Deacons and Communion
Deacons and Communion
Question
Is it permissible for a deacon wearing the tunia to attend the Divine Liturgy and not partake of Communion, under the pretext that he serves outside the sanctuary? And is it permissible for the church cantor (Moallem) to serve without partaking of Communion?
Answer
If the deacon does not partake of Communion, then it is assumed that he should not wear the tunia, because the tunia is the garment designated for the service of the altar, and it is not permissible for a deacon to serve the altar and not partake of Communion…
And there is no distinction in the Church rite — regarding Communion — between a deacon serving inside the sanctuary and a deacon serving outside the sanctuary… all of them are deacons, and it is assumed that they should be prepared for Communion, otherwise they become a bad example to the people.
Because lack of preparation for Communion is caused either by breaking the fast, or by lack of repentance or lack of spiritual readiness. All of this prevents service. And that which prevents Communion also prevents service…
Rather, it is assumed that all the people attend the church while fasting, and also spiritually prepared, because as the Psalmist said in the Psalm: “Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord” (Psalm 93:5).
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