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- The
Greek Orthodox Church: A Manual for Converts
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Holy
Communion
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The devout Orthodox Christian never comes totally unprepared to receive Holy Communion. Usually he will prepare himself at least three days before approaching the Chalice. During those 3 days he will pray often, read the Bible daily, examine his conscience, and, if possible come to Holy Confession. He will also abstain from all meat, eggs, dairy products, and sexual relations. We must be physically and spiritually clean when we approach the Holy Chalice.
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| At the priest's invitation, "With fear of God, faith, and love, draw near," we step forward to receive Communion We do so standing, not kneeling! We step before the Chalice, raise our head, and open our mouth slightly to receive the Communion Spoon, which now contains actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We then swallow the Precious Gifts as soon as possible. We bless ourselves, take a piece of blessed bread from the tray (held by an Altar Boy), and return to our seat where we should take at least three minutes to offer our thanks to our Lord for allowing us to be "Partakers of the Divine Nature" (2 Peter 1: 14). This is only proper; we must thank our Host for the Banquet to which we were invited as His guests.
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Rev. Demetrios A. Recachinas, Protopresbyter
Booklet
& Web Version Designed by:
- Vicky
Andriotis
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- For
information about obtaining hard copies of this
booklet, please contact:
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue
Bridgeport CT 06604
Church Phone (203) 374-5561
Church Fax (203) 374-5770
E-mail: fatherdemetrios@ holytrinitybridgeport.org
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