Congratulations on your first communion. "Age of recognition" and the first communion of a girl in the Catholic Church
Last Sunday I was invited by a friend of mine to the first communion (primo communione) of her pretty seven year old daughter.
P Catholic First Communion considered one of the most important events in life after the rite of baptism.
The first communion among Catholics is a great joy for the child
Catechism lessons
The first communion among Catholics is preceded by a certain preparation (from one to three years) - the so-called catechesis lessons:
- where does the child get acquainted with the Bible;
- church etiquette;
- prayers.
(By the way, in Italy, EVERYONE, young and old, knows prayers, because they begin to learn them already in kindergarten).
Catholic first communion
On the eve of the first communion, the first confession of the child takes place. He himself recalls everything that he did good and bad in his life and tells about this padre without concealment. The result of the classes that the nuns conduct is a solemn day associated with festive excitement and the expectation of gifts.
Gifts for the first communion among Catholics (I am now talking about Sicily) are not at all cheap. Grandfathers, grandmothers, the godfather (padrino) fork out for the purchase of gold items with diamonds ... The rest of the guests compete in offerings, as if wanting to receive the title - The most expensive gift.
Many people simply give special holiday envelopes containing a check for a certain amount or "live" money.
All gifts and envelopes are opened at the end of the festive dinner, which takes place in a chic restaurant, and everyone has the opportunity to find out what or how much the other gave. How, in this situation, not to be a "gross figure". In envelopes, there was no amount less than 100 euros.
Mass (church service) on the occasion of the first communion was scheduled for 10 o'clock in the morning, but already knowing the "punctuality" of Italians, I arrived at chiesa (church) at 10 - 30.
To my great surprise, the huge church was full of people and Mass was already in progress! With grief in half, having found a free folding chair, I settled down next to the column and began to watch the solemn action.
And there was something to see! I'm sorry I missed the start of this service.
The girls, all in the same white long dresses, with a wreath on their heads, in white gloves looked like brides, the boys were also all dressed the same, in long white tunics. A festive, lively atmosphere reigned around, for sure, this day will remain in the memory of the children forever:
- melodic songs,
- divine organ sounds that fill the church,
- beautiful ceremony,
- elegant clothes - all this remained in my memory.
All this, getting into the soul, brings amazing peace and tranquility.
After the service, all the guests went to a gala dinner at the restaurant.
By the way, I really like the interesting tradition among the Catholics, at the end of the service, after a certain prayer, to wish everyone peace, goodness and harmony. At the same time, everyone shakes hands with their nearest neighbors. The kids love this very much. With their handshake, they run around the whole church, with a smile I shake hands with everyone - familiar and unfamiliar people.
To all of you, dear readers of my blog, I wish peace, goodness and harmony!
Congratulations to Irina on her 66th birthday!
two sixes,
As a sign of MATURITY,
Designated feminine charms,
Dear Sister, yours!
Two NINES, in the arms of Fidelity,
To meet in health - overripeness,
We...
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Then Santa Claus must be warned in advance about his plans. Grandpa is not afraid to experiment, and will listen to your wishes with pleasure. congratulations Your relatives and friends, as long as they comply with the norms of decency, of course. Exclusive congratulations from Santa Claus in themselves are considered a good gift for the New Year, and certainly will not leave anyone indifferent. Especially...
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Harmony and peace. However, shortly after the prime minister's appeal, members of his office noticed the mistake. A couple of hours later, a corrected version appeared on the website of the premiere. congratulations in which the correct holiday was mentioned. Such things sometimes happen - not so long ago, the Spanish minister confused at a press conference the name of a basketball player with the name of a trading ...
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Like any ore, the forges are filled,
As tons of metal merge into shapes,
How a ladle is filled with boiling melt -
Let the wine be poured into your glasses.
Let, as from under the press with rolled sheets,
From early sun to sunset
Flying today...
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Congratulations to a friend
Let nature wither in autumn
Let the sun not give warmth in autumn,
And the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer
But do not be sad, even though the summer has passed.
Do you believe that your happiness is at the doorstep,
You know love is waiting for you ahead.
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Records found: 375
Tell me what you need to answer to people after Communion to the words: "With Communion to you," who did not take communion themselves? Once I just nodded in surprise, saying "uh-huh", because. earlier, in another temple, no one told me anything, and then another woman ran into me with congratulations, I already said “thank you” to her, but at the same time I somehow felt uneasy that they touched me at all. And how to answer correctly? Or silently pass by? And it also happens that at the end of the Liturgy, when everyone comes up to venerate the cross, the priest also congratulates on Communion. What should he answer?
Irina
In such cases, there is a universal Orthodox answer: “God save!”, And you can also smile, because someone rejoices for you.
Deacon Ilya Kokin
Hello, father. I want to come to confession and take communion, but I have a problem with fasting before confession. I fasted only once in my entire life, last year, but this was due to attempts to become a vegetarian. Six months did not eat animal food, except dairy. I am not fasting now, I am worried about my state of health, and the doctor, to put it mildly, does not advise depriving myself of a full meal. I took a lot of medicines for about a year, they recommended eating well, not sparingly. What should I do, I really need confession and communion. Thanks for the answer.
Elena
Elena, three days of fasting has never hurt anyone. Fasting and a rule of prayer before communion is given in order to awaken one's soul, to repent, and to prepare oneself for the acceptance of this great and saving sacrament. Try to fulfill at least such a fast, and at confession explain to the priest your health problems. By the way, you don't have to fast to confess. Although you need both sacraments, since bodily ailments are most often given to us because of our sins.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello. Tell me, please, is it necessary to ask the blessing of a priest to embroider an icon, and what rules should be followed when embroidering?
Irina
Irina, an icon is not a picture, but a “visible image of an invisible Archetype,” as the holy fathers of the Church teach. Therefore, it is necessary to start embroidery with special reverence and awe. We need a pious life, regular church attendance, confession and communion. Come to the temple, talk with the priest, take the blessing for work and discuss the rules that must be observed when embroidering. It would be nice to take a blank icon with you and show it to the priest. If you discuss all the nuances, then at the end of the work there will be no problems with the consecration of the icon.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello! Thanks to everyone working on this site for your help and answers to our questions! God bless you all and your families! I have a question. I came to faith recently, I fasted only before communion. Now I’m trying to keep a fast, but I read that you can’t eat canned vegetables and mushrooms. Is that really true? And I ate. And is it possible to sometimes use a milk replacer, lean mayonnaise, bouillon cubes (chicken, meat)? Can you drink coffee? Thank you.
Elena
Elena! You can eat any plant food during fasting, including vegetables, coffee, mushrooms, lean mayonnaise, soy products, etc. You don't have to treat fasting like a Pharisee. The Apostle Paul said, “Everything is permitted to me, but nothing must possess me” (1 Corinthians 6:12). For example, if you are a coffee addict, you can’t do without coffee for a day, then you should give it up for the duration of the fast. You can eat soy sausage, but then how will the fasting time differ from ordinary days if the passion of gluttony is also satisfied, only with “permitted” products? Fasting is given to fight passions, and not to restrict food as such.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello! I want to express my deep gratitude to all the priests on this site. Thank you for your invaluable help and answers to our many questions! God bless you all and your families! I have a few questions. 1. On Sunday my daughter, she is 5 years old, took communion. We came home, she had lunch, and she vomited into the bathroom, and I washed everything off (sorry for the details) ... 2.5 hours have passed since the communion. This is bad? After all, she took communion, and this is the first time we have had this. 2. I have two children - 2 years 10 months. and 5 years. Can they take communion if they drink water the night before communion, and sometimes even in the morning? The younger one cannot sleep without water, he is naughty. 3. Is it possible to read the canons and the rule for communion not in one day, but within 3-4 days, since there is not enough time and energy to read everything at once with two children? 4. Is it a sin to use decorative cosmetics, for example, at work or at some event, not for the purpose of seducing, of course, but because it is customary? Although I have noticed more than once that other men pay attention to me with cosmetics, and this, in fact, is seduction? So, in my case, it is impossible to paint at all?
Tatiana
Tatyana, of course, you need to try to do everything in order to avoid such situations. If the child nevertheless vomited (or the baby burped), you need to collect everything that was erupted, set it on fire or clean running water, and bury the ashes or ashes in an impregnable place. Tell about what happened in confession, because you, out of ignorance, acted imperiously. 2. Small children are allowed to drink before communion, it is necessary to accustom a child to take communion on an empty stomach gradually, by the age of five or seven. 3. It is permissible to read the rule for communion for several days in which you are preparing for communion. 4. It is better for a woman not to use decorative cosmetics. But in modern society this is not always feasible. If at work you are required to use cosmetics without fail, you will have to obey. Restrained, discreet makeup will not attract much attention. It is not necessary to paint brightly and defiantly.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello! Please, help! I have a fear of open space. Despite communion, confession and the advice of the priest, nothing changes in my condition. Tranquilizers only dull fear for a while, and they destroy the soul. Help!
Julia
Julia, I think we need to turn to doctors, do not neglect the help of specialists.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Good afternoon God willing, I am going to take communion at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, which in our church begins at 6 pm, at 5 pm. From what time on this day is there nothing to eat - from the very morning (do not have breakfast) or until 12 noon can you eat food? I didn’t ask the priest, but the women serving in the temple said that from the age of 12. Something I doubt. Thank you!
Elena
Elena, personally, I wouldn't eat anything since midnight. I am also confused by what you said. With us, you know, everything turns out somehow strangely: some priests revive the tradition and begin to serve the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in the evening, as it should be, and this is good, but at the same time they are on the occasion of some strange liberality and indulgence, and for some reason they allow parishioners to eat before communion. And what is the use then of such traditions?! One involuntarily wants to say: if you want to serve like the ancients, then fast like the ancients! You can't - then why distort the holy tradition that comes from antiquity ?!
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Hello. I read about keeping spouses clean on holidays, Sundays, fast days, especially on Great Lent. I read most of the excerpts to my husband. In response - ridicule, and the whole life lived was spent in this sin, does not even want to hear, constantly swearing, obscenities, there used to be assault, acts out of spite, especially before communion. I feel uncomfortable confessing. Fear in my heart. How to be, what to do?
Lydia
Lydia! It is necessary to remember the words of the Apostle Paul addressed to Christian spouses: “Do not turn away from each other, except by agreement, for a while, for the exercise in fasting and prayer, and then be together again, so that Satan does not tempt you with your intemperance” (1 Cor. 7.5). That is, this issue is resolved by the spouses by mutual agreement, resorting to the advice of the confessor. The Church recommends that spiritual fathers “with pastoral discretion take into account the specific living conditions of a married couple, their age, health, degree of spiritual maturity, and many other circumstances, distinguishing those who can “accommodate” the high demands of abstinence from those who are not “given "(Matt. 19.11), and caring first of all about the preservation and strengthening of the family" (see the Fundamentals of the social concept of the ROC). If the husband is not a believer and is categorical, then abstain when possible.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello! Please tell me, are confession and Communion held on Easter night?
Vika
Victoria, confession and communion happens every time a liturgy is served in the church. They are also held on Easter night. But the schedule of services and confessions in your church on this day is better to find out in advance. Most often, the schedule of services is compiled immediately for a week.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello! I want to start churching, but I don’t know where to start, although I read some literature, it’s still scary that I don’t know much. Here, for example: I went to the evening service on Sunday, watched how others were doing it, and did the same, but when everyone began to light candles, and I didn’t have a candle, I felt ashamed, I didn’t know that it would be necessary to do so - she lowered her eyes to the floor and stood, embarrassed. I didn't even know Lent was on! Then they began to anoint everyone, I went the very last, I thought that they would take communion, but I can’t, I haven’t even confessed yet ... Father, give me advice on how to go to church correctly, and what to do when everyone is given communion, Can't I just leave? Thank you in advance.
Julia
Julia, just keep walking and don't be embarrassed. You know, it's like learning to swim: not everyone knows how right away, so they come to learn, and it's stupid to be ashamed that you don't know how to do something, you don't know. It is a shame not not to know, but not to seek to know. And in this regard, Orthodox brochures, which are usually sold in abundance in our churches, will help you - brochures on how to behave in church, how to take the first steps, what different actions mean during worship, what communion is and how to prepare for it. Dare! There is nothing to be embarrassed about! This enemy confuses you, from your pride, and this is wrong.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Hello dear fathers! Tell me, if one priest serves in a small church and there is no deacon, then the priest serves the Liturgy, takes communion, after the communion of the laity, the priest must consume the remaining gifts. How will this be counted? Doesn't this mean that he took communion twice? Or after, before the exclamation "Always, now and forever and ever and ever," the particles taken out of the proskomedia from the prosphora, memorial particles about health and repose, are lowered into the Chalice, then the Holy Mysteries of Christ again become bread and wine, or I I don't understand it right?
Elena
No, Elena, the consumption of the Holy Gifts refers to the same, the first communion. By the way, a priest or deacon who is to consume the Gifts at the end of the service, for this very reason, does not immediately drink the communion of St. warmth, as everyone else does in the altar and parishioners in the temple.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
I can’t confess and take communion, please help. Good afternoon My name is Natalia, I am 28 years old. I cannot decide to receive communion, because I read that you need to really desire this, but, as far as I understand myself, I don’t have a strong desire, I just know that it needs to be done, and I don’t fully understand the meaning of this sacrament. Because of this, I do not dare to go to communion, I am afraid that I will do it in condemnation. Help, what should I do? Is it worth it to hurry with communion, or is it better to go only to confession, because I have never been to confession yet? Thanks in advance for your help!
Natalia
Hello, Natalia. Start over. Regularly visit the temple on Sundays and holidays (when possible), delve into the service, ask God for admonition. Start and end the day with prayer, it is best to follow the Orthodox tradition and use the prayer book. The first time - in Russian translation, and then switch to the Church Slavonic original. Every day read one chapter from the New Testament, with the interpretations of the blessed Theophylact. Pay attention to the commandments of Christ. You need to force yourself to implement these commandments in your life. Only in this way you will see that sin is not an error against the rules established by someone, but the real evil that we inflict on ourselves. And then you can sincerely repent. This will be the necessary preparation for worthy communion. I highly recommend that you listen to AI Osipov's public lectures: http://alexey-osipov.ru/. Now is a fertile time for spiritual work on oneself. God help you.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello. Help, please, advice. God allowed me bowel disease because of my sins, so I cannot fast physically. I do not eat meat now, but this also violates the doctor's recommendations. The problem is that I don't know how to proceed with the sacrament of Communion in my case. It confuses me that I approach the Chalice without fasting. The priest, to whom I constantly confess, knows about my illness and allows Communion. Maybe this is embarrassment from the evil one, and we should not pay attention to it?
Faith
Hello Vera. Believe me, simply by abstaining from food, we do not in the least make ourselves more worthy of communion of the Holy Mysteries. Worthy is he who, with tears, realizes his unworthiness. Like a publican who did not dare to raise his eyes and only beat his chest with the words: "God, be merciful to me a sinner." If the confessor blesses, take communion without embarrassment.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello! My letter is personal. Father, last year I broke up with a married man, after which I confessed and took communion, but the man does not lag behind me. I ask you, please pray that he finally gets rid of me, how much can I fight back, he does not understand that he has no rights to me. His name is Oleg, he is baptized. I go to confession and communion once every two weeks, the last time was this Sunday, I fast. I look forward to your prayerful help. Save me, God!
Inna
And it's very easy to fight back: tell him that if he doesn't lag behind, tell his family. That's the whole problem. The only question is your determination.
Archpriest Maxim Khyzhiy
Hello! I am a believer, I go to church, confess and take communion. I have two children (no husband, divorced), I work. Children are problematic, they take a lot of mental strength, I also take them to church for communion almost every Sunday, and they also go to Sunday school with me. There are not enough teachers and assistants, and I was asked to help the teacher who works with small children in Sunday school. But I refused, because I come home from work tired during the week, I don’t have enough strength for my children, and they persuade them for only 2 hours on Sunday, and, honestly, I don’t have this desire, the women who participate there, they are almost all they don’t work (they have earners) - I tell them that it’s hard for me and the children alone, but they don’t hear me and don’t understand. Yesterday my father began to hint to me - to help them. Well, I have no strength and desire! And the question is, is it a sin that I refuse to help them, my conscience torments me, and there is no desire. Help me, fathers, with the right decision and answer!
Elena
If there is no opportunity and desire to work at school, then, of course, you can and should refuse this work. I don't know why simple truths are not understood in your parish.
Archpriest Maxim Khyzhiy
Hello. Can I feed my baby before communion? The child is 2 years old. Communion takes place around 11 o'clock in the afternoon.
Tatiana
Can be up to 5-7 years! Age depends on the individual child. Just do not overfeed, so as not to spit up.
Archpriest Maxim Khyzhiy
A question to an Orthodox priest: when my mother found out about the diagnosis - CANCER - I immediately asked her if she wanted to take communion and take communion. She confidently said, "Yes." A week later, the priest came and conducted unction and confession with communion. The day before, I myself told her what to say - about abortion, and at her discretion. The problem is that she is the daughter of a party worker, and she did not go to church during her lifetime, but she did not speak negatively against the church. Therefore, she has no particular idea about what to say in confession. In short, the priest said that he was giving communion to her only because he had unctioned her. I want to know if her communion is valid, and how can I pray for her now? And are unnamed sins forgiven during unction? Can I make up for her lack of spirituality with alms and funeral services? I go to church myself. Is it possible to consider her consent to unction as an appeal to God?
Ksenia
Yes, Ksenia, communion is indeed, do not hesitate, everything is good and right. You can pray just as you would for any Orthodox Christian. Forgotten sins in the Sacrament of Unction are forgiven. As for the funeral services and alms, then, of course, they help a person a lot in the afterlife.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Hello! I have turned to you for advice more than once. Thanks for the wise answers! Tell me again please! My husband has a godson, a 3-year-old boy. The boy's father (my husband's cousin) committed suicide almost six months before the baby was born (presumably due to conflicts with the baby's mother, with whom they were not married). So, the situation has developed in such a way that this girl - the boy's mother, leads a somewhat antisocial lifestyle - drinks heavily, etc. Often there were situations when she went on a spree for a week, leaving the baby. The boy has grandparents, but for some reason no one is making efforts to somehow change the situation (maybe no one wants to get involved with this girl, it’s not for me to judge). But the fact is that the boy suffers from the inattention of his mother, often sees her in a severe degree of intoxication and everything like that - it's a pity for him. My question is, tell me, can I help this child with prayer? If yes, how should I pray? May I pray for this girl to be enlightened? Baptized boy - Andrey. If possible, pray for him too!
Your desire to receive communion more often is feasible. Have spare Holy Gifts: particles of the Body saturated with Blood... and take communion when you need it or how you put it... There are many free tabernacles in the monastery. Ask and use. At home, keep the tabernacle with the Holy Mysteries in a place of honor, among the holy icons (1, p. 36).
2. The Sacrament of the Body and Blood is performed by the Lord. The employee is only a tool
The Sacrament of the Body and Blood is performed by the Lord through the action of the entire Church. The employee is only a tool. As long as there is no unresolved sin on him, he, with bold hope, can both perform the Sacrament and take communion (1, p. 71).
3. Confession and Holy Communion are necessary: one cleanses, the other - a bath, plaster and food
Confession and Holy Communion are inevitably necessary: one regenerates, the other - a bath, plaster and food (1, p. 206).
4. Holy Communion reveals its power not from our dignity, but from the goodness of God. Readiness for Communion - confession of sins with a strong determination not to sin
Holy Communion reveals its power not from our dignity, but from the goodness of God. Readiness for a worthy Communion is the confession of sins with a strong determination not to give in to sin and not to omit anything good that has to be done. This determination and jealousy is the root of life and foundation. When this is, the house for the Lord is ready (1, p. 227).
5. It is better to perform Holy Communion at one time, but not at the service
Following Holy Communion, I think, is not sinful to do and not at once, but it seems to be better at once. But reading it in church is not a good habit... one's church service demands attention (2, p. 59).
6. How to approach Holy Communion
In order not to be in sin (Holy Communion), it is necessary to cleanse sins by repentance and, approaching, proceed with faith and fear, in contrition of heart, without dreams of any advantages over others who do not partake, but always with humble and self-abasing feelings. The main thing is to have the desire and zeal to please God, and not yourself. For, even doing good, you can please yourself (2, p. 212).
7. Explanation of Communion on the Twelfth Feasts
I don't see that the Eminence. Joseph imposed on you the Communion of the Holy Mysteries on the Twelfth Feasts as an urgent rule. He only gave you advice and blessed you for this, and you will do well if you do this when there are no obstacles, always with proper preparation and a cleansed conscience. Listen to the advice of the priest of God Fr. John N (3, p. 3).
8. On the Usefulness of Frequent Communion for Spiritual Life
That they took communion twice in fasting is good. Bless, Lord! You can take communion as often as you like. Every day the priest invites the Orthodox to receive communion, but no one responds. If you find it possible to take communion more often, it will not be bad (3, p. 78).
9. Communion is possible as soon as the soul requires
You have already spoken... And still speak and take communion. You can keep fasting and take communion as often as the spirit requires. Bless you, Lord! (3, p. 93).
10. Intrigues of the enemy during fasting
What happens to you during fasting... fear, excitement... it must be assumed that it comes from the enemy. He's probably doing something around you. Confession and Communion scorch him and drive him away. Here he is, foreseeing this, and raises the alarm. Take the trouble not to deviate from the memory of God and the memory of death... They not only during fasting, but also in every way chase him and scorch him, and they will not give you an attack. You yourselves see how soul-saving fasting is for you... and you can command yourself to fast more often (3, p. 118).
11. About the improvement of the business of fasting
By putting fasting in this fast, you prescribed that you are dissatisfied with your fasting, although you love fasting and would like to do this work of Christian piety more often. As you did not indicate in what way you are dissatisfied with your fasting, I will not say anything about it ... I will only add: try to bring your fasting to the point that satisfies you. You can ask your confessor how to correct your fasting. As for more often, there is no need to increase it, because this frequency will take away a large part of reverence for this greatest cause ... I mean reverence and Communion (3, p. 177).
I think I have already written to you that it is enough to say goodbye and take communion in every big fast out of 4. And in the fasts before Easter and Christmas - twice each. And look no more. Try to streamline and perfect your inner being (3, p. 177).
12. How often can I take communion?
How often to fast? As often as you can.
But in advance, put all fasts to fast, and of them big ones, Great and Christmas, two or three times. Ask your spiritual father (4, p. 10).
13. Communion is the strongest support for spiritual life from communion with the Lord
They talked three times. Dobre! The strongest support for spiritual life is fellowship with the Lord, for without Him what are we (4, p. 18)?
14. About embarrassment before Communion
Approach the Sacrament of Communion without hesitation. If you approach with faith in the Lord, inherent in the Mysteries, with reverence and readiness to devote all your strength to the service of Him alone, then there is nothing to waver in unworthiness. No one can consider himself a worthy communicant. All rest in the grace of God. And so do you. The Lord loves those who take communion and mercifully condescends to shortcomings in the proper mood of the soul. Then Communion itself, little by little, will correct these shortcomings (4, p. 83).
15. Communion of the Holy Mysteries, we receive the Lord
Bless, Lord, your Holy Communion! You have accepted the Lord: let Him alone fill your heart so that there is no longer room left for any creature. The Lord is near! If you sigh to Him, then you will not meet any spiritual need that is insurmountable and unsatisfactory (4, pp. 88–89).
Concerning Holy Communion... blasphemous thoughts or unbelief... straight from the enemy. Run and pray. The Lord Himself gave this Sacrament... saying: This is My body, this is My Blood... and commanded: Do this in remembrance of Me. The apostles began to do this... and since that time this work in the Holy Church has not stopped and will not stop until the end of the age... The performer of the Sacrament is the Lord Himself. The priests are only the mouth that pronounces the sanctifying prayer, and the hand that blesses the Gifts... The active power comes from the Lord. The Lord is everywhere. And at one moment throughout the earth can repeat the Last Supper (4, p. 103).
Pray to the Lord and ask for faith. During the morning and evening prayers, bow three times with the words: “Lord, give me faith ... for the enemy confuses me, spreading thoughts of unbelief” ... And the Lord will give. Just do not stop praying with zeal... And open all your spiritual needs with all your heart to the Lord, and He will help. I wholeheartedly wish that the Lord always showed you the victorious (4, pp. 103-104).
16. After Communion
You have good thoughts on Holy Communion. The cage is inside... If you stay there, the Lord will not be bored with you. Take the trouble to engage Him in a prayerful conversation - and He will listen without departing.
There you will have a bridal chamber... and a marvelous combination... And behind it is endless bliss (4, p. 119).
17. To the question about Communion with little preparation
It is possible for you to take communion... Now, reward the lack of fasting with fasting later, and most of all with inner feelings of contrition and desire for the Lord.
This short inner and outer exertion of yourself will give you, according to your faith in the mercy of the Lord, with boldness to approach the Holy Mysteries. However, if there is a lack of boldness in faith, but, on the contrary, some kind of rebuke is heard within, then it is better to postpone this holy deed. Soon after all you can be honored with this and at home. I'm making a note just in case. But it is better if, through your faith and the desire of the Lord, inspire boldness... Generally speaking, we will never be able to properly approach the Mysteries. We are always covered with hope in the immeasurable mercy of the Lord (4, p. 126).
18. Instruction for those preparing for Communion
Your intention is good to confess and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Take the trouble to carefully determine what should be stopped and discarded, and, having made a vow to this, testify to the decision to strictly fulfill it. And the peace of God will be established... and especially - an undisturbed look at the Lord during prayer (4, p. 129).
19. Attacks of the enemy before fasting
That you are attacked, and especially when you decide to talk, this is an enemy trick. He himself tries to either deflect from the shit, or spoil it. But when they resisted and did not give in... then this is a sign of victory, not defeat, and not only does it not interfere with the approach to the Sacraments, on the contrary, it serves as the best adornment of this work of God, i.e. Communion. You did well that from the very first appearance of the attack, you rebelled and resisted. And always do this ... as soon as it appears - immediately resistance, rejection, hatred and prayer. If a secret voice says that permission was allowed for thoughts ... by repentance it is necessary to cleanse this and with contrition with a firm determination not to give in anymore. That attacks are not a problem ... this is an invitation to the crown ... The trouble is concessions. May the Lord arm you! The Jesus Prayer is the first and all-powerful tool... Do not let go of it (4, p. 140)!
20. Frequent Communion can lead to indifference
Communion of the Holy Mysteries more often, as the spirit [sheep] father permits... just try to always approach with proper preparation, and even more so with fear and trembling, so that, having become accustomed, you do not begin to approach with indifference. Out of habit, we do not care about the sun - and all life comes from it. So one can get used to the Holy Mysteries and become indifferent to that, which is very disapproving (4, p. 150).
Nothing disapproving can be said about frequent Communion... But a measure once or twice a month is the most measured (4, pp. 254-255).
21. About Communion on the Twelfth Feasts
If it was decided to take communion on the twelfth feasts, it would be necessary to conduct it that way. But it is also true that sometimes these holidays come quickly one after the other, so that there are two of them in one month, while not one in another. In this case, for sure, it is better to omit Holy Communion on one feast and transfer it to another month, coinciding with some day. Arrange it yourself in the best way (4, p. 234).
22. Is it possible to give spare particles on the way to marching
I also see nothing sinful in giving spare particles on the way. It used to be in use and now it can be. It was canceled not because of the inappropriateness of the case, but because of some abuse. When abuses are not expected, place can be given to the ancient custom (4, p. 255).
Approaching the Holy Mysteries, approach with simplicity of heart, with full faith that you receive the Lord into yourself, and with reverence corresponding to this. What to be in the soul after this, let the Lord Himself do it. Many desire in advance to receive this and that from Holy Communion, and then, not seeing it, they are embarrassed and even waver in faith in the power of the Sacrament. And the fault is not in the Sacrament, but in these unnecessary guesses. Do not promise yourself anything, but leave everything to the Lord, asking Him for one mercy - to strengthen you for every good thing in His pleasing. The fruit of Communion most often resonates in the heart with sweet peace; sometimes it brings enlightenment in thoughts and inspiration in devotion to the Lord; I will also note here that we do not see the tangible fruits from Holy Communion because we rarely take communion. Make it a point to partake of Communion as often as possible, and you will see the comforting fruits of this Sacrament (9, pp. 153-154).
24. Congratulation and good wishes to those who partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ
Now, probably, you have already confessed and received communion. Congratulations! Grant, Lord, that this be to you in the wings of the spirit, in the attachment of the heart to the Lord, in favor and joy on the path of life, in the moral fortress for charitable deeds.
But above all, I wish you to feel the joy of salvation in the Lord. For the Lord is in you, and where the Lord is, there is salvation. One pagan king, when a storm caught him at sea and the shipbuilders in fear did not know what to do, out of his characteristic arrogance, said: “What are you afraid of? You are carrying such a king." “That was empty speech. But the Lord, when one day a windy storm endangered the ship on which He was sailing with His disciples across the Lake of Gennesaret, and the latter, not knowing what to do, cried out to Him: Lord, save us, we are perishing! - First he forbade the wind and the waves of the water, and when the waves had already subsided and there was silence, he said: Where is your faith? (cm. ). Thus, only in relation to the Lord can one truly say: “What are you afraid of? The Lord is with you." This I say to you: fear neither internal nor external waves, for the Lord is with you. Do not lose your living faith in this, and your heart will confess: if I go in the middle of the canopy of death, I will not fear evil, for you are with me (). And it is fitting for all communicants to sing: The Lord of hosts is with us, our intercessor God Jacob () (9, p. 154–155).
25. The Holy Mysteries are foreshadowed by manna
The state of your heart occupied me after communion with the Holy Mysteries. After all, the Holy Mysteries are foreshadowed by manna. She took the taste according to the needs of everyone. So the communion of the Holy Mysteries gave you a taste of what you need. Now your heart knows what it means to be with the Lord and what is without Him (11, p. 10).
26. About Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ
You asked about Holy Communion. It does not in the least hinder frequent communion with true preparation. It would be nice - every post, but on the Great and Christmas Eve and twice each. However, as the Lord puts in his heart; only to take communion well (11, p. 70).
Who spoke so absurdly about the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ?
This idea is Calvin. And in the Orthodox way, this is how one should believe: "Whoever does not taste the body of the Lord and does not drink His Blood, do not have a life in himself." Who is in the Lord? - eat His Flesh and drink His Blood. There is nothing obscure and no allegory. Thus all those who were saved in the Lord believed, and so it is fitting for us to believe. You never know what those who do not understand and do not want to understand will not say! And they talk about some kind of consolation! Where does it come from to them? The Lord will not ascend into an unbelieving heart, even though he stands at the door and pushes, but outside the Lord, what are the consolations (11, p. 80)?
27. On the Preservation of the Fruits of Communion
You regret that the good mood acquired by fasting, confession and Communion soon weakens. This is both worthy of regret, and all the more worthy because it is within our power to avoid it... We should not betray ourselves to the victim of external impressions: they take attention away from the heart and make it wander on the side, far from ourselves. You should not be allowed to taste the sweets of the soul and body. We have two tastes: one is spiritual, the other is mental and bodily. They chase each other away. When there is a taste of the spiritual, everything else is grass; and when you have to taste the soul-bodily, then the taste for the spiritual diminishes. From this you see for yourselves what is proper to do in order to preserve the tasting of spiritual blessings (6, pp. 48-49).
28. About frequent communion
Congratulations on receiving the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Be to the rescue!
And it will be good to take communion a second time. The more often, the better (8, p. 16)!
It’s good that they took communion with such conviction. Communion is a great blessing. And you would do well if you arranged to take communion more often - not only during fasts, but also between fasts (8, p. 45).
29. Home fasting and penance
It is inconvenient to leave the house - fast at home. You can do the work of fasting at home, and then confess and take communion in the church.
Endure the troubles and everything that you have to experience the sorrowful, complacently, and the merciful Lord will count that in penance, which everyone should bear for their sins according to the order of the Church (8, p. 40).
30. Communion is always possible
When it was inconvenient to talk at the first - talk, as you suggest. The cup of the Lord is always open, and everyone is invited to it every day. Therefore, one can never say that time is irretrievably lost. Missed today - ready tomorrow (8, p. 68).
31. Why sometimes the action of the Sacraments is not felt
Thank God for taking communion. That the beneficial effect of this Sacrament was not witnessed in the feeling must be attributed to ill health and, perhaps, due to this, to a lack of spiritual tension. But the action of the Sacraments is not always reflected in the feeling, but acts secretly, which, of course, took place with you, as usual (8, p. 123).
On Sunday, May 19, our Veronica had the First Commune ( Pierwsza Komunia Święta ) . Sounds like you always have to explain. So, I'll try. The first communion is the first communion. The communion among Catholics (at least among Polish ones) is a very important and solemn event to which children from 7 to 12 years old are allowed. By the way, Orthodox Christians can receive communion after baptism. But I will not go into details and list the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. I will say right away that I am a believer, but I will not describe my attitude to faith. This is long, polemical and addictive... Many will probably ask: why did we, an Orthodox girl, send to the church for communion?
Let's go back two years here. When we went to school, one of the first questions was: "Will your child go to religion lessons?" It wasn't necessary. In principle, any Pole can also refuse them. But the thing is (and this is my opinion) that in Poland religion is not only a belief, it is already a deeply rooted tradition. So among acquaintances you can find those who do not miss Sunday services and put a cross on themselves even just passing the church on the bus, and those who consider themselves believers, but have a negative attitude towards the activities of the church, although they observe traditional things (such as baptizing child, first communion, marriage, etc.). I think in Orthodoxy about the same situation. It is worth saying that in Poland, public holidays (when the whole country rests) more than half, probably, are religious holidays.
So, back to the “why?” question. Initially, it was important for me that the child adapt in another country, so that he does not feel like a “stranger”, that he joins the team. Considering that all the children of the class go to religion, there would be a lot of questions from the children, to Nika, who was not very oriented then. Yes, and it would be extremely difficult to explain to Nick. In addition, it is always easier to understand another culture through the knowledge of traditions. Therefore, my consent to send the child to the commune is also connected with the desire to learn more about the culture of the country in which she lives.
So, Nika went all the first class to religion and she even liked it very much. The priest told biblical stories, played the guitar, told children the basics of faith, explained to children how important it is to be kind, patient, etc. So, personally, I don’t see anything prudent in this. I remember how we read the new testament, the old one and the gospel at the university in the lessons of foreign literature. And here is the first class for you: the life of Christ, the deeds of the apostles, the names of all the archangels, etc. I remember Nika very much surprised when she blurted out “Our Father” in Polish, I walked with my mouth open for a long time.
Now Nika has already grown up and we are already discussing issues related to religion and faith. In any case, I do not force her to be either Orthodox or Catholic, she will grow up - she will decide everything for herself.
At the beginning of the second grade, it was announced that the children would have their first communion. They briefly explained to me what was happening, and how much this event would cost a pretty penny. Our priest has changed, and by the way, he did not even immediately understand that Nika was not Polish (in principle, no one understands this anymore).
I went to the priest and explained the situation, that my child is Orthodox, but I don't mind. I'll explain here too. It was also possible to refuse communion. But again, the question arose, how to explain this to Nike? Everyone is coming, but you can't be a Catholic. No, that will not do. The child did not really want to arrange stress. Yes, we don’t go to church, but we don’t go to church every week either. And I think I did the right thing. Actually, what difference does it make in which direction to be baptized, how to pray, and even at home on a stool, faith is important! In principle, I am generally against rituals, in some way it reminds me of all paganism.
The priest did not immediately give an answer, he said that he would ask someone “higher” :). And after half a year he said yes, let Nika go to communion.
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So, the preparation itself lasts a whole academic year. Children are engaged in learning the Catholic Catechism, we can say that this is the ABC of the Faith. For a whole year, children are explained the meaning of the sacrament. In the notebook, a sign is neatly glued that you need to hand it in by heart.
But most of all, parents prepare for communion. Firstly, every third Sunday of the month there is a meeting with a priest, at which he first talks for 20 minutes about how it is necessary to pass on his faith to children, how important it is to pray, and then for another 30 minutes he discusses the materiel, i.e., how much money we collect for Ruzhany, how much for books, how much for flowers, etc. The communion is an extremely solemn event. But more on that later. Ladies from sewing workshops come to meetings, present options for outfits, photographers come. 75 children went to the commune, one can only imagine how difficult it was for the parents of the children to come to a consensus. And all this lasts until April. During this time, dresses are sewn, restaurants are ordered ...
Now for the solemnity. This event is so important in the life of a child that all close relatives gather for this, many of whom are even forced to fly in from abroad. In addition to grandparents, godparents are required, but also numerous uncles, aunts (it really depends on the ability of the family to organize). To find a restaurant on this day by the month of May is almost impossible.
We have a girl, and therefore about the dress. The dress is sewn to order (traditionally), shoes, a wreath, tights, underwear, gloves, and a handbag are also needed for it. Such a lady cost us about 4 thousand rubles. On communion day, many people still sign up for a hairdresser and so on. Well, just like graduation! Well, here we managed on our own.
So April, by the end of April, the children had almost all passed the Catechism. They go to the consecration of crosses (by the way, they receive them only on this day, children receive small images for baptism). Our Nika went with her Orthodox. He walks with him.
Then, before the communion, the children must confess twice. It looked like this. For a couple of months, the children were given a text, where after the words "I did this and that" ellipsis ... the so-called "formula of confession." On the appointed Saturday at nine o'clock, the children with their parents and godparents went to confession (parents also have to confess, but we were released, and many did not go anyway). After confession, the priest "absolves sins" and asks to read "Our Father" to atone for sins. When I asked Nika what sins she would talk about, the child replied that these were her sins and she should not tell me. Although she somehow did not accept the confession itself, apparently, given the formality with which it all went.
Rehearsals began two weeks before the commune. How children get up, how they enter, how they kneel, how they take communion, how they sit, what they sing, how they sing, etc. From and to. And parents go too. Our Nika sang a psalm, so we also learned to sing with the organist. So one of the rehearsals with the organist was scheduled for the day when the parents were invited to "clean up the church." I put the rag in my bag and went with Nika. Other children from the psalm-singing group also came. And what was the surprise of the children to see the priest not in a cassock, but in jeans and a T-shirt. In general, the parents wiped the benches, arranged flowers, made flower arrangements, decorated the church in every possible way, ironed the white capes for the altar. Well, we chatted. I had the same feeling as before, they came before the holidays and the whole class washed the floor, walls, desks.
My opinion is really that all these preparations, dresses, restaurants, etc. actually distract from the main thing, from the very essence of “communion”. The last straw, it seems to me, are gifts. On this day, it is customary for children to give expensive gifts: phones, bicycles, computers, etc. And although the priest insisted that parents somehow limit themselves, traditions are traditions. Somewhere on the Internet I found a comparison of the Communia with the Day of acceptance into the pioneers, and yes ... there is something in this.
So, Sunday, May 19... we got up early, did our hair, everyone dressed solemnly and moved to the church. I must say the weather was exceptional, it was very sunny. Naturally, all the girls rushed to look at each other, who was wearing what, what shoes, hairstyles. But then the priest came and the children quickly lined up in two rows, in height, in pairs. Came another priest, chief, said an opening speech, sprinkled with holy water.
First, the children asked for blessings from their parents, they blessed them and the children entered the church. Then the children sang, read passages from the Holy Scripture, and so on. Then there was the sacrament itself.
Then the cleric came, played the guitar and the children sang. Then they thanked the priest (both). All the time at the event, several photographers worked, filmed a video. Parents were strongly advised not to take photographs. (You can imagine how many flashes would be every minute !!!) All photos for this post were taken by a special photographer. After the communion, about two months later, everyone received an album with printed photographs, a printed disc with videos, and a disc with numerous photographs. Naturally, photos and videos were ordered and agreed upon separately.
Then, having left the church, in memory of the first communion, the children received the blessing of Pope Francis I (I note that the blessing costs 800 rubles). And then everyone went to restaurants.
But that's not all. After the communion, the "white week" begins. This means that children in their white clothes must come to the service and communion for a whole week at 17-00. Each service this week was special: either parents were thanked, or teachers, and so on. On Friday, at the last service, the children were given bread, symbolizing kindness, since the entire service was devoted to the importance of being a kind person.
But that's not all. In a year, the girls will take out their dresses, and the boys will take out their suits, if the outfits, of course, will still fit them :), and on the same day the children will gather again in the church to hold a service in honor of the anniversary of the adoption of the first communion.