Why do people take communion? What is communion anyway? Do you want to know? In our time, for many people, sometimes even believers, Christians, those who wear a cross and attend church several times a year on certain occasions, the sacrament of Holy Communion remains a mystery. Are you one of them? Then now we will try to understand what this sacrament gives a Christian and why it is such. We will also talk about how to properly prepare for the sacrament. But that's not all. We will tell you about the canons for Holy Communion. From the article you will learn about how the confession takes place. Without it, a person is not allowed to take communion. So, read carefully and remember what is written below. This article will help all those who want to truly join the church.
Communion, communion, Eucharist… What's right?
In Orthodoxy, as well as among Catholics, the term "Eucharist" is used,which is translated from Greek as "thanksgiving". In the Russian Orthodox Church, the name “Holy Communion” or “Holy Communion” is more common among parishioners. You can say this and that, and there will be no mistake. This rite is called communion because when it is performed, Christians partake of the Body and Blood of the Savior Jesus Christ and unite with God, becoming involved in Him. It is very important for every believer.
Communion is a sacrament
The Eucharist, according to the teachings of the Church, is one of the Christian sacraments, because, like the rest of the sacraments, it was established by Jesus Christ himself and has a divine origin. Unlike other church rites, the sacrament is aimed at changing the inner life of a person, and not the outer one. It is recognized by all Christian churches. Communion is one of the seven sacraments for Orthodox and Catholics, and one of two for Protestants.
Establishment of the Sacrament of Holy Communion
Remember the Bible. The Sacrament of Communion was established by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself at the Last Supper. It was the Lord's last meal with His disciples before He was taken into custody that Easter night after Judas' betrayal. It was at this meal that Jesus, taking bread and blessing it, said to the disciples: “Take and eat, this is my Body, which I give for this world,” and, taking a cup of wine and blessing, said: “Drink, this is Blood mine, shed for many.”
Forwhat do we need to partake of?
According to the teachings of the Church, a Christian, partaking of the holy Mysteries of Christ, is mysteriously united with Him. The Eucharist in a mystical way ignites the love of Christ in us, gives rise to benefactors, gives strength to resist temptations, as well as everything that comes from an evil spirit; Communion heals soul and body. If we do not do this, then even the most good deeds and spiritual exploits may not help us inherit His kingdom.
How often should I take communion?
Let's plunge into history. The first Christians took communion daily. Since then, of course, a lot has changed. Even today, one can take communion at least every week, if one leads an appropriately strict lifestyle. Have only good thoughts and do good deeds. And also observe the rule for Holy Communion: invariably fast before Communion. If this does not work out, then it is advisable to receive communion at least during fasts, this is the minimum. Now, for the most part, priests recommend doing this as often as possible, because in our time there are too many temptations for a person, which, without accepting the holy Mysteries of Christ, a person often cannot endure. In addition, a Christian must always be ready for death and communion. Nothing without this. It is very good when a person takes communion on his birthday, on his name day. It's worth thinking about it. It would be great for spouses to take communion on the day of their marriage. Before the wedding. It is also desirable to take communion on the days of memory of the deceased relatives and friends, this contributes tounity in Christ of the living and those who have left this world. In general, a Christian often determines for himself when he needs to confess and take communion, or he needs to consult with his confessor, who can tell you how to do it right.
The Sacrament of Communion is preceded by repentance
With the rare exception of individual cases, the sacrament of the Eucharist is preceded by another sacrament - confession. This is an obligatory ceremony. Repentance is a sacrament during which a Christian repents of his sins and, with a visible expression of forgiveness from the priest, is invisibly delivered from sins by Jesus Christ himself. A Christian going to repentance first fasts for at least three days, attends church services, remembers his sins and, repenting of them, asks the Lord to forgive him for them. Then, at a certain time, he goes to the priest, who takes confession in front of the lectern with the cross and the Gospel lying on it, and brings repentance. The priest covers the head of the penitent with the end of the stole and reads a special permissive prayer, forgiving sins on behalf of the Lord. And only after confession a Christian is allowed to take communion. Such rules. These are penitential canons for Holy Communion.
Preparation for Holy Communion
Those who wish to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ in accordance with all the rules must adequately prepare themselves for the celebration of this sacrament. Find out how. The preparation for the sacrament should last at least three days. Post inits process should concern not only abstinence from certain foods, but, above all, should affect the general aspects of the bodily and spiritual life of a person. The body these days needs abstinence, bodily cleanliness, and, of course, restriction in food. The mind of a person should be focused on preparing for communion and repentance, and not on everyday trifles and fun. You should also, if possible, attend church services and especially carefully follow home prayer rules. On the eve of his communion, a Christian is strongly recommended to attend the evening service. In addition to the usual prayers before going to bed, you need to read the rule for Holy Communion. Usually it includes canons combined for Holy Communion, and also, if possible, an akathist to Jesus the Sweetest; in addition to them, the canon of the follow-up to Holy Communion is also read: a special one in the evening, and the rest after the morning prayers. After midnight it is not allowed to eat and drink, because the Holy Chalice should be approached on an empty stomach. And - very important - as we said above, before the sacrament itself, it is necessary to confess. Women should also remember that they should not take communion on the days of the monthly cleansing. The rules must be followed. And women after childbirth are allowed to take communion only after reading the cleansing prayer of the fortieth day over them.
Canons combined for Holy Communion
Combined contains three canons for Holy Communion: the Canon of Penitence to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prayer Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos, the Canon to the Guardian Angel. Wholethe combined canon consists of eight songs and three additional prayers.
Canto One, Three, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth; then follow: a prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ, a prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos and a prayer to the guardian angel. Now you know the 3 canons for Holy Communion.
Following Holy Communion
The Holy Communion Prayer must be read the night before Communion. Some prayers are also read in the morning.
The canons for Holy Communion consist of: songs one, three, four, five, six; followed by: kontakion, tone 2, the seventh song, the eighth song, the ninth song, the prayer to the Holy Trinity, the Lord's prayer and the troparion of the day or feast.
How should one behave near the Holy Chalice?
You need to know how to properly approach the Holy Chalice so that communion passes without fuss. One of the main rules: when the royal doors open, the communicant must cross himself, and also fold his hands on his chest in the shape of a cross; it is necessary to move away from it in the same way, without unclenching your hands. Remember! Approach the bowl should be on the right side of the temple. According to the rules, the servants of the altar are the first to receive communion, then the monks, after them the children, and then everyone else. The women let the men go ahead. Don't forget about it. Approaching the Chalice, one must clearly state one's name, and then accept the Holy Gifts. They should be chewed and swallowed immediately. It is forbidden to touch the Chalice with your hands, to be baptized near it, because, raisinghand to make the sign of the cross, you can accidentally push the minister of the church. Approaching the table with a drink, you need to eat the served antidor (part of the prosphora) and drink it down. Only after that you can again apply to the icons. You must not take communion more than once a day. It is not allowed to kneel on the day of Holy Communion. The exceptions are bows during Great Lent, as well as on Great Saturday before the Shrine of Christ.
Prayers after communion
After you have accepted the holy Mysteries of Christ, you should read thanksgiving prayers in the temple or at home yourself. You should start with three times "Glory to You, God." This is a prayer canon for Holy Communion.
In general, after a Christian takes communion, he should remain in the temple, not go anywhere and continue to pray with everyone until the service is over. Don't leave the church early. After the dismissal (these are the final words), all communicants come to the Cross to listen to the prayers of thanksgiving being read. At the end of the reading, the communicants disperse and try as long as possible to preserve the purity of the soul, which is now free from sins, without going into empty and unnecessary conversations and things that are clearly not useful for the soul and mind. It is advisable to try to spend the rest of the day as piously as possible: you should not talk a lot and in vain, abstinence from smoking and marital intimacy are welcome, you do not need to watch entertainment TV shows, and listen to cheerful music.
How should the sick take communion?
Communion of the Sick is a special kind of Eucharist for people who, due to their serious illness, cannot attend the liturgy in the church and participate in the sacrament of communion directly there. From its very inception, the Church, knowing about the sacrament of the Eucharist as the best medicine for soul and body, sent the Holy Gifts to the sick at home. The Church often does the same today. For the communion of the sick, the priest is called to the house. The communion of the sick has its own order. The priest takes a part of the Holy Gifts, puts it in a special vessel - a chalice, and pours in so much wine that the patient is comfortable. Additionally, “Come, let us bow down …” (3 times), the Creed and all prayers for communion are read. Immediately before the sacrament, the sick person also confesses.
A final word…
Now you know what the sacrament of the sacrament is. Remember that this is a very important ceremony for a believer, so you need to carefully prepare for it both mentally and physically. We hope that this article has given you comprehensive information and answers to all questions about confession, as well as what canons exist for Holy Communion. All this will certainly come in handy. You can also tell your loved ones about communion.
Good luck in all your endeavors! God save you and your loved ones from all evil! Do not forget that only by performing church rites, you can become closer to God and receive his blessing!
