The Holy Mysteries - Holy Communion. At the very heart and center of Holy Orthodoxy is our participation in the Eucharist (from the Greek for “grateful/ offered graciously”), and it is seen as the completion and totality of all the other Holy Mysteries. Before we approach the Chalice with fear of God and faith, we all recite together the following prayer:
“I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Moreover, I believe that this is truly Thy most pure Body, and this is truly Thine Own precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray Thee: Have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge and in ignorance. And vouchsafe me to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, unto the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies, nor will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief do I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
Let not the Communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be unto me for judgment or condemnation, O Lord, but for healing of soul and body.”
This is a very clear acknowledgement on our part of exactly what we’re receiving, what we believe it to be, and what we understand it will do for us - powerful! The portion of the Precious Body that you are communed from was stamped with the word “NIKA” - victory, and we receive it on a common spoon for all who partake. This is not merely a symbol as it is understood in some denominations, but an actual sacrifice - of the actual Body and Blood of Christ, where He is both priest and victim, offered by Him and to Him, on behalf of the living and the dead.