www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Recieving Holy Communion

Dear Father Mark,

Father, bless!

What exactly do you mean by 'communion on demand'?

It is true that one should be properly prepared for the Holy Eucharist...but there are so many schools of thought in our Orthodox religion. I have always felt that I want to feel totally prepared and worthy, (ofcourse I will NEVER be worthy, I realize), and to that some priests say, 'well then you might never receive communion', and that 'would be the evil one keeping you away'.

Most of our priests, atleast in the GO church in the US are trying to encourage frequent communion, with the preparation of fasting EVERY Wednesday and Friday, (including whatever other abstaining that implies), and frequent confessions. Ofcourse, confession had fallen all but by the way side for a good thirty years here, but, atleast MY priest, is really trying to revive it, and he has been pleased that during Holy Week this year he had a good many parishioners, and that the numbers are increasing yearly. There is definitely alot of work to do.

The Mt. Athos Monastic Elders (in the monasteries set up by the Elder Ephraim of Mt. Athos and under the G.O. Archdiocese) will give stiff penance for certain sins, including abstention from the Eucharist, according to the Holy Canons, but after that they advocate frequent Holy Communion. No one is ever turned away from the chalice. I had once commented to my husband that I wondered if they had all gone to confession recently, and he chided me, (rightly so, I believe), saying that I must not be tempted to judge.

I know that you adhere to a much more strict version of our Holy Orthodox tradition, so I am wondering what your thoughts might be.

Thank you in advance, Father.

Please pray for me, a sinner,
In Christ our Lord and Saviour,
Alice

Dear Alice,

Frequent communion is good, within the perspective of thorough preparartion. Communion on demand is what we see in the Greek Orthodox Churches here in Britain.

Sadly, many people have an odd view of preparation. They will starve themselves for a week, yet they refuse to go to confession and be obedient to a spiritual father. Many don't even know of the prayer rule/preparation prayers and do not stay in Church for the thanksgiving prayers. Children are not taught about confession and preparation for communion, which makes the spiritual outlook for the future even bleaker than it already is - and as far as I am concerned, in Orthodox terms, Britain is a spiritual desert. Communion has become something that Orthodox people 'do'. This is sad. Priests must take spiritual responsibility for those who approach the chalice.

In the Old Rite, communion preparation is thorough. Confession is generally a week before communion, absolution being on the following Saturday AFTER the epitamia/penence has been completed and the priest is satisfied. The rule of prayer before Holy Communion is in Church and the communicants attend the whole liturgical cycle before they receive.

Spasi Khristos -
Mark, monk and sinner.

Fr Mark,

I know your answer was directed to Alice but it certainly struck a few bells with me.

<<Sadly, many people have an odd view of preparation. They will starve themselves for a week, yet they refuse to go to confession and be obedient to a spiritual father.>>

Not just GOs I fear - this is general [even amongst us Latins]

<<Children are not taught about confession and preparation for communion, which makes the spiritual outlook for the future even bleaker than it already is - .....>>

Oh how true - and again it is certainly general here - I think of the preparation that was given in our Parish and shudder - truly I do. When this teaching was given in the RC Schools here it was well done - but now it is done in conjunction with the Parish and the home. Now if the parents do not attend and the Catechist in the Parish is not well trained - well I leave it to your imagination. "Nuff said.

Anhelyna