Eucharist
The Importance of The Eucharist
The Eucharist is the principle part of worship in the Episcopal Church. The word Eucharist is from the Greek meaning “thanksgiving.” It is one of the two sacraments instituted by Jesus, the second being baptism. At the Last Supper Jesus shared the bread and a cup of wine with his disciples. Jesus identified the bread with is body and the wine with his blood of the new covenant.
The New Covenant is the new relationship with God given by Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to the apostles; and, through them, to all who believe in him. Christ promised to bring us into the kingdom of God and give life in all its fullness. Jesus commanded his disciples to “do this” in remembrance of him.
Christ’s sacrifice is made present by the eucharist, and in it we are united to his one self-offering (BCP, p. 859). The Last Supper provides the basis for the fourfold eucharistic action of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing. Christ’s body and blood are really present in the sacrament of the eucharist and received by faith. Christ’s presence is also known in the gathered eucharistic community. The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord’s Supper, and Holy Communion; it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
The Eucharist is the principle part of worship in the Episcopal Church. The word Eucharist is from the Greek meaning “thanksgiving.”