Orthodox Communion Practices

[ToJesusMyHeart]

Perhaps you know already because you read my status, but I went to an Antiochian Orthodox Divine Liturgy this morning and it was beautiful. 

 

Since I'm not Orthodox, I only received a blessing at Holy Communion (not a problem!). However, the Orthodox also have this fantastic tradition of providing "holy bread" to everyone who attends the Liturgy. It was lovely to be able to feel included by eating the holy bread with the rest of the congregation even though I wasn't able to receive the Eucharist. 

 

The hospitality before, during, and after the Liturgy was par excellence. I've never experience such hospitality from any Catholic church, and I've been to dozens. 

 

My conclusion: We should adopt the holy bread tradition in the Catholic Church. It makes those who are unable to receive Communion feel more welcome and included in the community. Or at least it did for me and my friend who accompanied me. 

 

AND IT WAS YUMMY.  :eat:

[Benedictus]

I like Orthodox liturgy and practices alot also. It also reminds me of what I've experienced after Jewish services, the Kiddush, where all present drink wine (or grape juice) and loaf bread that has been blessed. My last parish had a strong Neocatechumenal Way presence, and I went as a guest a couple of times. They used a loaf for the Eucharist in a similar way to the Orthodox churches. They also share bread, and other food, together aside from their Mass. This aspect worked well I think. Not sure if that practice is universal for them though. I'd like to see more shared meals, social time, study together and so on in Catholic circles. In nearly all the parises I've attended it's not typical to even have tea and biscuits afterwards. Maybe It's just the British towns I've found myself in.

[Selah]

Since I'm not Orthodox, I only received a blessing at Holy Communion (not a problem!). However, the Orthodox also have this fantastic tradition of providing "holy bread" to everyone who attends the Liturgy. It was lovely to be able to feel included by eating the holy bread with the rest of the congregation even though I wasn't able to receive the Eucharist. 

 

 

Ah, yes! The Antidoron ^_^ At the Orthodox parish I sometimes attend, they give out loaves to visitors :) It's an act of good will. It used to be done quite a lot in the west, but seems to be an eastern practice now. 

 

If you ever get a loaf, make sure you use it often. Some monks and nuns and priests make it the first thing they eat in the morning. If it goes bad and moldy, dispose of it outside; since it's holy, you don't want to throw it in the trash can. It's acceptable to leave it under a tree for birds and squirrels. 

[Tab'le De'Bah-Rye]

I thought you where saying orthodox eastern catholic. But also i know a russian orthodox monk whom used to be roman catholic, he is very nice, not saying you should switch. I personally love to attend all christian services including proto on the odd occasion or if invited, i recently actually have been invited to quakers which is not christian but they believe in GOD as in one supreme being and there are some christians that attend quakers i was told, i won't become a quaker though and sometimes this guy told be some share biblical verses during there sharing time, they also meditate. And whoever said they have been to a jewish temple service, double AwE-SoMe, that is on my to do list.

 

And i agree with Benedictus that we should be more social amongst other catholic christians after holy mass and in general, including bible study, prayer groups, youth groups and things like that, bearing in mind though we need to be all inclusive this includes black sheep, white sheep and grey sheep and not talking about skins. We need to build the body not just from the outside, although that is important, but also from the inside, st paul tells us this. My diocese has an ok christian social structure at most parishes i think but could be a lot better, and usually i have to be bold and initiate the friendships, be bold without being fierce and if there is no official groups like bible study, prayer groups or youth groups ask your parish priest if you could start one of these, thought is ok, talk is the next step, but without action there is no fruit and usually the action starts with ones own initiative with the grace of GOD in prayer and respect.

 

God is good. :)

Edited April 28, 2014 by Tab'le De'Bah-Rye

[Tab'le De'Bah-Rye]

P.s. you could even start by swapping phone numbers with some randoms in your parish even middle age singles, but don't expect anything much from each other really, just friendship or acquaintances in faith, hope and love. But don't run in charging like a bull bullet proof, trust others but don't be stupid you could end up butting heads with a goat(ouch), or simply someone with many problems whom is a bit raw and in need of the gentle,slow, over time i love you anyway approach and is simply a lost sheep . :)

Edited April 28, 2014 by Tab'le De'Bah-Rye

[LouisvilleFan]

Perhaps you know already because you read my status, but I went to an Antiochian Orthodox Divine Liturgy this morning and it was beautiful. 

 

Since I'm not Orthodox, I only received a blessing at Holy Communion (not a problem!). However, the Orthodox also have this fantastic tradition of providing "holy bread" to everyone who attends the Liturgy. It was lovely to be able to feel included by eating the holy bread with the rest of the congregation even though I wasn't able to receive the Eucharist. 

 

The hospitality before, during, and after the Liturgy was par excellence. I've never experience such hospitality from any Catholic church, and I've been to dozens. 

 

My conclusion: We should adopt the holy bread tradition in the Catholic Church. It makes those who are unable to receive Communion feel more welcome and included in the community. Or at least it did for me and my friend who accompanied me. 

 

AND IT WAS YUMMY.  :eat:

 

Unfortunately, most people would probably think they were receiving Communion :)

 

A couple things to keep in mind are the Orthodox fast from midnight until Divine Liturgy, so the holy bread is more about providing sustenance, and secondarily as a way to include non-Orthodox. Most parishes also have a strong ethnic identity, which usually helps on the hospitality side of things.

 

That said, building community at your own parish is simple as starting to invite people for lunch after Mass, or prayer/Bible study during the week. One of the young adults at my parish has taken it upon herself to do just that, along with sending a weekly email of parish and local events, volunteer activities, etc. Sometimes we have 8-10 people; once it was only three, and we took the opportunity to invite a retired couple out with us and had a great time. A lot of parishes have a "Donut Sunday," which takes a bit more organization and can be awkward for a total newcomer, but the opportunity is there nontheless.

 

The key isn't so much to have a great turnout every time, but if people know to expect it, they'll start to plan accordingly.

 

I will say though, I'm surprised the parish you visited offered blessings at Holy Communion. That definitely wasn't an option where I visited. I actually thought everyone was receiving a blessing because they all made the Cross of St. Andrew (like a Catholic not receiving Communion) but it's their practice to make the Cross before receiving. My friend told me they don't do blessings (of course, we're not supposed to either).

 

It's too bad you just missed the Orthodox Easter Vigil. Definitely make a point to go next year (although, if it's during our Lent, that might be less than ideal because you know they'll sing "Alleluia" about 3,000 times).

Edited April 28, 2014 by LouisvilleFan

[ToJesusMyHeart]

Unfortunately, most people would probably think they were receiving Communion :)

 

A couple things to keep in mind are the Orthodox fast from midnight until Divine Liturgy, so the holy bread provides needed sustenance. Most parishes also have a strong ethnic identity, which usually helps on the hospitality side of things.

 

 

They did a helpful announcement before distributing the Eucharist. The priest said that the only people permitted to partake of the chalice were "Orthodox Christians who have fasted, prepared, and made a recent confession." And then announced that "All others are invited to come forward for a blessing and some holy bread." 

 

I have been to one Catholic parish which made a similar announcement before Eucharist; I think it's a good idea. So many Catholics think they're entitled to Communion just because. It's good to have an explicit verbal instruction that "Only Catholics in the state of grace who have fasted for an hour" are allowed to partake of the Eucharist. 

 

So for that reason, it was very clear that I was not receiving Communion. 

 

I appreciate the info on their fasting practices! That makes sense. But I still think it's a good idea for fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment. 

 

As for the ethnic identity, this parish was 95% white people. Not much of an ethnic identity there. But your point is still valid. 

[LouisvilleFan]

For that matter, many Evangelical Christians believe they're entitled to receive Communion. Been there before myself... so my first Communion was on a random Sunday at the cathedral several years before starting RCIA.

 

It's not easy building community when it's not there organically, but if you see other young adults around, chances are a few of them are looking for the same thing and would respond if they knew something was happening.

[Basilisa Marie]

I like the idea of holy bread, I think it could work really well in parishes that are focused on trying to be welcoming. But it'd need to have solid catechesis to really back it up, otherwise people would start being like, "well what's the difference between Eucharist and holy bread?" The Orthodox seem to have a good handle on it, probably in part because their standards for those able to receive the Eucharist are a bit higher. And I'm sure the culture helps, too. Still, it's a neat idea. 

[NotreDame]

Bread: It's blessed bread.  In the eastern rite they hand it out at the end of the liturgy.  Often everyone gets up as if they are going to communion.  They kiss the icons and the cross (held by the priest) then take a piece of bread from a bowl (often held by an altar boy) before they leave.  Never heard of it being given during communion.  Today we did this except the bread was blessed and cut immediately after mass, rather than "behind the scenes", which I had not seen before. 

 

Hospitality: Eastern Rite / Orthodox parishes do tend to be tighter knit.  From my experience this is because they are smaller and have more cultural bonds.  What really helps create the relationships is that every parish I've ever attended/visited had coffee and food afterwards.  At most parishes it is just cake or donuts, but the parish I'm at now has a full meal every Sunday.  I suppose the hospitality flows out of that - plus the fact that all orthodox and eastern Catholics have seen parishes fall on hard times as the 2nd and 3rd generations assimilate.  As a result, they are always happy to have new members.  

 

The announcement:  Fasting? Confession? Preparation?  Sounds like the same requirements Catholics have.  I've often wondered, given how much reverence we give the Eucharist (ie. Eucharistic adoration is uniquely western), why Catholics don't make similar announcements.  Unfortunately, in many dioceses a priest would get an invite to the Bishop's office if he started making that kind of announcement at his mass *sigh*

 

Edited April 28, 2014 by NotreDame

[marigold]

Unfortunately, most people would probably think they were receiving Communion :)

 

A couple things to keep in mind are the Orthodox fast from midnight until Divine Liturgy, so the holy bread is more about providing sustenance, and secondarily as a way to include non-Orthodox. Most parishes also have a strong ethnic identity, which usually helps on the hospitality side of things.

 

 

They did a helpful announcement before distributing the Eucharist. The priest said that the only people permitted to partake of the chalice were "Orthodox Christians who have fasted, prepared, and made a recent confession." And then announced that "All others are invited to come forward for a blessing and some holy bread." 

 

I have been to one Catholic parish which made a similar announcement before Eucharist; I think it's a good idea. So many Catholics think they're entitled to Communion just because. It's good to have an explicit verbal instruction that "Only Catholics in the state of grace who have fasted for an hour" are allowed to partake of the Eucharist. 

 

So for that reason, it was very clear that I was not receiving Communion. 

 

 

 

Bread: It's blessed bread.  In the eastern rite they hand it out at the end of the liturgy.  Often everyone gets up as if they are going to communion.  They kiss the icons and the cross (held by the priest) then take a piece of bread from a bowl (often held by an altar boy) before they leave.  Never heard of it being given during communion.  Today we did this except the bread was blessed and cut immediately after mass, rather than "behind the scenes", which I had not seen before. 

 

 

'Antidoron' literally means 'instead of the gifts', i.e. instead of the Eucharist. It's the rest of the loaf from which the Lamb, the central chunk which will become the Lord's body, is cut. Everyone is welcome to it - Orthodox who aren't receiving Holy Communion and heterodox alike - and yes, it normally is given out right after Communion. Usually an altar server will be holding a basket/plate, or it might be on a side table. And then you get a bit more when you come up and venerate the priest's hand cross at the end of the Liturgy.

 

TJMH, unfortunately we have a lot of the same thing, so you're not alone in that... :pinch:

[Anastasia13]

'Antidoron' literally means 'instead of the gifts', i.e. instead of the Eucharist. It's the rest of the loaf from which the Lamb, the central chunk which will become the Lord's body, is cut. Everyone is welcome to it - Orthodox who aren't receiving Holy Communion and heterodox alike - and yes, it normally is given out right after Communion. Usually an altar server will be holding a basket/plate, or it might be on a side table. And then you get a bit more when you come up and venerate the priest's hand cross at the end of the Liturgy.

 

TJMH, unfortunately we have a lot of the same thing, so you're not alone in that... :pinch:

 

Interesting. In the Oriental Orthodox, we tend to be given that at the end of liturgy, but I don't recall it after communion.

[NotreDame]

'Antidoron' literally means 'instead of the gifts', i.e. instead of the Eucharist. It's the rest of the loaf from which the Lamb, the central chunk which will become the Lord's body, is cut. Everyone is welcome to it - Orthodox who aren't receiving Holy Communion and heterodox alike - and yes, it normally is given out right after Communion. Usually an altar server will be holding a basket/plate, or it might be on a side table. And then you get a bit more when you come up and venerate the priest's hand cross at the end of the Liturgy.

 

TJMH, unfortunately we have a lot of the same thing, so you're not alone in that... :pinch:

 

Hmm... Now I remember a byzantine catholic parish that had this antidoron.  They put the bowl out with bread squares in it.  People received communion, then also took a square of bread immediately afterwards.  I found that odd and did not partake since I always try to keep a fast after communion as well.  I have only seen this practice at one "mission" parish. 
 

[marigold]

Hmm... Now I remember a byzantine catholic parish that had this antidoron.  They put the bowl out with bread squares in it.  People received communion, then also took a square of bread immediately afterwards.  I found that odd and did not partake since I always try to keep a fast after communion as well.  I have only seen this practice at one "mission" parish. 
 

 

Would you consider that breaking a fast? I mean, it's 'liturgical bread'.

[NotreDame]

Would you consider that breaking a fast? I mean, it's 'liturgical bread'.

 

I didn't know, so I erred on the side of caution.