Holy Communion
Who can receive, how to prepare, and how to approach the chalice.
The Holy Eucharist
Holy Communion is the center of Orthodox worship. The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
This is not a symbol. The Orthodox Church teaches that the change is real, though the manner is a mystery.
"Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life" (John 6:54).
Receiving communion is called "partaking of the Holy Mysteries."
Who Can Receive
Baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared.
Catechumens cannot yet receive communion. This is not exclusion. It is preparation. The catechumenate prepares you to receive the greatest gift the Church offers.
Visitors from other Christian traditions: practice varies by parish. Speak with the priest before the service. In most Orthodox parishes, communion is for Orthodox Christians who have prepared.
If you are not receiving communion, you are still welcome to receive antidoron (blessed bread) at the end of the Liturgy. Antidoron is not communion. It is bread that was blessed but not consecrated. Everyone can receive it: Orthodox, non-Orthodox, catechumens, visitors, children. In most parishes, the priest hands you a piece as you come forward to venerate (kiss) the cross at the dismissal. In some parishes, a basket is set out near the door. Either way, take a piece. It is a gesture of welcome and fellowship.
How to Prepare
Fasting
Fast from all food and drink from midnight (or at least from waking). This is the Eucharistic fast. If you take medication, take it. The fast is for food and drink, not medicine. See the Fasting Guide for the broader fasting discipline.
Confession
Confess before receiving, or as your priest directs. Some priests ask you to confess before every communion. Others ask less frequently. Follow your priest's guidance.
Prayer
Pray the Communion Preparation prayers (about 30 minutes). If time is short, your priest may bless a shorter preparation.
Reconciliation
Be at peace with others. "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift and go first be reconciled" (Matthew 5:23-24).
Attention
Arrive for the beginning of the Liturgy, not just for communion. The prayers of the Liturgy are themselves preparation.
How to Approach
When the priest comes out with the chalice, approach in a single line.
Cross your arms over your chest (right over left). Do not make the sign of the cross near the chalice.
State your Orthodox name (your baptismal or chrismation name).
The priest will place the spoon in your mouth. Receive it carefully. Do not grab the spoon or the priest's hand.
After receiving, someone will offer you a cloth to wipe your lips, then blessed bread and wine (zapivka) to cleanse your mouth.
Return to your place. You may sit. Pray quietly in thanksgiving.
After Communion
After receiving, you return to your place. The Liturgy is not over yet. Stand (or sit) quietly while others receive and the priest finishes the service.
The priest will read a short communal thanksgiving prayer aloud before the dismissal. Listen and pray along.
After the Liturgy ends and you leave the church, pray the personal Thanksgiving prayers (about 10 minutes). You can pray them in your pew before leaving, in the car, or at home. Pray them the same day, ideally within a few hours.
You have received Christ. Carry that awareness through the rest of the day.
Some people avoid spitting for the rest of the day out of reverence. This is pious custom, not a rule.
Prayers Before and After Communion
The Prayer Library contains both the Communion Preparation prayers (30 minutes) and the Communion Thanksgiving prayers (10 minutes).
If you are preparing for communion tomorrow, pray the preparation prayers tonight or in the morning before Liturgy.