www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy Reserving Precious Blood for Presanctified Liturgy

CIX

Can someone share the theological reason why the Precious Blood is not reserved in a small proper vessel as is the Precious Body in the artophorion which can then be used for Presanctified Liturgy or Typika? I realize the practical reasons which are in place to prevent spillage. The question is asked in particular for those communicants who are gluten free or yeast intolerant and are unable to commune at these liturgies. Thank you for your insights.

One of the main reasons is that wine goes bad quickly and will develop mold on it. Oftentimes within a day or so depending on the type. Even once it goes bad, the priest must consume it since it is the Eucharist so you could see why he would not want to do that. If communicants have a gluten allergy, perhaps a little piece wouldn't hurt, and if that is a problem, then the priest could always give them some wine instead.