In the days of increased attention to Orthodoxy in our country, it is necessary to have at least a general understanding of the holy sacraments of the church. One of the seven sacraments is Holy Communion. Why is it needed? 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 must be known to everyone in order to join the Church.
The word "Eucharist" in Christianity is translated from Greek as "thanksgiving." However, among the believers who joined the ROC, such names as "Holy Communion" or "Holy Communion" became widespread. Both versions of this sacred sacrament can be used in communication. And the etymology of this concept refers to the communion of the Body and Blood of the Savior. That is, at the time of eating, those who believe in the Lord become partakers of Him.
Jesus Christ Himself established all seven sacraments of the church, and therefore the Holy Communion has its source of 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 Last Supper, which is remembered by all believers in the Lord, His last meal with twelve disciples took place, after which the betrayal of Judas and the crucifixion of the Son of God took place. It was during this meal that Christ uttered the words: "Take and eat, this is my body, - he took bread and broke it, blessing it, and then he offered a cup of wine to his fellow guests, - drink, this is my blood."
The Church teaches its followers to partake of the holy sacraments, during which there is a sacred union of the souls of believers with Him. At this mysterious moment, a mystical ignition of Christ's love takes place inside the people who receive communion, which protects them from the fall of sin and gives rise to benefactors. There is a heavenly cleansing of the soul and body, which is the immediate predecessor of the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, where God the Father rules with His Son through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The need for the sacrament
According to the Holy Scriptures, mankind knows that the first Christians tried to partake of the holy sacraments every day. This was due to the fact that the forefathers of modern believers were ready to be reunited with Himself every day. They led a very strict lifestyle, constantly having only righteous thoughts and committing sinless deeds. In addition, they were fasting constantly. A modern person, as a rule, does not have the opportunity to lead such a pious way of life, and therefore it is recommended for him to receive communion, at least during fasting.
Ideally, however, lay people should strive to administer the sacrament of communion every week. Priests urge parishioners to do this as often as possible, because modern life is full of various temptations, and only the Holy Mysteries of Christ are able to give a person enough strength to refrain from them. In addition, one must always remember that death can come to a person every second of life. Therefore, the willingness to retire to another world must be accompanied by an appropriate spiritual cleansing, which is given to believers only during Holy Communion.
In order for the dates of communion to be closer to a person in terms of identification, you can draw up a schedule of communion, tied, for example, to birthdays, dates of weddings, commemoration days of relatives and other important events in everyone's personal life. Of course, no one can captive anyone in such an important matter as confession and communion. Moreover, it must be remembered that communion with the sacrament of communion is possible only after confession, which implies spiritual cleansing through repentance. In general, every Christian should have his own confessor in the person, for example, a 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 first of all includes fasting, 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 in general the quality of physical and spiritual life. At this time, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intimacy and focus on the spiritual aspect, excluding everyday trifles from the daily worries. All thoughts should be occupied with preparation 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 in the temple.
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, one should read the rule for holy communion, which consists of canons combined for holy communion and an akathist to Jesus the Sweetest. In addition, the canon of succession to Holy Communion is recited, consisting of evening and morning prayers.
It is important to remember that after midnight it is forbidden to drink and eat completely, since the stomach must be completely cleared of food and drink when touching the Holy Chalice. The sacrament is preceded by confession, which enables complete spiritual cleansing before intercourse with the Body and Blood of the Savior. Women need to know that on the days of the monthly cycle, they cannot 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.
One must approach the Holy Chalice without fuss when the royal gates are opened. The practitioner should place a cross on himself and fold his arms over his chest (right hand on top). It is necessary to approach the Chalice from the right side, taking into account the order of communion. Altar ministers, monks, children, women and men - this is the order of the administration of the sacrament. The Holy Gifts are accepted after the communicant pronounces his name loudly and clearly.
You cannot be baptized, touch the cup and talk while receiving the Holy Gifts! After the Body and Blood of Christ have been chewed and swallowed, you need to go to a table with a wash down, where you will wash down the antidor. After that, you need to take your place in the temple to continue the service. It is important to know that it is forbidden to take communion more than once a day. Also, on the day of the sacrament, it 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, it is necessary to read thanksgiving prayers (in church or at home), which should begin with a threefold doxology "Glory to Thee, God." It is important on this day to maintain the purity of the soul, refraining from verbosity and everyday vanity.
The Eucharist of the sick deserves special attention. From the very beginning of its activity, the Church specially looked after sick people, remembering that the sacrament is an excellent mental and physical medicine. For this, the priests themselves come, if necessary, to receive communion to the sick at home. The unique character of communion in this case is that the priest brings with him a portion of the Holy Gifts in chalice. Read "Come, let us worship …" (three times), the Symbol of Faith and standard prayers for communion. The patient is obliged to confess before communion.
Canons for Holy Communion
The combined canon to Holy Communion includes the Canon of Penitence to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prayer Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Canon to the Guardian Angel. This entire order of canonical reading consists of eight songs and three prayers.
Follow-up to Holy Communion is read on the night before the sacrament, including the morning reading.
The canons for Holy Communion consist of six songs, a kontakion, voice 2, songs 7-9, a prayer to the Holy Trinity, the Lord's prayer and the troparion of the day or holiday.
