Does The Greek Orthodox Church Have Communion?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

In the Greek Orthodox Church,

one single utensil is used to administer the Holy Communion to the entire congregation

. Churchgoers line up, and one by one, the priest spoon-feeds them wine and bread, which represent the blood and body of Jesus Christ.

Do Greek Orthodox have First Communion?

In the Orthodox Church,

any person of any age receives communion as soon as possible after baptism and chrismation

, usually at the next Divine Liturgy.

Are all Orthodox churches in communion?

All churches within the Oriental Orthodox Churches are autocephalous and operate and function on their own. All Oriental Orthodox Churches

are in full communion with each other

. They can take part in all the 7 sacraments from each other’s churches.

What do Greek Orthodox believe about communion?

When we take Holy Communion in the Greek Orthodox Church,

we receive the body and blood of Christ

. This means that his Divine Presence is within us. … By preparing to receive Communion, we show God that, although we are never truly worthy, we are able to receive Him through His grace.

Do Greek Orthodox have sacraments?

Contemporary Orthodox catechisms and textbooks all affirm that

the church recognizes seven mystēria

(“sacraments”): baptism, chrismation, Communion, holy orders, penance, anointing of the sick, and marriage. … In fact, no council recognized by the Orthodox church ever defined the number of sacraments.

Who Cannot receive Communion in the Orthodox Church?

The Eastern Orthodox Church is not in Communion with the Roman Church, nor is it in Communion with any Protestant denominational church. Eastern Orthodox Christians are forbidden from receiving Communion in any church

other than Eastern Orthodox

.

Is Orthodox different from Catholic?

The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers

reject the infallibility of the pope and consider

their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. In this way, they are similar to Protestants, who also reject any notion of papal primacy.

Do Greek Orthodox believe in purgatory?


The Orthodox Church does not believe in purgatory

(a place of purging), that is, the inter-mediate state after death in which the souls of the saved (those who have not received temporal punishment for their sins) are purified of all taint preparatory to entering into Heaven, where every soul is perfect and fit to see …

Can you drink water before Communion Orthodox?

A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink,

except for only water and medicine

.

Can Orthodox priests marry?

Under Orthodox rules,

a celibate priest cannot marry after ordination

, and a non-celibate priest cannot remarry and remain a priest, even if his wife dies, he said.

What is the Greek Orthodox religion?

Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that

God revealed himself in Jesus Christ

, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship.

Are the Greek Orthodox Catholic?

The

Eastern Orthodox Church considers itself to be both orthodox and catholic

. … In a Christian context, the Christian Church, as identified with the original church founded by Christ and his apostles, is said to be catholic (or universal) in regard to its union with Christ in faith.

Do Greek Orthodox do confirmation?

Confirmation is a popular practice in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches where

infant baptism is also performed

. It enables a baptised person to confirm the promises made on their behalf at baptism.

Can you be both Catholic and Orthodox?


Most Orthodox Churches allow marriages between members of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church

. … Because the Catholic Church respects their celebration of the Mass as a true sacrament, intercommunion with the Eastern Orthodox in “suitable circumstances and with Church authority” is both possible and encouraged.

When did the Orthodox Church split from the Catholic Church?

On

July 16, 1054

, Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Cerularius was excommunicated, starting the “Great Schism” that created the two largest denominations in Christianity—the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faiths.

Can Orthodox attend Catholic Mass?

If you are attending as a worshiper:

Mostly yes

. If a Catholic is unable to get to a Catholic mass (i.e. in Russia or an Eastern Orthodox nation), they can attend an Orthodox divine liturgy and it will satisfy their Sunday/holy day obligation. All Orthodox sacraments are considered valid by the Church.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.