest of his church, with whom he can always discuss all the nuances of such a delicate and important matter.
How to prepare for Holy Communion
Preparation for communion includes first of all the fast, which should last at least three days before the sacrament. It is important to understand that fasting is not only about eating lean food, but also about the quality of physical and spiritual life. At this time, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intimacy and focus on the spiritual aspect, eliminating everyday trifles from the number of daily worries. All thoughts should be busy preparing for communion. And for this it is advisable to very carefully follow the recitation of the morning and evening prayer rules and, if possible, attend church services.
It is especially important to attend the evening service on the eve of Communion. And before going to bed, in addition to the usual set of prayers, you should read the rule for holy communion, which consists of canons combined for holy communion and akathist Jesus the Sweetest. In addition, the canon of the follower of holy communion, consisting of evening and morning prayers, is recited.
It is important to remember that after midnight it is forbidden to drink and eat completely, since the stomach should be completely cleaned of food and drink by touching the Holy Cup. The sacrament is preceded by a confession, which enables complete spiritual purification before intercourse with the Body and Blood of the Savior. Women need to know that during the days of the monthly cycle they should not receive communion, and this also applies to women in labor who can partake of the Holy Sacrament only after reading the cleansing prayer on the fortieth day after childbirth.
The Holy Chalice must be approached without fuss when the royal gates are opened. The participant must put a cross on himself and lay his hands on his chest (right hand on top). It is necessary to approach the Chalice on the right side, given the order of communion. Ministers of the altar, monks, children, women and men - this is the procedure for the sacrament. Holy Gifts are received after the partaker speaks his name loudly and clearly.
You can’t be baptized, touch the cup and talk while receiving the Holy Gifts! After the Body and Blood of Christ has been chewed and swallowed, you need to go to the table with a drink, where to drink the antidore served. After that, you need to take your place in the temple to continue the service. It is important to know that communion more than once a day is prohibited. Also on the day of Communion is forbidden to kneel. This rule does not apply only to Great Lent and Great Saturday before the Shroud of Christ.
After receiving the Mysteries of Christ, prayers of thanks must be read (in the temple or at home), which should begin with the triple hymn “Glory to Thee, God.” It is important on this day to maintain the purity of the soul, refraining from verbosity and worldly fuss.
The Eucharist of the sick deserves special attention. From the very beginning of its activity, the Church specially looked after sick people, bearing in mind that the sacrament is an excellent mental and physical medicine. To do this, the priests themselves come, if necessary, to communion with the sick at home. The unique nature of communion in this case is that the priest brings with him part of the Holy Gifts on the chalice. Read "Come worship
."(three times), the Symbol of Faith and standard prayers for the sacrament. The patient must confess before communion.
