The Communion



After another series of petitions we recite together the Lord's Prayer. The Holy Gifts are uncovered. "Holy things are for the Holy", says the Priest. The choir responds with "One is Holy, One is the Lord..." At this point warm water is added to the Cup because the Blood and water that flowed from the side of our Lord was warm living blood. The Priest breaks the Host into four parts, One part he places in the Cup, and after asking forgiveness of the faithful and reciting the appropriate prayers, he partakes of the Holy Communion from one of the parts. Then he puts the remaining three portions in the Cup. With the Communion Spoon, the red cloth, and the Potirion, he turns toward the people and says,

"With fear of God and faith and love, draw near."

At this time all the faithful who have prepared themselves for Holy Communion come forward and partake, When all have received the Priest says, "0 Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance." The choir responds with a hymn of thanksgiving.