St. Basil the Great tells us, “It is good and extremely beneficial to partake and receive every day the Body and Blood of Christ.”

We should not approach the Chalice casually or without proper preparation.  There is no single method or regimen of preparation that is prescribed for all to follow.  It is certainly a universal expectation that we approach the Mysteries having fasted from all food and drink from the beginning of the day (midnight) but even then there are times and circumstances where that expectation is set aside (for example in illness).  There are also prescribed periods of strict fasting for those who do not receive the Mysteries regularly (3 days, a week, even 40 days), but again these expectations vary with the situation and should be applied by one’s spiritual father.  There are set prayer rules to be said prior to receiving the Mysteries, however, again they vary depending on the situation.  One thing, in the Russian Church, that is also nearly universal is that the sacrament of Confession is a necessary element of preparation for approaching Holy Communion.  With all of these different expectations how then should one prepare?

In this parish, the expectation is that those (adults) who wish to receive Holy Communion should follow this rule:  First, to cleanse the soul from all known sin by taking the sacrament of confession prior to the day one will receive.  Generally, this means at the Vigil service the evening before, however, other arrangements can be made to accommodate one’s schedule.  In addition to making a good confession, one should fast from all food and drink from midnight onward.  In addition, for those who receive the Mysteries less than every other week, one should keep a strict fast on Friday and Saturday (which when added to the total fast on Sunday amounts to three days).  One should say at the very least the rule of preparation in the prayer book (which consists of psalms, a short canon and a collection of prayers), however, it is better to add to this preparation three canons (the Savior, the Mother of God and the Guardian Angel) and an akathist (the Savior, the Mother of God or the saint of the day).  The rule for children is relaxed according to the age and ability of the child, but it is never eliminated completely.  After receiving the Holy Mysteries, take a little of the bread and wine provided to cleanse your mouth in case a particle of the Gifts is not swallowed.  One who has received the Gifts must also say the prayers of the thanksgiving before going on to other things.  These prayers are read aloud in the Church during the veneration of the cross and so those who received should attend to them at this time.

Partaking of the Most Holy Body and Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion is a necessary part of our salvation, for in this manner we are literally joined to the Body of Christ and He dwells within us.  This sacrament is so important that God sends His angels to give Holy Communion to those who are unable to receive them any other way as we saw in the lives of the saints.  Each one of us should receive the Holy Mysteries as often as possible, never neglecting the opportunity to receive.  Our Lord gives His own Body and Blood to us – let no one turn away from this all sufficient and necessary Gift.  By placing a priority on receiving Holy Communion we fulfill the commandment of our Lord to “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.”