Understanding the Eucharist in the Orthodox Church

The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is the central act of worship in the Orthodox Church. At every Divine Liturgy, bread and wine are offered to God and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, become the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is not understood as a symbol alone, but as a sacred mystery through which Christ gives Himself to His people.

The Eucharist was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper when He told His disciples, “Take, eat; this is My Body,” and “Drink of it, all of you; for this is My Blood.” From the earliest days of the Church, Christians gathered to celebrate this mystery in obedience to His command and as the center of their life together.

Because the Eucharist is both a personal encounter with Christ and an expression of full unity in the Orthodox faith, receiving Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have been baptized or chrismated into the Church and have prepared themselves through prayer, repentance, and, when appropriate, confession and fasting. This practice is not intended to exclude visitors, but to preserve the meaning of Communion as the fullest expression of unity in faith.

If you are visiting our parish, you are warmly welcome to attend the Divine Liturgy, participate in the prayers and hymns, and receive blessed bread (antidoron) at the conclusion of the service if it is being distributed. If you have questions about the Eucharist or are interested in becoming Orthodox, we encourage you to speak with Fr. Joseph, who would be glad to visit with you.