Holy Communion - The History

Communion is one of the sacraments in the Christian religion and is considered to be a reenactment of the Last Supper.

Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Every time Communion is taken, it is meant to be literally giving thanks for the love of God. The term “Eucharist” refers to not only the sacrament of Communion, but also the bread and wine used in the rite.

For many centuries after the founding of the Christian church, bread was the only thing received during Communion. Later whole meals were shared between church members. There is no definitive time period of when Communion as it is today, consisting of bread and wine, came into standard practice.

Although Holy Communion is a traditional Christian sacrament, the customs and interpretations of this rite vary between churches. These differences result from various translations and interpretations of scriptures as well as an absence of any complete outline on how the sacrament should be administered. The main differences are regarding:

• Who can take Communion
• How often it should be celebrated
• What is included
• Roles and functions of celebrants
• The meaning of the Eucharist


Who can take Communion?

In the Catholic Church, only members in good standing are allowed to participate. Generally members of the Assyrian Church, Orthodox Churches, and Polish National Church are allowed to receive Catholic Communion. Traditionally they will only issue Communion to baptized believers outside of these churches only if they are gravely ill. However, many Catholic priests are more relaxed and generally welcome all believers. Most Protestants allow all believers to participate, regardless of standing.


How often should Communion be celebrated?

Catholic Churches generally celebrate Communion weekly. Protestants and other non-Catholics vary from weekly, monthly, quarterly, or once or twice a year.


What is included?

Catholics and Eastern Churches traditionally celebrate Communion with unleavened bread and wine. In some cases the bread is leavened, and in some cases it is substituted with wafers or rice cakes. Wine can also be substituted with unfermented grape juice. Communion is also served differently throughout churches. Some congregations drink from a communal cup with bread placed on the tongue, while others hand out portions in general or very specific arrangements. The Orthodox Churches administer Communion in a unique manner. Bread is placed on a round plate and wine is served in a chalice. Communicants receive the elements on a spoon, and a piece of the bread is put into the chalice with some hot water to symbolize the reunification of the body and spirit of Christ.


What are the roles and functions of celebrants?

In many churches the rite of Communion can only be administered by ordained clergy. Although some churches believe elders and authority figures may also administer Communion rites, this view is much less common. However women can also be ordained in many protestant churches, thus resulting in another difference of opinion with the Catholic and Eastern Churches.


What is the meaning of the Eucharist?

Undoubtedly the most heavily debated aspects of Communion is the literal or figurative meaning of what is represented during Communion. Catholic, Orthodox, and other early Christian churches believe that the elements literally become the blood and body of Christ upon blessing and consumption. This process is known as transubstantiation. Many Protestant churches believe in Christ’s presence within the elements, however in a more figurative way (in, with, and under in a concept known as the sacramental union). Others still reject any literal presence and consider the ritual to be merely a symbolic memorial of Christ.


Although differences of opinion are numerous, all Churches can agree that Communion is a central part of Christian worship that recalls the love and joy that Jesus brings to the community of the faithful.

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