Communion

[Hermit76]

When someone asks about a specific church question we should be careful not to make assumptions about their church, beliefs, and the person.

 

[ChicanaRose]

I am traditionally Eastern Orthodox and married to a traditionally non-Orthodox (Uniting). Recently we attended a Lutheran church, and without thinking, I undertook their communion service. I've since realised my mistake. What are my options, what should I do?

I think the solution is to not do it again if you feel guilty about it. But I would not consider taking communion in any church as sin against God, as long as you do not take it in an unworthy manner (1 Cor. 11:27)

 

[rockytopva]

I am traditionally Eastern Orthodox and married to a traditionally non-Orthodox (Uniting). Recently we attended a Lutheran church, and without thinking, I undertook their communion service. I've since realised my mistake. What are my options, what should I do?

Denominational superiority is something that church leadership sometimes likes to seer into men’s consciousness. I was raised to believe tongues were of the devil and all Catholics were going to hell. My old Pentecostal Holiness preacher said early on he thought the Pentecostal Holiness were the only ones saved. Sometimes it takes time for many of us to realize we are not the only ones.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

I may not be allowed to partake Orthodox Communion again.

I get it, and I understand your concern. I'm Lutheran Church Canada, in fellowship with the Ausi Church. I also understand that your views regarding closed communion in your Church are for exactly the same reasons as our closed Communion.

I would suggest that you talk to your Priest, and he will give you counsel.

One of my former Pastors was at one time at a Parish in the far north, many people came from all over Canada because of the work. An EO family was there for work also, but no EO Church. The EO gentleman spoke with the Lutheran Pastor and his Bishop; the Bishop actually came to visit the Pastor, and they both felt that regarding the Eucharist, there was a lot of agreement, ant that as an extraordinary circumstance, the EO family could attend the Lutheran Parish, and could partake of the Blessed Sacrament until such time that they could resume regular attendance at an EO Church. Such an arrangement is not common for either of our Churches, but I think this was a great example of the Holy Spirit working withing God's Church to feed hungry souls.

I suspect that your Priest will show compassion and mercy; but for both the LCA and your Church, it would be wise to respect the doctrine of Closed communion in the future.

Mercy and peace to you,

Mark

 

[rockytopva]

I have taken communion at my dads Lutheran church and love the was they do it. I have thanked the preacher their many times for taken the time to lead that congregation.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Denominational superiority is something that church leadership sometimes likes to seer into men’s consciousness. I was raised to believe tongues were of the devil and all Catholics were going to hell. My old Pentecostal Holiness preacher said early on he thought the Pentecostal Holiness were the only ones saved. Sometimes it takes time for many of us to realize we are not the only ones.

No offense, but for reformed Protestant Churches that do not hold belief in the real presence or the efficacy of the sacraments; you have no dog in this hunt. Church is not a social club, and the Scripture is clear that the Church on Earth has the obligation to bind and lose. This is not about exclusivity, this is about the Apostolic teachings of the Church. We respect the adherence to these ancient and scripturally founded practices, just as we expect others to respect us for doing so.

 

[rockytopva]

No offense, but for reformed Protestant Churches that do not hold belief in the real presence or the efficacy of the sacraments; you have no dog in this hunt. Church is not a social club, and the Scripture is clear that the Church on Earth has the obligation to bind and lose. This is not about exclusivity, this is about the Apostolic teachings of the Church. We respect the adherence to these ancient and scripturally founded practices, just as we expect others to respect us for doing so.

When it gets to the point where we know what wars are made of....

 

[Yarddog]

It all sounds like church politics and party spirit to me. Paul said about the Corinthians that because of their party spirit they were just baby Christians who could take just milk and have no real maturity in the faith.

It has nothing to do with anything other than reverence toward the very body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we approach the Eucharist, it is a very solemn occurrence. Those who do not understand and perceive the body and blood are asked not to approach the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Well apparently in Catholicism and the Orthodox church the priest "blesses" unleavened bread and wine into the literal blood and body of Christ so I can see the OPs concerns.

And the Lutherans and Protestants afaik, dont do this same blessing. We just give unleavened bread and wine during our communion but honestly that's all the eucharist IS. Is unleavened bread and wine. A priest is NOT God and cannot transfigure unleavened bread and wine into the actual blood and body of Christ. Sorry. Only God could do that. All you're eating is unleavened bread and wine no matter who prepares it. It's what the unleavened bread and wine SYMBOLIZES that counts.

 

[Not David]

Well apparently in Catholicism and the Orthodox church the priest "blesses" unleavened bread and wine into the literal blood and body of Christ so I can see the OPs concerns.

And the Lutherans and Protestants afaik, dont do this same blessing. We just give unleavened bread and wine during our communion but honestly that's all the eucharist IS. Is unleavened bread and wine. A priest is NOT God and cannot transfigure unleavened bread and wine into the actual blood and body of Christ. Sorry. Only God could do that. All you're eating is unleavened bread and wine no matter who prepares it. It's what the unleavened bread and wine SYMBOLIZES that counts.

Actually I have lots if friends who has eaten the Lord's blood and body.

 

[redleghunter]

That makes no sense because of what Oscar posted. What is their reasoning?

Ask them.

 

[☦Marius☦]

Just confess it to your priest, and if he gives you an epitimion (pennance) do it. If you weren't aware that you shouldn't commune in non Orthodox parishes, then I would recommend perhaps studying up on Orthodox views on Communion and why we see it as so important not to commune with the heterodox.

Over all though you didn't really do any harm. As someone else said, their sacraments wouldn't be considered valid anyway so you aren't harming yourself.

 

[DamianWarS]

I may not be allowed to partake Orthodox Communion again.

if this is important to you than you should talk to those responsible for making this decision as our thoughts are going to vary widely and we have no authority over the possible repercussions.

 

[☦Marius☦]

The Lord's supper (Eucharist, Communion - all the same), is not denomination-specific. It is the Lord's supper, to remember the Lord's death until He comes. If you took communion for that reason and your heart was in it, you did not make a mistake at all. If someone had blocked you from it because you did not belong to the Lutheran church, then the mistake is theirs, not yours.

I know that non-Catholics are not invited to take the Eucharist in a Catholic church, which makes me think that it is not the Lord's supper as such, but a specifically Catholic Eucharist and therefore does not reflect the death of Christ at all, but a ceremony that shows that one is a faithful and good Catholic.

So I think that you should rest easy and praise the Lord that you had another opportunity to remember that Jesus died for you on the cross.

So you believe everyone should have open communion no matter what heresies or lack of confessional guidance the person might have? The point of having closed communion is so that those rejecting what we believe to be the teachings of the Holy Spirit, aren't harmed by partaking of Christ. Not only that, but the unity of the Church in prayer is what makes Communion valid in the first place, as well as having a legitimate Bishop as per St. Ignatius.

I realize you are trying to help here, but OP is Orthodox, and while I understand you don't hold to Apostolic beliefs- perhaps you should study them before trying to make a judgement?

 

[☦Marius☦]

I may not be allowed to partake Orthodox Communion again.

Worst comes to worst a person might simply be re-chrismed. No person gets cut off from the Church unless they choose to be cut off. The church always receives those who desire Christ with open arms.

 

[☦Marius☦]

It all sounds like church politics and party spirit to me. Paul said about the Corinthians that because of their party spirit they were just baby Christians who could take just milk and have no real maturity in the faith.

He also said that those communing without proper repentance and fear of God were falling sick and coming close to death. The Catholic view on communion comes from the first century via St. Ignatius, Polycarp, the Diadache, as well as many other Church fathers. Closed communion has at least been a concept since the phrase "throw not your pearls before swine" was said by Christ, and has been in practice since the earliest days of the Church.

You can criticize the opinion all you like, just don't treat it like some foreign concept that has never had any place in Christianity.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Actually I have lots if friends who has eaten the Lord's blood and body.

Oh? Do tell. I'm curious.

 

[PaulCyp1]

Do? Why do you feel the need to "do" anything? You can't undo what has been done. And all that has been done is you ate a piece of bread. Just forget about it.

 

[Not David]

Oh? Do tell. I'm curious.

What else is to tell? People in TAW has done it too.

 

[fhansen]

I am traditionally Eastern Orthodox and married to a traditionally non-Orthodox (Uniting). Recently we attended a Lutheran church, and without thinking, I undertook their communion service. I've since realised my mistake. What are my options, what should I do?

Did you try purging? I mean, what difference could it possibly make?