Communion twice in a day

[Monica4316]

I’m just curious if the Eastern churches say anything on this? It seems less likely to happen in the East. But does anyone know? Maybe something in canon law?

 

[Errham]

Not allowed, neither can a priest perform two Liturgies a day, neither can the liturgy be performed on one altar twice a day.

 

[Monica4316]

Oh… I’ve done that in the past at a Latin rite Mass, I hope there are no penalties or something for that? I’m an Eastern Catholic.

 

[Errham]

Generally it’s only accepted to receive the Eucharistic once a week, and that seems to be a Western trend borrowed from the West - in Orthodox countries some people might receive the Eucharist twice a year. The idea is that Church (and by definition the Eucharist) shouldn’t just be another part of your daily routine, like sadly has become the case amongst many Western Rite Catholics. It’s the holiest thing in existence. That’s why we have the fasting, the prayers, canons and akathists the night before, in order to better prepare ourselves.

 

[Monica4316]

I find frequent Communion at daily Mass really helps me… I struggle spiritually without it. Aren’t we allowed to go to any Mass as Catholics and receive there, for example daily Mass? I find it helps me a lot and my SD recommends it, and I don’t see at all that it becomes something casual. Its what i look most forward to. Am I right that we are allowed to receive daily if this is helpful and our confessor agrees? After all we are Catholic and as Catholics can go to any Catholic liturgy. Like daily Communion isn’t something prohibited right? But receiving two times a day is?? Can someone clarify?

 

[Monica4316]

Like I don’t think that its some sort of a rule that Eastern Catholics can only receive maximum once a week?

I attend daily Mass and frequent Communion is what has helped me the most. I struggled a lot spiritually when I wasn’t receiving often. My Confessor believes I really need daily Communion and always encourages me to do that. So is there a rule like that for Eastern Catholics or its just what is common among them?

 

[babochka]

Not allowed, neither can a priest perform two Liturgies a day, neither can the liturgy be performed on one altar twice a day.

While this is the general Orthodox practice, it is not the case with the Eastern Catholic Churches. Whether that should be or not is a different question. The OP was asking about Eastern Catholic practice, not Orthodox.

**Generally it’s only accepted to receive the Eucharistic once a week, and that seems to be a Western trend borrowed from the West - **in Orthodox countries some people might receive the Eucharist twice a year. The idea is that Church (and by definition the Eucharist) shouldn’t just be another part of your daily routine, like sadly has become the case amongst many Western Rite Catholics. It’s the holiest thing in existence. That’s why we have the fasting, the prayers, canons and akathists the night before, in order to better prepare ourselves.

The idea that frequent - or even daily- communion is borrowed from the West doesn’t stand up to historical scrutiny. It is an innovation to only receive Communion rarely, and thankfully, Eastern Catholics embrace the ideal of frequent Communion, while leaving individual reception decisions up to the individual.

acrod.org/readingroom/spirituallife/frequentcommunion

It can be stated without fear of contradiction that the practice of the early Church was not only to receive Holy Communion at every Sunday Liturgy, but to receive it every day in some locales. Just to mention one famous case, St. Basil the Great (d. 379 A.D.) mentions that he communed four times a week. Other Fathers of the early centuries of the Church tell us of the faithful bringing Communion home with them from the Sunday Liturgy in order to receive during the week.

A careful reading of the prayers of the various Divine Liturgies reveals that it is expected that all present would receive Holy Communion. For instance, before the elevation of the “Lamb,” the priest prays, “… Deem it proper to impart to us with Your mighty hand, Your most pure Body and precious Blood, and through us to ALL YOUR PEOPLE.”

Indeed, the Synod of Antioch in 341 A.D. ordered excommunicated those who came to Church and failed to receive Holy Communion (Canon 2 of Antioch).

This Canon was an attempt to check what was becoming a growing abuse in the Church at the end of the fourth century: Christians attending Liturgy without receiving Holy Communion. St. John Chrysostom lamented this practice: “In vain do we stand at the altar, there is no one to partake” (Eph.3, 4).

This practice, which began in Syria in the fourth century, was prompted by two primary factors. First, the church in the fourth century was flooded with converts from paganism as Christianity became the socially correct religion of the Roman Empire. Many of these people were very casual about their faith. Some would leave the Liturgy with the catechumens (those who were preparing for Baptism) when they were dismissed after the Gospel reading, since catechumens were not allowed to receive Holy Communion.

The other reason was the new language that the clergy of the Church began using to describe the sacraments. Words like “awesome,” “fearful” and even “hair-raising” were used in speaking about the sacraments of the Church in order to instill reverence for them among these casual Orthodox. The end result, though, became a justification for staying away from the Eucharist on the grounds of “unworthiness.”

St. John Cassian at the beginning of the fifth century was compelled to write against this new attitude:

“We must not avoid communion because we think that we are sinful. We must approach it more often for the healing of the soul and the purification of the spirit… It is much better if, in humility of heart, knowing that we are never worthy of the Holy Mysteries, we would receive them every Sunday for the healing of our diseases, rather than, blinded by pride, think that after one year we become worthy of them.”

There are times when one might feel it necessary to abstain from Holy Communion, but these should be the exception rather than the rule. In reality, the path that less honors God is the once-a-year formal observance of the Sacrament. It is much more difficult to keep oneself on the road of repentance before God, confessing often to the Lord through our spiritual father, aware each day of our “unworthiness” and with thanksgiving for the Saviour’s love for us, even in our sinfulness, allowing us to approach the Lord’s table frequently. St. John of Cronstadt, writing at the beginning of this century, perhaps was thinking of this:
**
“If your heart is right in your bosom; if, by God’s mercy, it is ready to meet the Bridegroom, then, thank God, it is well with you, even though you may not have succeeded in reading all the appointed prayers (before Communion). For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power…”**

And finally, from St. John Crystostom:

What then? Do we not offer [the Eucharistic Sacrifice] every day…Many communicate in this sacrifice once in the entire year, others twice, still others frequently… Which ones do we accept with approval? Those who [partake] once, those who [do so] frequently, or those who seldom [do so] ? Neither those who once, nor those who seldom [partake], but those [who do so] with a clean conscience, those with pure hearts, those with an irreproachable life. Let such ones approach [to receive communion] continually, but those who are not , not even once! Why so? Because they receive unto their own judgment and condemnation and punishment and retaliation… These things I say not as forbidding you the once annual coming [to communion], but as wishing you to draw near continually. " (In Heb.hom 17:3-4, Quoted by Robert F. Taft S.J.)

 

[Monica4316]

I think the whole “once a year” Communion practice is just too rare. I believe Our Lord longs for us to receive Him and if we don’t come to Him, how would we ever receive His life into ourselves? I understand reverence, but such excessive fear of Communion can easily lead to Jansenism. The reason Our Lord gave the Sacred Heart devotion is because Jansenism is so poisonous. They saw Communion as a reward rather than a remedy and one of the quotes above really illustrates their view - the pride of thinking we could be worthy. Its one thing if the Eastern practice just doesn’t offer daily Communion so the only option is to receive once a week. I also understand about reverence. Once a year is just too rare whatever the reason is.

Such excessive fear also feeds scruples and scrupulosity is something I have that I am trying to overcome. I understand the Eastern view is more about reverence and preparation rather than this Jansenist fear. What does everyone think about Eastern Catholics who go to Latin weekday Mass and receive there daily? I understand we can receive Sacraments in any Catholic church. So if that’s daily is that allowed for us? Because like I said its what my Confessor has been trying to get me to, to help me, and in following his advice I found its a great remedy and help. When I don’t receive for a couple days I struggle with sin so much more. Its not my intent to ignore the Eastern practice… I just don’t think the Church actually forbids this, and allows us to attend any Catholic liturgy? Also the East stresses obedience to a spiritual father and my spiritual father really encourages daily Communion for me. Am I right in saying this isn’t a rule, and I’m not ignoring my particular Eastern practice in doing this?

 

[babochka]

Like I don’t think that its some sort of a rule that Eastern Catholics can only receive maximum once a week?

No, there is not Eastern rule, Catholic or Orthodox, that says you can only receive once a week.

I attend daily Mass and frequent Communion is what has helped me the most. I struggled a lot spiritually when I wasn’t receiving often. My Confessor believes I really need daily Communion and always encourages me to do that. So is there a rule like that for Eastern Catholics or its just what is common among them?

There is no rule in Catholicism or Orthodoxy that limits a person to weekly Communion, or monthly, or annually. Orthodox monasteries frequently offer daily Divine Liturgy. Even during the Great Fast, when the Eastern tradition is to not have the Divine Liturgy from Monday - Friday, we are still given Communion at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, to nourish our souls during the fast.

I used to go to daily Mass and receive Communion, when my schedule and life allowed. I miss being able to do that.

As far as your original question, I’ve never seen it addressed in writing, but I did have the situation come up once. I had attended Ash Wednesday Mass in the morning and later went to the Pre-sanctified Liturgy in the evening. I asked my priest if I could receive Communion, and he told me that I could. I don’t know if there is a written rule specifically dealing with this situation or if he was simply following the Latin practice. Regardless, I felt comfortable with the guidance of my pastor.

 

[Teabag]

Every day communion would be ideal. a few times a week is what i manage. Always a blessing to receive Our Lord as often as possible.

 

[Vico]

I’m just curious if the Eastern churches say anything on this? It seems less likely to happen in the East. But does anyone know? Maybe something in canon law?

There is no equivalent prohibition in the eastern canon law (CCEO).

For the Byzantine Catholic Church, it is the norm for the deacon to consume the consecrated Gifts after communion in the Divine Liturgy, so it is normal for the deacon to receive multiple times at the same liturgy. I believe, therefore, that the Divine Eucharist does not break a fast.

In the Byzantine Catholic Church (USA) particular law, 707 §2. “The Eucharistic fast shall be from solids one hour before the reception of the Divine Eucharist. Medications and water may be taken anytime.”

 

[Errham]

What I mean to say, is that in the Eastern Rites communion is not a one hour absistence like it is in Catholicism. One must say two canons and an akathist the night before, the prayers before communion (which are by no means short) and total absistence starting the night before. This simply makes it impractical for Byzantine Catholics to receive daily communion.

 

[Vico]

Not allowed, neither can a priest perform two Liturgies a day, neither can the liturgy be performed on one altar twice a day.

In the Byzantine Catholic Church it is possible for a priest to celebrate twice, using two different antimensions. Some Byzantine Catholic priests actually do more than one Divine Liturgy in a day.

 

[Vico]

What I mean to say, is that in the Eastern Rites communion is not a one hour absistence like it is in Catholicism. One must say two canons and an akathist the night before, the prayers before communion (which are by no means short) and total absistence starting the night before. This simply makes it impractical for Byzantine Catholics to receive daily communion.

The norms for fast and abstinence are one hour now in the Byzantine Catholic Church. From the particular law:

Canon 707 §l
§1. Bread for the Eucharist is to be made of wheaten flour, water and yeast only. According to liturgical prescription the prosphora bears the seal (IC XC NI KA).
§2. The Eucharistic fast shall be from solids one hour before the reception of the Divine Eucharist. Medications and water may be taken anytime.
§3. The vestments for the Eucharist are according to the Ruthenian recension and are to be put on in the order of the vesting prayers. The sticharion can be of any liturgical color.
§4. The Divine Liturgy may be celebrated at any suitable time, although the morning hours are preferred. Rather than the Divine Liturgy, the Office of the Presanctified Gifts, preferably celebrated in the evening, is prescribed for the ordinary weekdays of the Great Fast.
§5. The Divine Liturgy should normally be celebrated in a properly constructed church. The altar where the Liturgy is to be celebrated should have its own iconostas. In a case of true necessity, the Divine Liturgy can be celebrated outside a church building.
§6. The metropolitan Liturgical Commission is to prepare a standard text of usage for the Divine Liturgy. This is to be adapted to modern times, legitimate organic development of the Liturgy.
§7. Only a bishop, presbyter or deacon may preach the homily.
§8. Women are prohibited from serving at the altar.

 

[Vico]

Generally it’s only accepted to receive the Eucharistic once a week, and that seems to be a Western trend borrowed from the West - in Orthodox countries some people might receive the Eucharist twice a year. The idea is that Church (and by definition the Eucharist) shouldn’t just be another part of your daily routine, like sadly has become the case amongst many Western Rite Catholics. It’s the holiest thing in existence. That’s why we have the fasting, the prayers, canons and akathists the night before, in order to better prepare ourselves.

The eastern Catholic canon law (CCEO) promotes daily reception of the Divine Eucharist:

Canon 881

1. The Christian faithful are bound by the obligation to participate on Sundays and feast days in the Divine Liturgy, or according to the prescriptions or legitimate customs of their own Church sui iuris, in the celebration of the divine praises.
2. In order for the Christian faithful to fulfill this obligation more easily, the available time runs from the evening of the vigil until the end of the Sunday or feast day.
3. The Christian faithful are strongly recommended to receive the Divine Eucharist on these days and indeed more frequently, even daily.
4. The Christian faithful should abstain from those labors or business matters which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord’s day, or to the proper relaxation of mind and body.

 

[babochka]

What I mean to say, is that in the Eastern Rites communion is not a one hour absistence like it is in Catholicism. One must say two canons and an akathist the night before, the prayers before communion (which are by no means short) and total absistence starting the night before. This simply makes it impractical for Byzantine Catholics to receive daily communion.

What you outline here is the current practice of the Russian Orthodox Church. Even within that Church, there is some variation in practice and a lively discussion

Here is an interesting article on the Russian perspective. From the article:
pravoslavie.ru/english/64562.htm

The Orthodox Church as whole provides no definitive guidelines on individual preparation to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the Holy Eucharist. Different Local Churches have their own traditions, but Orthodox teaching leaves no doubt that communicants must take care to prepare themselves for this great Mystery, that they might not approach the divine trapeza unworthily.

 

[porthos11]

I’m just curious if the Eastern churches say anything on this? It seems less likely to happen in the East. But does anyone know? Maybe something in canon law?

You did not say what church you belong to.

Regardless, you follow the laws of your own church. The twice-a-day rule is for Latin Catholics, and it may also extend in the laws of other churches, but you will have to check this out yourself.

But daily communion is absolutely permitted.

 

[user1234]

I think the reason for this discipline in the West is if you recieve too many times, you forget its significance. I heard a priest say once that he had to have his rectory separate from the sanctuary, because if he lived under the same roof with our Lord, he lost respect for him.

 

[Monica4316]

I’m Russian Catholic… Are Russian Catholics supposed to say all those prayers the Russian Orthodox say before Communion? I thought its just the fast… Are they obligatory or you can’t receive? I practice in a Latin parish so I’ve never done this… I always thought its something devotional not necessary like the fast?

 

[Monica4316]

I think the reason for this discipline in the West is if you recieve too many times, you forget its significance. I heard a priest say once that he had to have his rectory separate from the sanctuary, because if he lived under the same roof with our Lord, he lost respect for him.

I think it depends on ones disposition… Because daily Communion can also make someone a saint (and has, for many Saints )