Eastern Orthodox, Menstrual Purity, & "Churching" Women

[Monica4316]

The canons are valid and each of the canons were, on this issue, restating the same thing which was already listed in earlier canons going back to Timothy. Everyone’s New Testament contains the books 1 & 2 Timothy. The canons are seperate from Sacred Scripture - they are the “rules”, the “measuring stick” by which Christians are to live out their lives within the Faith.

I just meant that I don’t think I’m bound to them as a Catholic, cause I should only follow what the Catholic Church teaches, and this is not one of its official teachings.

Just because someone abstains from approaching the Holy Eucharist does Not mean that the Holy Spirit is not with them. Just as husbands and wives, if they follows the teaching of the Church - actually a teaching which even pre-dates the Church, they abstain from sexual relations during menses, it is appropriate for a woman to abstain from the Holy Eucharist. Not having sexual relations during menses does not mean that the husband and wife don’t love each other, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t married anymore…what it does mean is that they respect each other. In the same way, it is disrespectful for a woman to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist during her menses.

I agree about husbands and wives not having sexual relations during menses…

but I honestly don’t understand why it would be disrespectful for a woman to receive the Eucharist at that time?? what is so “unclean” about it? I don’t believe we live in the type of covenant where “clean”/“unclean” exists… sin is the only “unclean” thing. In the Old Covenant, lepers were considered “unclean”…but it seems Jesus did not think so? that’s what I mean… could you please clarify why the Orthodox Church teaches that it’s disrespectful for a woman to receive the Eucharist during her menses?

Nuns do not receive Holy Communion during their menses. Go to any Orthodox Women’s Monastery and ask, they will tell you they abstain during that time.

I meant Catholic nuns I don’t know much about Orthodox nuns, I’m sorry…if this is the Orthodox teaching, then of course it makes sense for them to abstain

Many OT laws are a part of the New Covenant - like not sleeping with an animal, or your father’s wife, like not having sex during menses, like not lying, like not murdering…I think you get the idea.

these are all moral laws… morality has not changed. but there are also other types of laws, that are different. Those, we don’t follow any more. I think one of those laws is that people are unclean because of their diseases, etc…? (like leprosy)

God expects you to follow what know to be right - even that can be difficult for us - you do not need to worry that God will hold you accountable for failing to do something or for doing something that to no fault of your own you had no idea about. In the meantime, now that you have heard about this teaching, it would be wise to ask God for discernment, to speak with a Spiritual Father or Spiritual Mother about it (if you don’t already have one, you can travel (take pilgrimage) to a monastery to seek one out) and of course to approach God in prayer about it. I believe this to be good advise.

I understand that but I’m a Catholic, so am I not bound to follow the Catholic teaching? I don’t think that God would put me in hell because I didn’t follow Orthodoxy, as a Catholic…
because I believe in the Catholic Church… I can however ask my spiritual director I suppose

When I first heard about it I was like: “WHAT?! That’s crazy!” But then I looked into it - I wish I remember exactly which really early Saint I read on the issue, but he said something like: “I can’t believe this issue has even mentioned! What devote Christian woman would ever even consider receiving the Eucharist during that time?”

but Saints are not infallible? maybe this was a custom at the time… because of the Jewish laws… I don’t know… I’m not trying to argue, I just honestly don’t get it

Also to mention, that like in all the canons, rules, do to ekonomia a person’s Spiritual Father can allow those things that are normally forbidden - like for example, a convert to the Faith is unable to keep the no sexual relations with their spouse during the lengthy fasting seasons of the Church - for the sake of their salvation, it may be necessary for Spiritual Father to allow for some adjustment period for the couple.

that makes sense…I’ve heard that a spiritual father can excuse a person from fasting if there’s a serious reason.

That being said, personally, I can not think of any circumstances in which ekonomia would be used to allow a woman to receive Jesus in the Eucharist during her menses though - I can’t think of a situation where it would actually be necessary…oh wait, yes I can - if she about to die I’m sure the priest giving her Holy Unction may allow her to also receive the Eucharist. Other than that, I can’t think of any reason.

thanks for your reply…

I just had two questions:

1. do you believe all Christians (who have the Sacraments…meaning Orthodox and Catholics) are bound to this rule, or only the Orthodox?
2. I still dont’ really understand why it’s disrespectful…

God bless

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I agree about husbands and wives not having sexual relations during menses…

but I honestly don’t understand why it would be disrespectful for a woman to receive the Eucharist at that time?? what is so “unclean” about it? I don’t believe we live in the type of covenant where “clean”/“unclean” exists… sin is the only “unclean” thing. In the Old Covenant, lepers were considered “unclean”…but it seems Jesus did not think so? that’s what I mean… could you please clarify why the Orthodox Church teaches that it’s disrespectful for a woman to receive the Eucharist during her menses?

I think only the OP refers to it as “unclean” because I’ve not see that terminology used in the Canons of the Church.

It’s disrespectful for the same reason it’s disrespectful for men to have relations with their wives during menses.

It doesn’t hurt woman in any way to have relations w/her husband during menses - there’s nothing wrong with it from a purely physical perspective. The problem lies with the fact that it’s against Church teaching as it is seen as disrespectful. Same thing with a woman receiving the Holy Eucharist during menses - the menses does not prevent her from being capable of physically receiving Him in the Eucharist, but it is disrespectful.

I meant Catholic nuns I don’t know much about Orthodox nuns, I’m sorry…if this is the Orthodox teaching, then of course it makes sense for them to abstain

I don’t know about the practices of Catholic nuns. I did not learn this teaching about Communion reception/menses until after I’d become an Orthodox Christian.

I understand that but I’m a Catholic, so am I not bound to follow the Catholic teaching? I don’t think that God would put me in hell because I didn’t follow Orthodoxy, as a Catholic…
because I believe in the Catholic Church… I can however ask my spiritual director I suppose

God’s judgement of you is between you and Him. But your right, I think it’s a great idea to speak with your spiritual director.

but Saints are not infallible? maybe this was a custom at the time… because of the Jewish laws… I don’t know… I’m not trying to argue, I just honestly don’t get it

I’m not trying to imply that any Saint was infallible, no human being alone is infallible. The Church alone, led by Christ and directed by the Holy Spirit, is infallible. That’s another issue entirely though.

Woman Saints from today’s era also have maintained the no Communing during Menses though. I don’t know of any exceptions.

that makes sense…I’ve heard that a spiritual father can excuse a person from fasting if there’s a serious reason.

Thank God for His Mercy!

I just had two questions:

1. do you believe all Christians (who have the Sacraments…meaning Orthodox and Catholics) are bound to this rule, or only the Orthodox?

My opinion is that we have a great responsibility to learn and research the teachings of the early Church to ensure that the Church we are in now continues to be in-line with the teachings of Christ.

If you have done extremely indepth study into both Churches and really examined your heart and you really believe 100% that you have chosen the Church that Christ established that He will judge you based on your adherence to the teachings of that Church and not on the teachings of the Church you left behind. However, our learning doesn’t end at any given time and when issues arise that were not original addressed in your study/research, that it ought to be examined seriously.

This again, is my opinion. Judgement remains God’s alone. Even though you and I have ended up in the exact opposite place as each other, I sincerely hope that you and I end up in the same place with God in Heaven.

1. I still dont’ really understand why it’s disrespectful…

Why is it disrepectful for hubands & wives to have relations during her menses? I don’t know how to explain that either, just like I don’t know how to explain why it’s disrespectful to approach the God of the Universe in Holy Communion during menses. It just is.

God bless

God bless you too!

 

[Monica4316]

It doesn’t hurt woman in any way to have relations w/her husband during menses - there’s nothing wrong with it from a purely physical perspective. The problem lies with the fact that it’s against Church teaching as it is seen as disrespectful. Same thing with a woman receiving the Holy Eucharist during menses - the menses does not prevent her from being capable of physically receiving Him in the Eucharist, but it is disrespectful.

I think I’ve understood the reason I’m having trouble with this
I don’t understand the comparison between sexual relations and receiving the Eucharist, as I see these as totally different sorts of things…
but I’ll think/pray/ask my spiritual director

My opinion is that we have a great responsibility to learn and research the teachings of the early Church to ensure that the Church we are in now continues to be in-line with the teachings of Christ.

I did this, and I’ve found that sometimes I was drawn to Catholicism as a result, and sometimes Orthodoxy. I am no longer confident of my ability to understand what the early Church believed…because of the amount/variability of sources. So in the end, I decided to go with what I already believed I knew in my heart, and what I could see most clearly in the Bible and ECFs… which for me was Catholicism. Then, I found some pieces of evidence for the Papacy that helped

my journey was equally prayer and research but the prayer is what changed my mind in the end

really, who knows… I hope I didn’t do it wrong… I’ve been told if I’m wrong I’m going to hell I hope God would be merciful because I honestly believe in Catholicism, and I converted out of a sense of obedience

I did study indepth as well, as much as was possible for me

This again, is my opinion. Judgement remains God’s alone. Even though you and I have ended up in the exact opposite place as each other, I sincerely hope that you and I end up in the same place with God in Heaven.

I hope so too :hug1:

God bless

 

[Bluegoat]

My understanding of the reasoning of menses thing is that it is based on the principle that the Eucharist, being the Body and Blood of Christ and having a mystical nature, is immediately upon eating transferred to the blood of the individual. So anyone bleeding is going to eat it only to bleed it out again. Just like if you were suffering from a vomiting sickness it would be a good idea to abstain from the Eucharist, anyone bleeding regularly should too. So it would perhaps also apply to anyone with a bleeding ulcer, etc.

To me this is dangerous superstition, with no sound theological basis. It doesn’t make sense biologically either. It is on par with telling people they cannot let the Eucharist touch their teeth. There is no good theological reason to think that this is how the Body and Blood behave inside our bodies, and some to think it doesn’t. There is nothing wrong with practices of personal piety, but when they lead to misunderstandings of central theological issues or Christian truths, then they must be reigned in somehow.

 

[xixxvmcm85]

My understanding of the reasoning of menses thing is that it is based on the principle that the Eucharist, being the Body and Blood of Christ and having a mystical nature, is immediately upon eating transferred to the blood of the individual.

I don’t believe that’s the case in the Catholic Church. I don’t know what the Orthodox perspective is though. According to the Catholic Church, the real presence remains as long as the appearance of bread and wine remain, correct? Under that reasoning, the real presence ceases as soon as the bread and wine is metabolized, which occurs prior to nutrients being absorbed in the bloodstream. Otherwise, we’d have some really grotesque questions raised concerning communicants and going to the bathroom!

Thank you to everyone else who has answered so far. I wasn’t intending this thread to focus around disciplines for women specifically, though it’s a very understandable consequence due to the nature of the topic (I’ve never met a man who menstruates). I was more curious how the Orthodox approach this issue with respect to a concern against “judaizing” the Church. I was more curious as to why the early Church used this reasoning against circumcision but not against menstrual abstention from holy things. This applies only if the Orthodox view the churching of women as obligatory for the sake of purifying a menstruating woman. If it’s more a matter of simple cultural taboo (i.e. it’s simply considered disrespectful), then this obviously doesn’t apply.

 

[Monica4316]

I just talked to an Orthodox person on another forum, who said that only a minority of Orthodox priests believe women should abstain from Communion during menses… and that it’s not a mainstream Orthodox view

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I just talked to an Orthodox person on another forum, who said that only a minority of Orthodox priests believe women should abstain from Communion during menses… and that it’s not a mainstream Orthodox view

That doesn’t make any sense because it’s in all the Orthodox Confession Preparation Canons and even lists the normal penalty for woman who have committed that sin of abstaining from the Eucharist for 40 days, of course spiritual fathers can modify that for either shorter or longer depending on the sinner and what is best for that individual’s salvation.

 

[Marie5890]

I just talked to an Orthodox person on another forum, who said that only a minority of Orthodox priests believe women should abstain from Communion during menses… and that it’s not a mainstream Orthodox view

I admit Monica, that sometimes I get the feeling that those who are Orthodox can end up falling into the very trouble with the “letter of the law” that the Pharisees and others during Jesus’s time fall into.

Sort of like “you cant untie your donkey on the sabbath” sort of extremism.

I could be wrong, of course, but I alway thought of Christ putting an end to radicalism that missed the whole idea behind the law in the first place.

As it were, He sat and ate with sinners and forgave them, while the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, etc were all trying to set traps for Him with their questions.

He came to free us thru His laws, not to condemn us thru those laws.

JMO

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I think I’ve understood the reason I’m having trouble with this
I don’t understand the comparison between sexual relations and receiving the Eucharist, as I see these as totally different sorts of things…
but I’ll think/pray/ask my spiritual director

I brought it up because both have to do with an abstinence during a woman’s menses.

But the Catholic Church does teach though that there is a huge link between sex and reception of the Eucharist. It’s described in detail by Christopher West in his book Good News About Sex and Marriage. Christopher West you may recognize as he’s the main promoter of the “Theology of the Body” which was taught by Pope John Paul II. Anyway, the Catholic Church basically equates having sexual relations w/receiving the Eucharist by stating that sex is the most intimate thing that humans can experience w/each other & that receiving the Eucharist is the most intimate thing humans can experience with God. In sex woman “receive” their husband physically & in the Eucharist humans “receive” God physically. There’s more to it than that I’m sure. But at least this is kinda the basics of it.

The Theology of the Body is not part of Orthodoxy since it’s a very recent development w/in the Catholic Church. Since you are Catholic now you should look into it, since it’s a part of your new Faith.

God blessYou too!

 

[Marie5890]

That doesn’t make any sense because it’s in all the Orthodox Confession Preparation Canons and even lists the normal penalty for woman who have committed that sin of abstaining from the Eucharist for 40 days, of course spiritual fathers can modify that for either shorter or longer depending on the sinner and what is best for that individual’s salvation.

No personal offense but that seems to fall into the same category of Christ shouldn’t have healed anyone on the Sabbath day because that would be considered breaking the Sabbath.

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

The Lord, in His mercy, left us the Eurcharist to uplift us and to be able to communion w/Him. Just because a woman is having her period shouldnt be denied Him.

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I admit Monica, that sometimes I get the feeling that those who are Orthodox can end up falling into the very trouble with the “letter of the law” that the Pharisees and others during Jesus’s time fall into.

Sort of like “you cant untie your donkey on the sabbath” sort of extremism.

I could be wrong, of course, but I alway thought of Christ putting an end to radicalism that missed the whole idea behind the law in the first place.

As it were, He sat and ate with sinners and forgave them, while the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, etc were all trying to set traps for Him with their questions.

He came to free us thru His laws, not to condemn us thru those laws.

JMO

That’s a misperseption.

While it is true that living the Orthodox Faith is harder since more is expected from each of us, it is also much more merciful and loving (Christ being the perfect example of being love and showing mercy) as there is no “mortal sin” attached to the Fasts, attendance of Church and other practices of the Faith as there is within the Catholic Church. Orthodoxy has high standards, but understands that we humans are sinful and may not be able to live up to each which is why are entire spiritual life is based on calling out to God for His mercy. We know & trust in His mercy. Our prayer is like that of the Publican.

 

[SingleMomMonica]

No personal offense but that seems to fall into the same category of Christ shouldn’t have healed anyone on the Sabbath day because that would be considered breaking the Sabbath.

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

The Lord, in His mercy, left us the Eurcharist to uplift us and to be able to communion w/Him. Just because a woman is having her period shouldnt be denied Him.

In Orthodoxy receiving the Very Body and the Very Blood of Christ our God is not seen as a “right” that can be demanded; but it is seen as extremely special gift which acccording to the Fathers, as recorded in the New Testament, should only be approached with great care and when one is properly desposed and ready.

The Church has handed down from generation to generation how one should prepare oneself to receive such an amazing gift. Sure, I can disregard the Church’s tradition in this matter, but why would I want to? That disobedience would change my heart - making it unprepared for the awesome Mystery of Christ in the Eucharist.

I guess in Orthodoxy the Gift is seen from a different point of view - more special maybe is the right way to say it?

 

[Marie5890]

In Orthodoxy receiving the Very Body and the Very Blood of Christ our God is not seen as a “right” that can be demanded; but it is seen as extremely special gift which acccording to the Fathers, as recorded in the New Testament, should only be approached with great care and when one is properly desposed and ready.

The Church has handed down from generation to generation how one should prepare oneself to receive such an amazing gift. Sure, I can disregard the Church’s tradition in this matter, but why would I want to? That disobedience would change my heart - making it unprepared for the awesome Mystery of Christ in the Eucharist.

I guess in Orthodoxy the Gift is seen from a different point of view - more special maybe is the right way to say it?

I can well see that Orthodoxy is something very precious to you.

I will not invalidate that.

I just dont think a woman’s period is something that should keep her from the Eurcharist. It’s as natural as the seasons. And Christ knows that as much as He know that His own mother had monthly cycles and His other female disciples

God Bless you in your worship of Him who blesses us all.
May He always be praised.

In Christ.

 

[Monica4316]

That doesn’t make any sense because it’s in all the Orthodox Confession Preparation Canons and even lists the normal penalty for woman who have committed that sin of abstaining from the Eucharist for 40 days, of course spiritual fathers can modify that for either shorter or longer depending on the sinner and what is best for that individual’s salvation.

I don’t know! but that’s what I’ve been told…that most Orthodox are told not to follow this, because it’s not the Church teaching that the Eucharist turns to blood once we receive it (so it doesn’t bleed out)

I brought it up because both have to do with an abstinence during a woman’s menses.

But the Catholic Church does teach though that there is a huge link between sex and reception of the Eucharist. It’s described in detail by Christopher West in his book Good News About Sex and Marriage. Christopher West you may recognize as he’s the main promoter of the “Theology of the Body” which was taught by Pope John Paul II. Anyway, the Catholic Church basically equates having sexual relations w/receiving the Eucharist by stating that sex is the most intimate thing that humans can experience w/each other & that receiving the Eucharist is the most intimate thing humans can experience with God. In sex woman “receive” their husband physically & in the Eucharist humans “receive” God physically. There’s more to it than that I’m sure. But at least this is kinda the basics of it.

The Theology of the Body is not part of Orthodoxy since it’s a very recent development w/in the Catholic Church. Since you are Catholic now you should look into it, since it’s a part of your new Faith.

oh - yes I’ve heard of this

what I meant is just that the Eucharist is different in terms of “what sort of thing” It is… if that even makes sense… I mean, what happens during Communion is different than what happens during marital relations, although I agree they have similarities (intimacy)

God bless!

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I don’t believe that’s the case in the Catholic Church. I don’t know what the Orthodox perspective is though.

The Orthodox perspective is that the Holy Eucharist is a wonderful Mystery of Christ that can not be full comprehended nor explained by human beings this side of heaven. Orthodox isn’t really into attempting to disect the finer points of how the miracle of the Eucharist happens & when/how it ends once we’ve consumed Him. There’s no reason to try to argue about how it happens & when the miracle ends once we’ve received him. Orthodoxy mindset is more to into contemplating in awe the fact that Christ give us Himself in the Eucharist.COLOR]

Thank you to everyone else who has answered so far. I wasn’t intending this thread to focus around disciplines for women specifically, though it’s a very understandable consequence due to the nature of the topic (I’ve never met a man who menstruates). I was more curious how the Orthodox approach this issue with respect to a concern against “judaizing” the Church. I was more curious as to why the early Church used this reasoning against circumcision but not against menstrual abstention from holy things. This applies only if the Orthodox view the churching of women as obligatory for the sake of purifying a menstruating woman. If it’s more a matter of simple cultural taboo (i.e. it’s simply considered disrespectful), then this obviously doesn’t apply.

Just give science a few more years - LOL and some men may choose to have menses!

Well in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 15 is when the early Church had the council which determined that circumcision was unnecessary for Christians. I guess when you get to heaven you can ask those Apostles who were a part of that Council why they did not do away with woman not receiving during her menses @ the same time.

But let’s clear there is no ceremony for woman once they’ve completed their period like there is for welcoming a woman back 40 days after she’s given birth.

It is Church teaching, not a cultural taboo.

 

[Monica4316]

In Orthodoxy receiving the Very Body and the Very Blood of Christ our God is not seen as a “right” that can be demanded; but it is seen as extremely special gift which acccording to the Fathers, as recorded in the New Testament, should only be approached with great care and when one is properly desposed and ready.

that makes sense

as a Catholic, I dont see the Eucharist as a “right” either… at Mass, we pray, “Lord I am not worthy to receive You, but only say the word I shall be healed”

The Church has handed down from generation to generation how one should prepare oneself to receive such an amazing gift. Sure, I can disregard the Church’s tradition in this matter, but why would I want to? That disobedience would change my heart - making it unprepared for the awesome Mystery of Christ in the Eucharist.

I wouldn’t ever want to tell you to not follow your Church teachings.! I hope it doesn’t seem like I’m trying to convince you to disobey anything…

I guess in Orthodoxy the Gift is seen from a different point of view - more special maybe is the right way to say it?

after having read what the Catholic Saints have to say about the Eucharist, I’d say that it’s seen equally special in both Churches

we kind of see it as a remedy… we should prepare for it, but we’ll never be fully prepared, so we have to leave the rest to His Mercy. A big part of what the Eucharist is for Catholics, can perhaps be described as a “Sacrament of Love”…we believe this is how Jesus unites Himself with us, so for me personally it’s difficult to go without it. Of course, I dont’ receive Communion if I still need Confession (and I go regularly)

God bless!

 

[Monica4316]

The Orthodox perspective is that the Holy Eucharist is a wonderful Mystery of Christ that can not be full comprehended nor explained by human beings this side of heaven. Orthodox isn’t really into attempting to disect the finer points of how the miracle of the Eucharist happens & when/how it ends once we’ve consumed Him. There’s no reason to try to argue about how it happens & when the miracle ends once we’ve received him. Orthodoxy mindset is more to into contemplating in awe the fact that Christ give us Himself in the Eucharist.

we still contemplate if people are interested, they can research transubstantiation, etc, but there are lots of devotions in Catholicism as well, like Adoration, that are not intellectual based but more prayerful/contemplative… people can sort of choose thier own approach, - I tend to love the devotional aspect of it, but sometimes I read theology too (out of interest lol)

Just give science a few more years - LOL and some men may choose to have menses!

lol!! yea there’s a lot of confusion about gender today
​

​

 

[bpbasilphx]

\My understanding of the reasoning of menses thing is that it is based on the principle that the Eucharist, being the Body and Blood of Christ and having a mystical nature, is immediately upon eating transferred to the blood of the individual. So anyone bleeding is going to eat it only to bleed it out again.\

This idea is closely related to the heresy of steroarianism–the notion that the Eucharistic body of Christ is subjected to the same principles of digestion and elimination as ordinary food.

 

[xixxvmcm85]

Marie5890:

I admit Monica, that sometimes I get the feeling that those who are Orthodox can end up falling into the very trouble with the “letter of the law” that the Pharisees and others during Jesus’s time fall into.

Hmm. I’ve often heard the same accusation lodged against us Catholics, and in some matters I might even be inclined to agree.

Sort of like “you cant untie your donkey on the sabbath” sort of extremism.

I could be wrong, of course, but I alway thought of Christ putting an end to radicalism that missed the whole idea behind the law in the first place.

As it were, He sat and ate with sinners and forgave them, while the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, etc were all trying to set traps for Him with their questions.

He came to free us thru His laws, not to condemn us thru those laws.

JMO

Though I generally agree with you here, I’d be careful with condemning the practice. As has been pointed out already in this thread, the Catholic Church had similar rites, rites still used in the Anglican Church today. That the practice is nonexistent or very seldom employed doesn’t negate the fact that the Catholic Church once felt it was important. The reason I posted the OP was essentially to ask about the intentions of the Orthodox, not why the rite is celebrated at all. Since the Orthodox priest with whom I spoke likened the rite to the Jewish practice, I wanted to know if the reasoning was the same (that this rite was indeed a purification ritual). If it was, then I think we could all agree that such was anathematized at the Biblical Council of Jerusalem. The Law of Moses does not save, so in that regard circumcision, the law of Kashrut, menstrual purity, and dress matter not. If the Orthodox, however, practice this rite for some other sake, then my entire post is moot, just as Christians in general may circumcise as long as we aren’t circumcising our boys for hope of salvation.

 

[xixxvmcm85]

SingleMomMonica:

The Orthodox perspective is that the Holy Eucharist is a wonderful Mystery of Christ that can not be full comprehended nor explained by human beings this side of heaven. Orthodox isn’t really into attempting to disect the finer points of how the miracle of the Eucharist happens & when/how it ends once we’ve consumed Him. There’s no reason to try to argue about how it happens & when the miracle ends once we’ve received him. Orthodoxy mindset is more to into contemplating in awe the fact that Christ give us Himself in the Eucharist.

Yeah. I know, that’s the Latin in me, trying to rationalize the mysterious.

Just give science a few more years - LOL and some men may choose to have menses!

Oh, we have a word for them: crazy. I’m pretty confident in my ability to speak for all men here; there isn’t a sane one of us who would choose to experience that wonderful, creative act of womanhood.

Well in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 15 is when the early Church had the council which determined that circumcision was unnecessary for Christians. I guess when you get to heaven you can ask those Apostles who were a part of that Council why they did not do away with woman not receiving during her menses @ the same time.

Yes, of course I could, and being the nerd that I am, I do actually plan on asking lots of inane questions as such!

But let’s clear there is no ceremony for woman once they’ve completed their period like there is for welcoming a woman back 40 days after she’s given birth.

Oh, OK. So my assumption was wrong. Thank you!

It is Church teaching, not a cultural taboo.

So it seems by the references you and other Orthodox posters have offered. As I mentioned in the post just prior to this one, I asked to get some insight as to intention. Circumcision in America, as I mentioned, is a great example of a “carried on tradition” with a change in purpose. The vast majority of Americans are Christians. A solid majority of American men are also circumcised. Despite the fact that Christianity has traditionally forbade her children to be circumcised, the trend nonetheless caught on but for reasons far removed from their original Jewish purposes. The Church allows circumcision for the sake of perceived health benefits and even mere “family tradition”, but she doesn’t allow circumcision for the sake of Jewish law. I could easily see how in traditionally Orthodox circles, the rites for menstrual and after-birth purity aren’t really about purity per se, rather a means of devotion for she who celebrates the rite.

Thanks again to all of our Orthodox brethren who have dropped in their 2¢