Holy Communion
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Sacrament of Holy Communion as one of the greatest and most important sacraments of the Church in the life of the believer, emphasizing that it cannot be dispensed with because it grants a true fellowship with God and leads the person to eternal life.
Main Idea
The teaching focuses on the fact that Holy Communion is not merely a ritual practice, but rather a union with Christ and abiding in Him, through which the believer receives great spiritual blessings including forgiveness, sanctification, and eternal life.
Spiritual and Educational Dimensions
- Holy Communion establishes the person in God and makes God dwell within him.
- It is a heavenly spiritual nourishment that strengthens the soul just as food strengthens the body.
- It grants forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life to those who partake worthily.
- It works for the purification of the soul, body, and spirit and sanctifies the person.
- It connects the believer with God and achieves a holy fellowship among all members of the Church.
- It represents a continual remembrance of Christ’s saving work, His death, and His resurrection until He comes.
- It calls the believer to a life of repentance, confession, and reconciliation with others.
- It emphasizes the importance of preparing for Communion through spiritual and bodily purity.
- It warns against partaking unworthily, because this causes the person to lose the blessing of the sacrament and exposes him to spiritual judgment.
- It confirms that Holy Communion helps the believer resist sin and live a holy and upright life.
General Message
The holy sacrament is a means of union with Christ and continual spiritual growth; therefore, the believer should approach it with faith, repentance, and purity of heart in order to receive its blessings and remain steadfast in a life of holiness and fellowship with God.
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