Holy Communion

[Jondel]

Can anyone tell me when it is right to take Holy communion,

I do believe, although i do not go to Church as often as i should,

I have taken the blood and bread of Christ a couple of times, but i never know if i am justified in doing so,

Is there something you must do before you become eligable.

[nancie]

I am an Orthodox Christain. According to the laws of the bible (and i mean the original bible from written in hebrew, greek and latin that has'nt been altered) you have to fast before recieving holy communion. This involves not eating any animal or animal by-products for a period of time before communion.

This includes fish as it contains blood, but not shell fish, which is blood less. You also cant eat eggs or dairy products, or gelatine as they too are are animal by products. Soya/ rice milk is ok as are products.

Generally, the fast for lent is 40 days and 40 nights, but many people only do it for about two weeks, and ill people for about a week in case they feel tired. The morning before communion nothing is eaten, and the night before no oil, shell fish, or alcohol.

Some churches however, do not fast, and I guess as long as you are a good christian it may not matter, Generally, once every three weeks to a month is OK, but it is up to you. If you feel that you need a communion more or less it is up to you with advice from your preist to decide. Pray, be a good Christain and have holy communion most importantly at Christmas and easter and other holy days of the year, and for your personal deliverance.

Other than that nothing you should do to be eligible-God does not discriminate

[dzug]

In the CofE I believe you are supposed to have been confirmed to be eligible, and other churches may have different customs, (eg to have undergone adult baptism) but I am sure that these days few if any make any check on it. It's really between you and your conscience.

[Cetti]

You can take Holy Communion whenever you wish Jondel. There is no Biblical law that says otherwise, only church law and most of that has absolutely nothing to do with the will of God - only man.

I was brought up in church law, so I was only able to take communion after I had been confirmed - and then only after fasting. Thankfully I now know that Jesus looks at the heart and not a set of rules ....very liberating.

By the way you don't need to go to church to take communion - I agree that it may feel right but it's not always practical, especially during an illness or whatever. A glass of wine and a piece of bread with another believer or on your own is fine. Jesus will be there with you.

[Jondel]

Thanks ,,

Your comment's have made me feel much better,

I wont feel bad about taking communion any more,

You have made me feel that i dont have to be a special person, to recieve it.

[Cetti]

Another misunderstanding Jondel, you have nothing to justify as Jesus has already made you ok with God through His Blood, so approach Communion with joy and receive from Him as His special child. No fasting necessary!

[Clanad]

Simple truth, simply stated... thank you for that Cetti! ..."As often as you do this, do it rememberance of Me"...

[doglady]

I don't think God minds what you do, as long as you believe. Whether that belief is public in church, or private walking your dogs in the woods, it's the same as far as he is concerned.

[Kingaroo]

As I recall from Roman Catholic schooling, you not only have to have been baptised, you must have gone to confession and done your penance -- and not sinned since. In the Catholic church it is a sin to take communiion with a sin on your soul. Since I have given up the faith, I never would presume to take communion in a Catholic or any other church because it would be disrespectful of those for whom it is a holy sacrament.

[Jondel]

I dont agree with you kingaroo, none of us are without sin, and i believe you can confess your sins without telling the Priest, just by talking to God, And I am sure he wouldnt mind me taking Communion.

[whiffey]

Does it matter, if your heart is right ? I never took communion, I was sort of 'scared' too, it was something the senior good ones did.

I am rather bothered by the idea of transubstantiation in the communion, and once again, like so many other facets of Roman Catholicism, I don't think it matters (I hope not anyway!). I even have problems with the Trinity and the virgin birth - but again, do they matter ? And if according to John 1,1 Jesus existed from the beginning of all time, how does the Father - Son relationship work ?

Sorry, veered off topic.