Also known as: Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament
Observed by: Christian denominations (e.g., Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, and others)
Significance: Commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples
Symbols: Bread and wine (sometimes grape juice in Protestant traditions)
Frequency: Varies by denomination (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper, is a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, during which he gave them bread and wine as representations of his body and blood¹⁾. It is one of the central acts of Christian worship, practiced by most Christian denominations, and varies in theological interpretation, liturgical practice, and frequency of observance ²⁾.

The term Eucharist comes from the Greek word εὐχαριστία (eucharistia), meaning “thanksgiving.” This reflects the act of giving thanks to God for Christ’s sacrifice, which is at the heart of the ritual ³⁾.

The institution of the Eucharist is recounted in the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels and Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians⁴⁾. During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He then took a cup of wine, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-20). Christians believe this act instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist⁵⁾.

The theology surrounding the Eucharist varies significantly among Christian denominations:

In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is regarded as a sacrament in which the bread and wine are transformed into the actual Body and Blood of Christ through a process known as transubstantiation. Catholics believe that while the bread and wine maintain their outward appearances (accidents), their substance becomes the body and blood of Christ⁶⁾. The Mass is the liturgical celebration in which the Eucharist is consecrated, and it is considered the source and summit of Christian life⁷⁾.

The Eastern Orthodox Church shares a belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist but avoids explaining the change through the philosophical language of transubstantiation. Instead, the focus is on the mystery of the Eucharist, affirming the bread and wine become the true body and blood of Christ, a process accomplished by the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy ⁸⁾.

In Anglicanism, the Eucharist is celebrated as a sacrament and is referred to as Holy Communion. There is a wide range of beliefs within the Anglican Communion regarding the Eucharist, from a more Catholic understanding of the real presence of Christ in the elements to a more Protestant symbolic interpretation⁹⁾. The Book of Common Prayer contains the Anglican liturgies for the Eucharist, emphasizing remembrance and thanksgiving.

Lutherans believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a doctrine known as sacramental union. Unlike transubstantiation, Lutherans believe that Christ's body and blood are truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine but that the elements remain physically bread and wine¹⁰⁾. The sacrament is seen as a means of grace, offering forgiveness of sins and strengthening faith.

In Reformed theology (e.g., Presbyterians), the Eucharist is typically seen as a symbolic memorial of Christ’s death, though many hold that Christ is spiritually present in the act of Communion. The bread and wine do not change in substance but are understood as outward signs that represent spiritual nourishment and unity with Christ¹¹⁾.

Many Baptist and Evangelical denominations view the Eucharist as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, following Zwinglian theology, which emphasizes that the elements are purely symbolic¹²⁾. They reject the notion of a literal or even spiritual presence of Christ in the elements. Communion is often celebrated less frequently, and grape juice may be used instead of wine.

The manner in which the Eucharist is celebrated varies greatly across Christian traditions:

In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, the Eucharist is part of a highly structured liturgy that involves multiple prayers, readings from Scripture, hymns, and the consecration of the bread and wine by an ordained priest¹³⁾. The climax of the service is the consecration, where the priest invokes the Holy Spirit to sanctify the elements, followed by the distribution of Communion to the faithful.

Anglican and Lutheran celebrations of the Eucharist follow similar patterns, often with a reading of Scripture, a sermon, prayers of confession, the Great Thanksgiving, and the distribution of the consecrated elements. Both traditions emphasize the communal and participatory nature of the Eucharist, with lay members often assisting in the distribution of Communion.

In Reformed and Evangelical churches, the Eucharist may be a simpler affair, with a focus on preaching and prayer. Communion is celebrated with bread and wine or grape juice, and the emphasis is on personal reflection, repentance, and faith in Christ’s atoning work¹⁴⁾. The service typically includes a time for Scripture reading, prayer, and singing before the congregation partakes of the elements.

The bread and wine (or grape juice in some traditions) are the central symbols of the Eucharist, representing the body and blood of Christ. In some traditions, unleavened bread is used, while in others, leavened bread is preferred. The wine is often red to symbolize Christ's blood, but white wine is also used in some contexts¹⁵⁾.

In many Christian traditions, the chalice and paten (or plate) used for the Eucharist are considered sacred vessels. The altar on which the Eucharist is celebrated is also treated as a holy space¹⁶⁾.

The frequency of celebrating the Eucharist varies among denominations:

Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglicans celebrate it weekly or even daily¹⁷⁾. Lutherans and Methodists often celebrate the Eucharist on a weekly or monthly basis¹⁸⁾. Baptists, Pentecostals, and other Evangelical denominations may observe it less frequently, such as quarterly or at special services¹⁹⁾.

The Eucharist holds profound theological and spiritual significance for Christians:

• It serves as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and his promise of salvation²⁰⁾.
• For many, it is an opportunity to encounter the real presence of Christ²¹⁾.
• It reinforces the concept of Christian unity, as believers partake in the “one bread and one cup” that symbolizes their shared faith²²⁾.

The Eucharist is often a subject of division between Christian denominations. Differences in theology, such as the belief in the real presence versus the symbolic presence of Christ in the elements, have led to debates and, in some cases, the prohibition of intercommunion²³⁾. However, ecumenical dialogue between Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and other Christian traditions continues to explore ways to foster unity around the celebration of the Eucharist²⁴⁾.