![\"Mystical](\"http:\/\/stmichaelarchangel.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/10255905_828313883863508_8357572608901534028_n.jpg\")
<\/a>Mystical Supper<\/p><\/div>\n
The Orthodox view of Holy Communion is often misunderstood by other Christians, particularly Protestants. Since the reformation, many Christians have reacted strongly against some of the medieval practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Holy Communion is often perceived as a \u201cwork\u201d to attain righteousness. However, this has never been the view of the Orthodox Church. We understand the Eucharist to be a reaffirmation of Christ\u2019s atoning work on the cross.<\/p>\n
Another point of confusion is the term \u201csacrifice.\u201d By using the word sacrifice, we do not mean that Jesus is sacrificed again and again as some understand. Orthodoxy agrees with scripture which declares that Jesus\u2019 crucifixion was a sacrifice \u201conce and for all.\u201d Each time we celebrate the Eucharist (thanksgiving) we are The word \u201cEucharist\u201d literally means thanksgiving. It is a meal in which we call forth (anamnesis) the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In our churches Holy Communion is the climax of our worship. We pray to the Father to send down His Holy Spirit upon the bread and the wine (epiclesis), and also upon his people. When we enter into this sacred act, we are transformed by the Holy Spirit just as the bread and wine are changed. This beautiful mystery cannon be explained by words or theological precision. It is something which must be experienced by those who have hidden their lives in Christ.<\/p>\n
The Orthodox view of Holy Communion is often misunderstood by other Christians, particularly Protestants. Since the reformation, many Christians have reacted strongly against some of the medieval practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Holy Communion is often perceived as a \u201cwork\u201d to attain righteousness. However, this has never been the view of the Orthodox Church. We understand the Eucharist to be a reaffirmation of Christ\u2019s atoning work on the cross.<\/p>\n
Another point of confusion is the term \u201csacrifice.\u201d By using the word sacrifice, we do not mean that Jesus is sacrificed again and again as some understand. Orthodoxy agrees with scripture which declares that Jesus\u2019 crucifixion was a sacrifice \u201conce and for all.\u201d Each time we celebrate the Eucharist (thanksgiving) we are offering back to the Father the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. It is truly a sacrifice of praise.<\/p>\n
The Eucharist and the Orthodox Understanding of Time. We uphold the ancient teaching that at the Lord\u2019s Table, we return to that very moment itself. Obviously our perspective is more than just a symbolic remembrance, but beyond this definition of mystery we cannot go. The Eucharist is called the \u201cmystical supper,\u201d and those who truly believe received the transforming power of the body and blood of Christ.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the center of our worship. We often refer to ourselves as a \u201cEucharistic community\u201d meaning that all believers gather in unity at the Lord\u2019s Table. The Eucharist is more than just a ritual, it … Continue reading