Why do people take communion?What is a communion in general? Do you want to know? Nowadays, for many people, sometimes even believers, Christians, those who carry a cross and several times a year visit the church on certain occasions, the mystery of the Holy Communion remains a mystery. Are you one of them? Then now we will try to understand what gives this Christian a mystery and why it is so. And also talk about how to properly prepare for the sacrament. But that's not all. We will talk about the canons for the Holy Communion. From the article you will learn about how the confession is going. Without it, a person is not allowed to commune. So, read carefully and remember the words below. This article will help all those who want to truly join the church.
Communion, Communion, the Eucharist ... How right?
In Orthodoxy, as well as in Catholics,the term "Eucharist", which is translated from Greek as "thanksgiving". In the Russian Orthodox Church among parishioners, the name "holy communion" or "holy communion" is more common. You can say so, and so, there will be no mistakes. This rite is called a participle because when Christians commit it, they join the Body and Blood of the Savior Jesus Christ and unite with God, becoming implicated 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 theChristian sacraments, because, like the other 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 man, and not external. It is recognized by all Christian churches. Communion is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox and Catholics, as well as one of the two Protestants.
Establishment of the sacrament of the Holy Communion
Let's remember the Bible.The sacrament of communion is established by the Lord Jesus Christ himself at the Last Supper. This was the last meal of the Lord with His disciples before on that Easter night He was taken into custody after the betrayal of Judas. It was at this meal that Jesus took bread and blessed him and told the disciples: "Take and eat, this is my body that I give for this world," and taking a cup of wine and blessing, he said: "Drink, this is Blood my, for many shed. "
Why do we need communion?
According to the teachings of the Church, the Christian communionof the saints of Christ's mysteries, mysteriously unites with Him. The Eucharist mystically inflames the love of Christ in us, begets benefactors, gives strength to resist temptations, and also everything that comes from the evil spirit; Communion heals the soul and body. If we do not do this, even the most gracious deeds and spiritual deeds can not help us inherit His Kingdom.
How often should we take communion?
Let's plunge into history.The first Christians communed daily. Since then, of course, much has changed. And nowadays it is possible to take Communion every week, if you lead an appropriate strict way of life. Have only good thoughts and do good deeds. And also observe the rule of holy communion: always before fasting. If this does not work out, then it is advisable to take communion at least during the posts, this is the minimum. Now the priests in the majority recommend it as often as possible, because nowadays there are too many temptations for a person who, without accepting the holy mysteries of Christ, a person can often not survive. In addition, a Christian should always be ready for death and for communion. Without this, nothing at all. It is very good when a person takes communion on his birthday, on the day of his name-day. It is worth pondering over this. It would be great for the couple to take communion on the day of their marriage. Before the wedding. It is also desirable to partake in the days of the memory of the deceased relatives and friends, this contributes to the unity in Christ of the living and departed this world. In general, a Christian himself often determines for himself when he needs to confess and receive communion, or whether one should consult his confessor who can tell how to act properly.
The sacrament of communion is preceded by repentance
With the rare exception of individual cases, the mysteryThe Eucharist is preceded by another sacrament - confession. This is an obligatory rite. Repentance is a sacrament, during which the Christian repents of his sins and, with a visible apology from the priest, invisibly rid himself of sins by Jesus Christ himself. A Christian who is going to repent, first holds a post for at least three days, attends church services, remembers his sins and, repenting in them, asks the Lord to forgive him for them. Then, at a certain time, he goes to the priest, who accepts confession before the analogy with the cross and the gospel lying on it, and brings repentance. The priest covers the head of the penitent penitentiary with an end and reads a special permissive prayer, forgiving sins in the name of the Lord. And only after a confession a Christian is admitted to communion. Such rules. These are the penitential canons of the Holy Communion.
Preparation for Holy Communion
He who desires to receive the saints of ChristSecrets by all the rules, must adequately prepare itself for the performance of this sacrament. Learn how. Preparation for the sacrament should last at least three days. Fasting in the process of it should concern not only abstinence from certain food, but, first of all, it must affect the general aspects of the bodily and spiritual life of a person. The body needs abstinence, bodily cleanliness, and, of course, a restriction in food these days. The mind should be focused on preparing for communion and repentance, and not for everyday trivialities and fun. Also, whenever possible, attend church services and especially carefully follow the home prayer rules. On the eve of his communion, it is strongly recommended that a Christian attend an evening service. In addition to the usual prayers before going to bed, you need to read the rule to the Holy Communion. Usually it includes canons combined with holy communion, and, if possible, an akathist to Jesus the Most Sweet; except for them, the canon of following to the Holy Communion is also read: special in the evening, and the rest following the morning prayers. After midnight, it is not allowed to eat and drink, because the Holy Cup should be set on an empty stomach. And - it is very important - as we said above, before the communion itself it is necessary to confess. Women should also remember that one can not receive communion during the month of purification. Rules must be observed. And women after childbirth are admitted to communion only after reading over them the cleansing prayer of the fortieth day.
Canons combined with holy communion
Combined contains three canons of the saintCommunion: The penitential canon to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Moleben Canon to the Blessed Virgin, the Canon to the guardian angel. The whole combined canon is eight songs and three additional prayers.
The first, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth,the seventh, the eighth, the ninth; followed by: prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ, prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos and prayer to the guardian angel. Now you know the 3 canons for Holy Communion.
Follow-up to Holy Communion
Prayer following the holy communion should be read on the night before the communion. In the morning, too, some prayers are read.
The canons of the Holy Communion consist of:songs of the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth; followed by: Kontakion, Tone 2, Song Seven, Song Eight, Song Ninth, Prayer to the Holy Trinity, Lord's Prayer and Troparion of the Day or Feast.
How should you behave near the Holy Chalice?
It is necessary to know how to approach the HolyA cup, that the communion should pass without fuss. One of the main rules: when the king's gates are opened, the communicant must cross himself, and also fold his arms on his chest in the form of a cross; To leave from it it is necessary as, not unclenching hands. Remember! Approach the cup from the right side of the temple. The first to follow the rules are the ministers of the altar, then the monks, after them the children, and then all the rest. Women pass forward men. Do not forget about it. Approaching the Cup, you need to clearly name your name, and then accept the Holy Gifts. They should be chewed and immediately swallowed. It is forbidden to touch the Cup with your hands, to be baptized beside her, for by raising your hand to perform the sign of the cross, you can accidentally push the minister of the church. Approaching the table with a drink, it is necessary to eat a served antidor (part of the prosphora) and to drink. Only after this, you can again apply to the icons. You can not take communion more than once a day. On the day of holy communion, one is not allowed to kneel. Exceptions are the obeisances of Lent, as well as the Great Saturday before Christ's Square.
Prayer after Communion
After you have received the holy mysteries of Christ,You should read thanksgiving prayers in the temple or at home yourself. You should start with the triple "Glory to You, God." This canon is a prayer service for the Holy Communion.
In general, after the Christian communion,he must remain in the temple, not go anywhere and continue to pray with everyone until the service is over. Do not leave the church before. After letting go (these are the final words), all communicants approach the Cross in order to listen to the readable thanksgiving prayers. At the end of the reading, the communicants diverge and begin to save as long as possible the purity of the soul, which is now free from sins, without going into empty and unnecessary conversations and obviously not useful to the mind and soul. The remaining time of the day is desirable to try to conduct as pious as possible: there should not be much and in vain to talk, abstinence from smoking and marital intimacy is welcome, there is no need to watch entertainment programs, and listen to cheerful music.
How is it necessary to receive the sick?
Communion of patients is a special kind of Eucharist,for people who, because of their serious illness, can not remain at the liturgy in the temple and participate in the sacrament of communion directly there. Since its inception, the Church, knowing the sacrament of the Eucharist as the best medicine for the soul and body, sent the Holy Gifts to the sick at home. Very often the Church does the same in our days. For the sacrament of the sick, the priest is summoned to the house. The Communion itself has its own order. The priest takes part of the Holy Gifts, puts it in a special vessel - a chalice, and pours so much wine so that the patient is comfortable. In addition, read "Come, worship ..." (3 times), the Creed and all the prayers for communion. Immediately before the communion, the patient also confesses.
A few words at the end ...
Now you know what is the sacrament of the sacrament.Remember that this is a very important rite for a believing person, so you need to carefully prepare for it both mentally and physically. We hope that this article has given you exhaustive information and answers to all questions about confession, as well as about what canons exist for Holy Communion. All this is sure to come in handy. Also you can tell about the communion with your loved ones.
Good luck in all your affairs!Keep you and your loved ones from all evil! Do not forget that only by performing church rites, one can become closer to God and receive his blessing!
