Greek Orthodox Eucharist given to me 4 years ago

[Christine85]

Hi, I just found this thing my Greek Orthodox friend gave me in 2010, I thought I binned it but just found it tonight- it’s 2 pieces of cloth sewn together with 3 rd class relics inside and the Greek Eucharist. You’re meant to wear it. I read somewhere once Catholics are not meant to do that… I’m glad I didn’t bin it but now I am faced with what to do with it the bread is rock hard now after all these years…
I don’t think I will have a chance to bring it up tonight after mass the Priests may be too pre occupied so it may need to wait till a quieter time. What do you think we will have to do with the “holy bread” (Eucharist)?

I have to say on finding it I’m ecstatic as I really thought I threw it out. I even brought it up in Confession once.

 

[tomgosse]

I seriously doubt it is the Eucharist. Most likely it is the Antidoron, blessed but unconsecrated bread. It is bread left over from the preparation of communion.

I would treat it with the same respect as any relic. If you wish to dispose of it, call an Orthodox parish and ask to speak to a priest.

I don’t know of any reason a Catholic can’t posses it.

 

[malphono]

I seriously doubt it is the Eucharist. Most likely it is the Antidoron, blessed but unconsecrated bread. It is bread left over from the preparation of communion.

FWLIW, I tend to agree but I actually doubt it’s even antidoron which, even among the most lenient, is supposed to be consumed within a day or so of the DL. My thought is that it’s simple prosphora that was unused at all.

 

[Christine85]

Thanks for the replies- so you think I should find a Greek Orthodox Priest?
Does anyone know if this is common among Greek Orthodox people?

 

[malphono]

Thanks for the replies- so you think I should find a Greek Orthodox Priest?
Does anyone know if this is common among Greek Orthodox people?

Perhaps best to simply ask the GO friend who gave it to you in the first place.

 

[Christine85]

She said it’s “holy bread” from Church perhaps she meant the Eucharist perhaps I should ask again to clarify

 

[Cavaradossi]

She said it’s “holy bread” from Church perhaps she meant the Eucharist perhaps I should ask again to clarify

That is doubtful. The only access laity have to the Eucharist is from having it deposited straight into their mouths with a gold-plated spoon.

 

[Aramis]

She said it’s “holy bread” from Church perhaps she meant the Eucharist perhaps I should ask again to clarify

Unlikely. Holy Bread is antidorion.

The EO (including the Greek Orthodox) are generally as strong in their belief in the Real Presence as any Catholics. And do not allow laymen to touch the Eucharist.

 

[andrewstx]

Thanks for the replies- so you think I should find a Greek Orthodox Priest?
Does anyone know if this is common among Greek Orthodox people?

Any
Eastern Orthodox parish would do, it needn’t be Greek particularly.

 

[PatrickC]

There’s absolutely no way it’s the Eucharist. It just isn’t. It could contain a piece of blessed bread. Theres no reason for you to dispose of it, but were you to, you’d do it the same way you dispose of any catholic sacramental. Burn it and bury the ashes or scatter them somewhere where they will not be walked on. I was 22 years a Roman Catholic, your own Church wouldn’t discourage you from keeping it. If that’s the reason you’re considering disposing of it, you needn’t worry. You certainly should not “bin it” anymore than you’d throw away a blessed rosary or any other blessed object.

 

[hakop]

the Greek Orthodox church has a tradition of breaking bread that is blessed that is a symbol and a representation/reminder of when Jesus multiplied the few loaves of bread that they had to feed all His followers.
It is blessed bread, but unconsecrated. Just used to symbolize the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves of bread. Anyone can eat it, unlike the Eucharist.
Hope this helps.

 

[Peter_J]

Hi. It has been said already, but I’d like to say it too: the words “Eucharist” and “blessed bread” cannot be used interchangeably.