Preparation for Holy Communion

References

Sources

1. 1.Understanding the Liturgy — Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 82)

   To be ready for receiving the body and the blood of the Lord, one has to be clean, both in body and soul. To be clean in body, we wash and put on clean clothes. To be clean in spirit, one has to wash away his sins through the Sacrament of Repentance, and put on the clean garments which he receives through the absolution.

2. 2.Understanding the Liturgy — Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 86)

   When we fall into sin, our conscience rebukes us. The first thing we should do is to raise our hearts to God acknowledging our sin and asking for God’s help in overcoming our weakness. This is the first step and is a temporary confession that is complete only when we go to our father in confession. Before we sit to confess, we should prepare ourselves, recalling all the sins for which we have offered this initial repentance. We humbly acknowledge our sins in the presence of the priest, condemning ourselves rather than making excuses. after listening to the advise of our father in confession, w

3. 3.Understanding the Liturgy — Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 84)

   Before coming to partake of the holy Sacrament, We have to put on the wedding garment, the state of heavenly purity that we first obtained when we were baptized and the same we get when we confess and get the absolution. Saint Paul in warning the Corinthians of the perils of approaching the mysteries unworthily, adds, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” (1Cor 11:30-31). Ancient writers of the Church emphasize the necessity of confession before communion, If you approach with purity, you come unto salvation; but if you approach with a guilty conscience, you come

4. 4.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 2 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 639)

   The church has laid down certain requirements to be met before receiving communion. A communicant must ensure spiritual preparedness, by showing genuine repentance for previous sins and shortcomings. Physical cleanliness, continence, and purity is equally important, together with a liturgical fast of at least nine hours prior to communion

5. 5.Understanding the Liturgy — Father Athanasius Iskander (p. 86)

   For thus it was pleasing to the Holy Spirit, through the Apostles, that in honour of so great a Sacrament the Lord’s Body should enter into the mouth of a Christian before other foods, and on that account this practice is observed throughout the whole world.

6. 6.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 319)

   Its suitability for the Eucharist is stressed by early commentators, who lay emphasis on petitions for the forgiveness of sins and, above all, for the daily, or rather heavenly, bread. From Saint JOHN CHRYSOSTOM onward, liturgical commentators in the East have witnessed to its use after the eucharistic prayer as a preparation for Communion.

7. 7.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 542)

   This is the culmination of the eucharistic service, in preparation for which the priest says, "Make us all worthy, O Lord, to partake of Thy Holy Body and Thy Holy Precious Blood, in purification of our souls, our bodies, and our spirits, and forgiveness of our sins and trespasses, that we may become one body and one spirit with Thee. Glory be to Thee, with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, forever. Amen."

8. 8.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 2 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 641)

   COMMUNION OF THE SICK, a special rite by which Holy Communion is administered to a bedridden person or to a prisoner in his cell. Fasting and confession are required whenever possible.