👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾 About the Mystery of the #Holy #Eucharist (#Communion)
What is the Holy Communion?
What is the origin and system of the Holy Communion?
Why is the sacrament called a mystery?
Who is worthy of the Holy Communion?
What preparation do we do before and after receiving the Holy Communion?
The sacrament of Holy Communion is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church. The term "Qurban" is an Arabic word meaning "blessing," "gift of money, knowledge, labor and time." In the Old Testament, the blood of animals offered by the Israelites for their sins and for the glory of God was called a sacrifice.
In the New Testament, communion or sacrifice means the faithful (true) sacrifice that God offered as an offering to reconcile Himself with mankind. This offering is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Thus, the sacrament means the perfect Body and Blood of our God, Jesus Christ, our Savior.
It was Jesus Christ who founded the sacrament of Holy Communion on the eve of the crucifixion on Thursday. Only his twelve disciples were with him when he established this great sacrement and mystery. He did not reveal it to all the people who were following him like he did with other sacrements. This is why the Holy Church shroudes it in veil and honor as she offers it to the faithful.
The Holy Communion is called a mystery because of the transformation of bread into the flesh of God and wine into the blood of God, which is visible only to believers with the eyes of faith. The priests prepare the bread only from pure wheat and prepare the wine only from pure grapes or raisins. When the priest blesses the bread and wine by saying, "Aækote Barëkë Wokëdësë," the authority of the priest, the word of God, and the action of the Holy Spirit transform the bread and wine into the flesh and blood of God, making it a mystery that is hidden from the unbeliever.
Before receiving the Holy Communion, one must believe without doubt in the change of the bread and wine into the flesh and blood of God, which is necessary for the healing of the stain and wound of sin and the source of eternal life. One must also repent from past sins, confess, return, and guard against future sins. There is no age limit for receiving Holy Communion, and one should not stay away from the Holy Communion until the end of one's life.
After receiving the Holy Communion, one should take precautions, such as refraining from eating or drinking for a certain period, and contemplating on the spiritual benefit received from the sacrament. The Holy Communion is a great mystery and is the sacrament that is central to the Orthodox Church's teachings.
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