Orthodox Study 2 held Tuesday 28th July, Topic – Holy Communion & The Importance of Prayer
Father George discussed the Sacrament of sacraments, Holy Communion (or Eucharist) that takes place at every Divine Liturgy service and the preparation that we should make before receiving the blood and body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Eucharist we personally encounter Christ—crucified, resurrected, and glorified. The act is the heart of our salvation.
It is therefore very important that we prepare properly for this sacred event. Preparation for receiving Holy Communion (the Eucharist) centres on prayer, fasting, repentance, confession, and reconciliation with others. This lesson focused on prayer and fasting.
Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual practice aimed at purification, repentance, and self-discipline and should be a regular part of our spiritual life.
You can find more information on general fasting here:
- The Ultimate Guide To Fasting In The Orthodox Church » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church
- And When You Fast – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
In addition to the major fasting periods, fasting should be observed on Wednesdays (commemorating Christ’s betrayal) and Fridays (commemorating His Crucifixion) as part of our regular abstinence.
Fasting normally means that you should refrain from eating meat, fish, dairy, eggs, wine and olive oil. Bloodless shellfish is normally permitted. Although strict fasting is not generally permitted on Saturdays (with the exception of Holy Saturday), in preparation of the Eucharist, meat should be abstained from.
After your evening meal on a Saturday (which should ideally be eaten around 6pm), only bread (or other simple, dry foods) and water should be consumed. From midnight, you should refrain from consuming all food and drink (including water).
The Church recognises that not everyone can keep the fast in the same way – please speak to your spiritual Father about what is appropriate for you.
If you do not partake in regular fasting, then you should keep a strict fast for 3 days in preparation for receiving Holy Communion. This would normally mean Thursday, Friday and Saturday if you are to partake in the Eucharist on a Sunday.
Food is only one part of fasting however.
You should practice peace, tranquility and forgiveness (as you should every day). No bad words, no arguments, no grudges, no judgement.
Fast with all five senses.
Love. Care. Share.
You should prepare for receiving Holy Communion, especially the day before, by reciting special Holy Communion prayers.
There are many prayers that you can find in your own prayer books or online. This version is from the Divine Liturgy book from St John the Baptist Church in America.
Prayer of Preparation
You should prepare for receiving Holy Communion, especially the day before, by reciting special Holy Communion prayers.
There are many prayers that you can find in your own prayer books or online. This version is from the Divine Liturgy book from St John the Baptist Church in America.
Post Communion Prayer
You should arrive at church in silent contemplation. You can read your preparation prayer again if this helps you to stay concentrate on the Sacrament you will receive.
After you receive Holy Communion, you should recite another prayer such as the one below.
Most good Greek Orthodox prayer books contain the Holy Communion prayers such as this easily carried version available from Amazon.
