About the Holy Eucharist
The Precautions and Christian Life a Believer Should Follow Before and After Receiving Holy Communion.
Holy Communion signifies a commitment to follow the Orthodox Church's teachings, which should inspire us to perform good works and acts of charity. It is not a reward, but a means to receive God's grace. Preparation through confession and repentance is crucial before partaking. Holy Communion symbolizes the union between the believer and Christ, affirming our commitment to His teachings.
The main reason why we should approach Holy Communion with spiritual diligence is not because the Son of God, His holy body, or His precious blood can be defiled by anything else, but rather because we are united with His flesh and blood. We must always strive to live in a manner that avoids the obstacles that Satan, who is jealous of our salvation, places in our way to tempt us and lead us into sin. In order to save ourselves from sin, we must participate in the holy ceremony of receiving the flesh and blood of Christ, which we take for our eternal salvation. We must spend our lives in faith and conduct, doing righteous works. Christian vigilance is necessary because Satan often throws subtle obstacles in our way.
If we stumble and fall into sin after receiving Holy Communion, we must repent and confess our sins to the priest. We should stop receiving Holy Communion for the time being, complete our penance, and seek advice and guidance from the priest before resuming Holy Communion. Once we begin to receive Holy Communion, we should avoid sins and offenses that would prevent us from approaching it. If we commit a sin that should not be repeated after receiving Holy Communion, we have dishonored this great sacrament and must repent and work to strengthen our spiritual purpose.
We should not take repentance lightly or assume that we can continue to repeat the same offense. We must strive to control our thoughts and emotions, live steadfastly in morals and faith, and quickly repent if we fall into sin. We must constantly strive to strengthen our spiritual purpose in order not to be separated from the Holy Communion.
In addition, there are certain rituals and beliefs that may be common in some places but are not in accordance with the Church's canon and tradition. When we encounter doubt or confusion, we should seek guidance from the Church fathers, teachers, and scholars to clarify the true teachings of the Church. We should not be led astray by beliefs or practices that are outside of the Church's system. As St. Paul advised Timothy, "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly" (2 Timothy 2:16).
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us.
Amen.
©John's Repentance
Follow our Telegram group every day and share it with your friends https://t.me/orthodoxQnAs.
#Hosanna: Our Lord's entrance into Jerusalem
This event, resplendent with profound symbolism and deep theological significance, serves as a pivotal moment in the life of Christ and the narrative of salvation history. Let us delve into the essence of this holy feast, drawing upon the spiritual wisdom and liturgical traditions of the Holy Orthodox Tewahedo Church, to unearth the layers of divine truth embedded within.
The Etymology and Symbolism of Hosanna
Derived from the Hebrew expression "Hosheannah," the term 'Hosanna' resonates with a plea for deliverance: "save us, we pray." This cry for salvation becomes especially poignant as we reflect on its utterance by the multitudes greeting Jesus. As Palm Sunday, the feast commemorates not only a moment of jubilant welcome but also a profound acknowledgment of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who comes to deliver His people.
The Liturgical Celebration
The festivity begins on the eve, under the cloak of night, with devout songs rising in the Mahlet, a prelude to the sacred mysteries of redemption that the day commemorates. As dawn breaks, the liturgy intensifies with the deacon's call at the west door, "Arhu Mhotate Mekwanent," imploring the nobles to open the gates of their hearts and the physical doors of the church, symbolizing the opening of oneself to divine grace.
The priest, standing as a mediator between the divine and the earthly, responds with a profound question, "Manu wuetu zentu nge sebhat?" ("Who is the king of thanksgiving?"), to which the response is a declaration of God's sovereignty and mercy. Thus, the liturgy unfolds, deeply imbued with scriptural recitations, psalms, and the blessing of palms, signifying victory and spiritual triumph.
The Entry into Jerusalem: A Fulfillment of Prophecy
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the scene is laden with symbolic gestures: the riding on a donkey and a colt, the spreading of garments, and the waving of palm branches. These actions are rich in symbolism. The donkey, a humble beast of burden, represents the humble coming of the King of Peace, in stark contrast to a conquering hero on a warhorse. This humility is central to the Christian message, illustrating that the true Kingdom of God is not one of earthly power and domination, but of humility, peace, and service.
The Cleansing of the Temple
One of the most dramatic actions of Jesus during Hosanna is His cleansing of the temple. This act is not merely a critique of commercial activities in a sacred space but a profound reclamation of the temple as a house of prayer. By driving out those who had turned it into a 'den of robbers,' Jesus restores the temple's purpose and, symbolically, redirects the people's focus from transactional religion to transformative spirituality.
Theological Reflections on Hosanna
Hosanna is not just a historical commemoration but a living invitation to each believer to prepare the temple of their hearts for the coming of the King of Mercy. As St. Gregory of Nazianzus, a luminary of the Church, might articulate, this feast challenges us to confront the mercantile exchanges within our own spiritual lives—are we trading divine intimacy for worldly gain?
Implications for the Faithful
In observing Hosanna, the faithful are called to a deeper introspection and renewal of faith. It is a time to acknowledge Christ as the ultimate source of salvation, to lay down our own cloaks of pride and sin, and to take up a posture of humility and obedience. The feast reenacts the welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem and anticipates His final coming, urging us to readiness and spiritual vigilance.