What is Holy Communion? It is the partaking of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which unites us to Him. Christ Himself commanded us to do this at the Last Supper. Through the prayers of the priest and the descent of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are mystically changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. All Orthodox Christians from babies to adults may receive Holy Communion.

What is proper preparation? Those who are 7 years of age and older must regularly go to Holy Confession at Vigil or before the liturgy starts. One must not eat or drink anything after midnight. (Exceptions to this – for example, for reasons of health – must be blessed by the priest.) One must read the Communion Prayers in your prayer book. Come to church on time and stand prayerfully through the service. As well, we must not hold any ill feelings toward others and must have forgiven anyone who we feel has wronged us.

What should be done during the liturgy in general? There are several parts to the Divine Liturgy that lead up to Holy Communion. Please understand: The entire liturgy service is important. Families should stand quietly and prayerfully together throughout, recognizing that very young children might need to be taken for a short break at some point or allowed to quietly read or draw. The church service is not a time for play, conversation or cell phone use (other than to follow a text of the service) by anyone. Remember, the angels, the saints, the Mother of God and the Lord Himself are all present with us!

The most solemn part of the liturgy - The Eucharistic Canon (Anaphora). Right after the singing of the Symbol of Faith (“Veruyu”, The Creed), the bread and wine are mystically transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ by the prayers of the priest and the descent of the Holy Spirit. Everyone must be standing silently in church and paying close attention to these prayers, crossing themselves and bowing when appropriate. Do not put up candles, walk around or make purchases at the candle counter.

What should be done after the singing of the Our Father (“Otche Nash”) when the curtain of the Royal Doors is closed? This is the time to quietly make your final personal preparation for Holy Communion! (Note: The clergy is communing at this time.) Both adults and children can stand quietly and pray. (For example, you can pray the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner!) One should also venerate the icons. All those communing will gather at the amvon and wait for the priest to come out with the Chalice. Those who aren’t communing should stand quietly and prayerfully as well.

What should be done when actually communing? Stand in line without talking with your hands folded across your chest (right over left) and wait your turn to come to the Chalice. (Please note that women should not be wearing any lipstick!) Altar servers will go first, then babies who are being held, children and, finally, adults. Choir members and those who are infirm should also be at the head of the line. After the priest administers the Holy Gifts to you, carefully kiss the Chalice without crossing yourself and then walk to the side or back of the church to receive zapivka (wine and a piece of prosphora). Remember, the purpose of zapivka is to ensure that you have swallowed every particle of the Holy Gifts!

What should be done after receiving Holy Communion? After zapivka, return to the front of the church to wait for everyone to be communed. After all have received the Holy Gifts, the priest will appear at the Royal Doors with the Chalice for all to bow and give thanks for receiving the Holy Gifts. Afterwards, stand in place while the deacon intones the Litany of Thanksgiving! This will be followed by the prayer before the amvon, a sermon and the ending of the service. Immediately when the service has finished or at home, read the Prayers of Thanksgiving in your prayer book.

HOLY COMMUNION

How do I prepare? And how do I partake of the Body and Blood of Christ?

Dear Brothers & Sisters! Dear children!

Times are difficult, even dangerous. Fewer and fewer people are choosing to live a Christian life. We are constantly being pulled toward the so-called “modern” way of living where anything goes and many immoral choices and lifestyles are presented as things that are perfectly acceptable. How do we, as Orthodox Christians, keep ourselves from falling prey to this work of the devil in the world? How do we stay united to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and prepare for our salvation?

The Holy Church tells us that a most important part of preparing for salvation is the sacrament of Holy Communion. Those who have properly prepared can and should commune at every Divine Liturgy.