OrthoCliches #1: "Ancestral Sin"

[FenderTL5]

Oh - well I did not know that. Thank you!

During catechism we were told that some were, or were trying, to take it to those outside the church. As in; not consuming all of it, then physically carrying the remaining part of the Eucharist out of the church to give to others.
Another item to overcome was that in large parishes, the chalice would be quite large and difficult to handle.
I'm not challenging what Fr Matt said, merely adding more reasons why the custom changed to the spoon.

 

[whereloveandmercymeet]

people would make the Eucharist into talismans, do experiments on it, etc.

I’m in no way condoning that, just curious as to whether you know what their thought process was behind it?

 

[ArmyMatt]

I’m in no way condoning that, just curious as to whether you know what their thought process was behind it?

i.e., if it's the Body of Christ, and I plant it in my garden, I should get fresh and healthy crops...

 

[All4Christ]

people would make the Eucharist into talismans, do experiments on it, etc.

I’ve heard it also was due to a practical reason of crumbs being dropped by people as well - and with the size and extent of some parishes, it allowed the Eucharist to be portioned appropriately.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I’ve heard it also was due to a practical reason of crumbs being dropped by people as well - and with the size and extent of some parishes, it allowed the Eucharist to be portioned appropriately.

that does make sense.

 

[whereloveandmercymeet]

i.e., if it's the Body of Christ, and I plant it in my garden, I should get fresh and healthy crops...

Ah I see. I can kind of understand why they wanted to try weird things with it now, even if it’s not appropriate.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Ah I see. I can kind of understand why they wanted to try weird things with it now, even if it’s not appropriate.

yep, that's why the Orthodox guard it by spooning it to the faithful.

 

[whereloveandmercymeet]

I think it’s sad that they need to, but totally understandable why they need to protect it.

 

[All4Christ]

I think it’s sad that they need to, but totally understandable why they need to protect it.

To be honest, today I don’t see that happening, but the practical reason I mentioned above certainly remains...and we tend to not change things if there isn’t a good reason to do so. Also, the practice now has spiritual significance also assigned to it, along with prayers during the preparation, etc. Many liturgical practices have both a spiritual and practical reason for them.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I think it’s sad that they need to, but totally understandable why they need to protect it.

sure, but imagine accidentally dropping a crumb or a drop on the floor, and folks unknowingly walk on the Body and Blood.

 

[All4Christ]

sure, but imagine accidentally dropping a crumb or a drop on the floor, and folks unknowingly walk on the Body and Blood.

Exactly. That’s why we have the cloth to wipe the mouth, the spoon to direct it into the mouth directly, the care taken with everything the Eucharist touched, etc.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Exactly. That’s why we have the cloth to wipe the mouth, the spoon to direct it into the mouth directly, the care taken with everything the Eucharist touched, etc.

We are even told not to greet anyone with a kiss after receiving - I actually changed my direction of leaving the Church after being told that since there was a dear lady who would often kiss me when I walked past on one side.

 

[FenderTL5]

We are even told not to greet anyone with a kiss after receiving - I actually changed my direction of leaving the Church after being told that since there was a dear lady who would often kiss me when I walked past on one side.

yep. During catechism (again), we were told, "you will sometimes see someone receive communion then immediately, before going back to their seat, stop and venerate one of the icons up front. Don't do that."

 

[ArmyMatt]

We are even told not to greet anyone with a kiss after receiving - I actually changed my direction of leaving the Church after being told that since there was a dear lady who would often kiss me when I walked past on one side.

and if you wanna be really careful, don't even speak until you have had some antidoron.

 

[~Anastasia~]

yep. During catechism (again), we were told, "you will sometimes see someone receive communion then immediately, before going back to their seat, stop and venerate one of the icons up front. Don't do that."

Yes we were told right up front not to venerate icons after. I guess our parish has been taught, no one does that. But you did sometimes see people greet each other.

 

[~Anastasia~]

and if you wanna be really careful, don't even speak until you have had some antidoron.

Good point. I'm usually on the chant stand so I try to quickly get antidoron and a sip of water. Too much hurry at times like that.

When I can, I prefer to go and quietly pray the prayers of thanksgiving, but it's very rare for me to have that opportunity anymore.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Good point. I'm usually on the chant stand so I try to quickly get antidoron and a sip of water. Too much hurry at times like that.

When I can, I prefer to go and quietly pray the prayers of thanksgiving, but it's very rare for me to have that opportunity anymore.

yeah, I was told that once to take antidoron by senior priest when I was asked to preach during clergy communion, just to make sure I consumed all of it before speaking.