Eucharist

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Blessed Sacrament, is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches and an ordinance in others. According to the New Testament, the rite was instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper; giving his disciples bread and wine during the Passover meal, Jesus commanded his followers to "do this in memory of me" while referring to the bread as "my body" and the wine as "my blood".

History

The practice of the Eucharist has its roots in the Last Supper, which is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 1 Corinthians by Paul the Apostle. The early Christians celebrated the Eucharist as a communal meal, often in the context of a larger meal known as the Agape feast. Over time, the celebration became more formalized and liturgical.

Theological Significance

The Eucharist holds deep theological significance in Christianity. It is seen as a means of grace, a memorial of Christ's sacrifice, and a participation in the body and blood of Christ. Different Christian denominations have varying interpretations of the Eucharist:

• In Roman Catholicism, the doctrine of transubstantiation teaches that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.
• In Eastern Orthodoxy, the Eucharist is also seen as a mystery where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, though the exact mechanism is not defined.
• In Protestantism, views vary widely. Lutherans believe in the real presence of Christ "in, with, and under" the forms of bread and wine, a view known as consubstantiation. Reformed Christians often see the Eucharist as a symbolic or spiritual presence.

Liturgical Practice

The celebration of the Eucharist varies among Christian traditions. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Eucharist is celebrated during the Mass, which includes readings from Scripture, a homily, and the consecration of the bread and wine. In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, the Divine Liturgy is the context for the Eucharist, with a rich tradition of hymns and prayers.

In many Protestant churches, the Eucharist is celebrated less frequently, often monthly or quarterly, and is sometimes referred to as the "Lord's Supper" or "Communion". The liturgy may be simpler, focusing on the words of institution and the sharing of bread and wine.

Artistic Depictions

The Eucharist has been a central theme in Christian art. The Last Supper has been depicted by numerous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Juan de Juanes. Stained glass windows, such as those in the Cathedral of Fribourg, also depict the Eucharist, emphasizing its importance in Christian worship.

A depiction of the Last Supper from Kremikovtsi Monastery

Stained glass window depicting the Eucharist in the Cathedral of Fribourg

Also see

• Last Supper
• Transubstantiation
• Consubstantiation
• Divine Liturgy
• Mass (liturgy)
• Agape feast