Receiving Holy Communion


	Ukrainian Orthodoxy		Orthodoxie ukrainienne

Question:

In the Latin Church, only those “in a state of grace” are to receive holy communion: state of grace being defined as not being in “mortal” sin and even though with “venial” sins should, preferably, go to sacramental confession before receiving holy communion.

What is the position of the Orthodox church for the faithful to receive Holy Communion?

Thank you and God Bless

Answer:

Very Reverend Ihor Kutash kutash@unicorne.org

The Orthodox are not so systematic and methodological in their approach to the Holy Mysteries (this very word, which we often use to refer to Sacraments, is perthaps indicative of our approach) as our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.

One must prepare, to be sure. Fasting is required - usually from the midnight before receiving the Mysteries. A prayerful and penitential attitude is crucial. We are called by the Priest to "draw near with fear of God, faith and love". Then we say the Prayer in which we profess ourselves to be "chief among sinners". You may find the full text of this prayer here: http://www.oca.org/OCSelect-Prayer.asp?SID=2&name=Before%20and%20after%20Holy%20Communion. You will also find the prayer that is recommended to be said after Communion.

Many Orthodox today are re-discovering the joy and strength in frequent Communion. Some still require a longer period of fasting and consider it presumptuous to come too frequently. However, many Church leaders are becoming aware that regular Communion (usually each time there is a Liturgy) is the very intention and gift of our Blessed Lord in establishing this amazing, life-giving Sacrament for all of His people.

The term "state of grace" is not familiar to the Orthodox. We are not given to categorizing sins as venial and mortal, since we view sin as a state of being to a greater or lesser extent (God alone knows the extent) alienated from God. The act of humbly, lovingly and gratefully receiving the Eucharist (another word Orthodox frequently use for "Communion" which best expresses the attitude we have towards this Mystery - that of gratitude for "evcharisto" means "thank You" in Greek) is an indispensible means of restoring over and over again our fellowship - our union - with God and His Church.

Communion is linked with the Mystery of Penance as a preparation for receiving the Eucharist as worthily as we may - although no one is truly worthy for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The Eucharist is always God's loving and generous Gift to us. Many Orthodox clergy require that the faithful participate the Mystery of Confession before each Eucharist. This is very difficult for those who have come to the conviction that they are invited and ought to partake of the Eucharist as often as they take part in the Liturgy. Nonetheless they are responsible for a regular participlation in this Mystery of Penance as part of their continual preparation for receiving the Eucharist, and so becoming transfigured into the glorious and holy beings God intends us to be.

Thank you for your blessing. The Lord bless you as well.

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