Eucharist
Publié le 17/01/2022
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The central RITUAL of CHRISTIANITY;
also known as the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
The name "Eucharist" comes from the Greek
verb "to give thanks," from the traditional PRAYER
of the priest in performing the ritual.
JESUS established the Eucharist during his last
meal with his disciples. He distributed bread and
wine among them and asked them to do likewise in
remembering him. Christians follow these instructions
in different ways. In EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY
and ROMAN CATHOLICISM, the Eucharist is
the focal point of regular WORSHIP: the Holy LITURGY
and the Mass, respectively. Anabaptist churches—
the MENNONITE, AMISH, and Brethren—celebrate it
only twice a year in the context of a communal
meal. Not all churches use wine, and some use
specially made wafers instead of bread. During the
Middle Ages it became customary for Roman Catholic
laypeople to eat only the bread; the wine was
reserved for priests. In Orthodox churches, bread
and wine are often taken together.
Christians have also differed on—indeed,
fought over—what the Eucharist means. For
example, Roman Catholics believe that the bread
and wine actually become Jesus's body and
blood. Many Protestants believe that they are
only symbols.