Reception of Communion - Byzantine Rite

[suissemissed]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning on attending a Byzantine Divine Liturgy (either Ukrainian or Ruthenian) sometime soon, and would like to know if there’s anything I should be aware of when receiving Communion. Do I just walk up, arms folded, and let the priest communicate me, or am I meant to tell him my name first or something? (doesn’t he have to say my name when communicating me?)

Thanks to everyone in advance for your answers

 

[The_Idiot]

You state you are a Candidate in the Latin Church.

Does this mean you do not as yet Receive Communion ?

If so then please be aware that you may not be Communed in an Eastern Catholic Church. It is not usual practice to go forward for a blessing

 

[I_Thirst]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning on attending a Byzantine Divine Liturgy (either Ukrainian or Ruthenian) sometime soon, and would like to know if there’s anything I should be aware of when receiving Communion. Do I just walk up, arms folded, and let the priest communicate me, or am I meant to tell him my name first or something? (doesn’t he have to say my name when communicating me?)

Thanks to everyone in advance for your answers

If I read the banner in your signature correctly, congrats on your upcoming confirmation! I imagine that you’ll go to a DL once you’ve been confirmed?

Sometimes the priest asks your name, and sometimes he doesn’t. Also, when you receive you have to crouch down a bit, tilt back your head, and open your mouth. Don’t stick out your tongue, and don’t say anything. If possible, try not to be first and watch others.

 

[Aramis]

You should also remember not to close your mouth on the spoon. Most clerics have developed a technique where the spoon doesn’t enter your mouth; most but not all. Some will turn the spoon inside your mouth, instead. So keep it open until the spoon is clear.

 

[ConstantineTG]

You should also remember not to close your mouth on the spoon. Most clerics have developed a technique where the spoon doesn’t enter your mouth; most but not all. Some will turn the spoon inside your mouth, instead. So keep it open until the spoon is clear.

Some clerics are better than others. I’ve had my teeth hit by a spoon. Good thing its not our regular priest.

 

[5Loaves]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning on attending a Byzantine Divine Liturgy (either Ukrainian or Ruthenian) sometime soon…

Congratulations on your upcoming reception into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Since Monday is one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox and the ECCs, the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, it’s quite possible the Ukrainian and Ruthenian Churches you are looking at will have a Festal Vigil on Sunday evening for this Feast and will have Divine Liturgy on Monday, the Feast.

 

[suissemissed]

If I read the banner in your signature correctly, congrats on your upcoming confirmation! I imagine that you’ll go to a DL once you’ve been confirmed?

Sometimes the priest asks your name, and sometimes he doesn’t. Also, when you receive you have to crouch down a bit, tilt back your head, and open your mouth. Don’t stick out your tongue, and don’t say anything. If possible, try not to be first and watch others.

Thanks If he were to ask me my name would it be during the Liturgy itself when I am about to receive Communion or would I have to arrive early and tell him my name before the Liturgy starts?

 

[Aramis]

Some clerics are better than others. I’ve had my teeth hit by a spoon. Good thing its not our regular priest.

It can be quite a startler the first time one encounters a priest with a strong “flicking” technique… and the Lord is in the back of your throat.

 

[Aramis]

Thanks If he were to ask me my name would it be during the Liturgy itself when I am about to receive Communion or would I have to arrive early and tell him my name before the Liturgy starts?

If you’re there before he says proskomedia, and it’s not one of the rare 500+ family parishes, odds are one of the clerics will come ask your name and welcome you.

 

[OrthodoxJosh]

I know that it is typical in the Orthodox Church if you are visiting a parish where the priest does not know you, you would typically go up and say your name at the time you are recieving the Eucharist. I’ve never been asked my name in this kind of situation. I’m assuming it is the same in the eastern catholic churches since they are basically orthodox in communion with rome, but I’m not positive on that. I don’t think there is actually a tradition on this matter. Just some thoughts.

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God save us!

 

[PrayForMeStJude]

I went to a Melkite parish where they gave communion using intinction, latin style. I had never seen that at the other orthodox or byzantine parishes I have visited.

 

[The_Idiot]

Melkites always give Communion like that to my knowledge

 

[I_Thirst]

Thanks If he were to ask me my name would it be during the Liturgy itself when I am about to receive Communion or would I have to arrive early and tell him my name before the Liturgy starts?

You could call ahead and talk the priest to let him know that you’re planning on attending. It’s not a requirement, but I did so and it was nice talking to him on the phone.

 

[Alveus_Lacuna]

Melkites always give Communion like that to my knowledge

Yes, it was implemented because Jesuits were disgusted by how “unsanitary” they considered the spoon when they saw it in the Holy Land. Wouldn’t want to get any germs from the Eucharist. :roll eyes:

Regarding the proper Orthodox practice on reception when not at a normal parish, you usually have to come with a letter from your priest explaining that you’re Orthodox and in good standing.

 

[Bezant]

I know that it is typical in the Orthodox Church if you are visiting a parish where the priest does not know you, you would typically go up and say your name at the time you are recieving the Eucharist. I’ve never been asked my name in this kind of situation. I’m assuming it is the same in the eastern catholic churches since they are basically orthodox in communion with rome, but I’m not positive on that. I don’t think there is actually a tradition on this matter. Just some thoughts.

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God save us!

I haven’t been asked for my name either, and I’ve hopped around in various Eastern Catholic communities–Maronite, Melkite, and Ukrainian. The first time I received the Eucharist (in a Maronite church), the priest put the host in my mouth just as I said “Ame–.” I suppose it’s not a tradition to say “Amen” before you receive the host in Eastern churches?

The sinner,
a bezant.

 

[ConstantineTG]

I have never been asked my name, but if the priest knows you he will say your name when giving you Communion.

 

[Aramis]

I haven’t been asked for my name either, and I’ve hopped around in various Eastern Catholic communities–Maronite, Melkite, and Ukrainian. The first time I received the Eucharist (in a Maronite church), the priest put the host in my mouth just as I said “Ame–.” I suppose it’s not a tradition to say “Amen” before you receive the host in Eastern churches?

The sinner,
a bezant.

At least not in the Byzantine Rite ones…

 

[5Loaves]

I know that it is typical in the Orthodox Church if you are visiting a parish where the priest does not know you, you would typically go up and say your name at the time you are recieving the Eucharist. I’ve never been asked my name in this kind of situation. I’m assuming it is the same in the eastern catholic churches since they are basically orthodox in communion with rome, but I’m not positive on that. I don’t think there is actually a tradition on this matter. Just some thoughts.

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God save us!

The majority of visitors at our parish are from the Latin Church. If they arrive before DL has begun we faithful try to let visitors know to give their name when they go up and how to receive, or catch them in the line on the way up. If that doesn’t happen and someone goes up and the priest or deacon doesn’t know their name and they don’t give it the deacon will ask, or he isn’t there the priest will ask. EC and Orthodox visitors know to give their name typically. It has seemed like I’ve seen the priest ask for names in the Russian Orthodox parish I go to, but I am so rarely there for DL I could be wrong. He always uses my name when I receive anything from him-- oil at Festal Vigils or when I go up for a final blessing and kiss his hand cross on the rare occasions when I am there for DL.

I’ve had the impression the Greeks don’t use names when communing.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I went to a Melkite parish where they gave communion using intinction, latin style. I had never seen that at the other orthodox or byzantine parishes I have visited.

I have attended DL at the small Byzantine church near me and the priest uses the Latin style of intinction–and yes, it is a Byzantine parish. The bread is leavened and rather thick, so it is not dripping any of the precious blood.

I am kind of disappointed, as I wanted to try the spoon.