On Frequent Communion

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, writing at the end of the first century, wrote these words to the Ephesians:

“Therefore make every effort to come together more frequently to give thanks [biblical language for the Eucharist] and glory to God. For when you meet together frequently, the powers of Satan are overthrown and his destructiveness is nullified by the unanimity of your faith. There is nothing better than peace, by which all warfare among those in heaven and those on earth is abolished.”

The “giving of thanks” is commonly understood by the Church to mean the service of Holy Communion, known as Eucharist (the Greek word for giving thanks) and was celebrated at least every Sunday in the Apostolic Church; and continues to be the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church until today. Today the service we call Divine Liturgy is the service of Holy Communion and was compiled using as it core the instructions from the Holy Apostles.



In Chapter 9, 10 and 14 of the “Didache of the Apostles”, written about 70AD it reads:

Chapter 9. The Thanksgiving (Eucharist)
Now concerning the Thanksgiving (Eucharist), thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving (Eucharist), but they who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. Matthew 7:6

Chapter 10. Prayer After Communion
But after you are filled, thus give thanks: We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.

Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day
But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.

So here we have two ancient apostolic sources to confirm the teaching of regular and methodical Holy Communion. The Holy Apostles went so far as to outline the actual prayers to be used in the celebration. The Divine Liturgy we celebrate every Sunday is built upon this foundation of the ancient Church.

With these statements in mind how can we continue to pretend, as Christians, that we can alter these ancient traditions? How can we pretend that the Church was random and so-called “unique” in every town when the evidence clearly shows an integrated and connected and hierarchical Church?

The time has come for you to seriously consider what the Orthodox Christian Church has to offer in your journey toward salvation. The time has come for you to be Orthodox!