Changes

</blockquote>

</blockquote>

==The Shared Theology and Practice of the Eucharist==

belie==The Shared Theology and Practice of the Eucharist==

This sacrament is rarely, if ever, referred to as the "Eucharist" in most Protestant churches. Among Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches the term is common. "Eucharist" comes from the [[Greek]] word meaning "giving thanks." The central theme is one of being grateful to God for His gift of His Son Jesus and for Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for our sins. It also may be related to the 3rd cup of wine drunk immediately after the Passover Seder dinner, although it is a matter of dispute among Christians whether or not Jesus followed this part of the Passover during his "'''[[Last Supper]]'''."

This sacrament is rarely, if ever, referred to as the "Eucharist" in most Protestant churches. Among Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches the term is common. "Eucharist" comes from the [[Greek]] word meaning "giving thanks." The central theme is one of being grateful to God for His gift of His Son Jesus and for Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for our sins. It also may be related to the 3rd cup of wine drunk immediately after the Passover Seder dinner, although it is a matter of dispute among Christians whether or not Jesus followed this part of the Passover during his "'''[[Last Supper]]'''."

   

   

#the COMMUNION (that is, the distribution of the blessed Bread and Wine to the congregation). The term "Communion" here is reserved for this particular part of the service. This corresponds to the portion of the already sacrificed burnt offering which was given to the worshiper and to the priest in the Jewish Tabernacle and the Temple as food from the altar consecrated to God to be eaten by them as holy (Leviticus 6:14–7:36; Hebrews 13:10-15). In the Roman Catholic Church the blessed bread is usually unleavened, as was the Matzah of the Passover, perpetuating the link with Jewish practice, and for convenience, is usually small wafers. In the Orthodox Church, the bread is a loaf of bread (intermingled with the wine in the Chalice), copying the symbolism of the Apostle Paul that as the loaf is one, so we who partake are one.

#the COMMUNION (that is, the distribution of the blessed Bread and Wine to the congregation). The term "Communion" here is reserved for this particular part of the service. This corresponds to the portion of the already sacrificed burnt offering which was given to the worshiper and to the priest in the Jewish Tabernacle and the Temple as food from the altar consecrated to God to be eaten by them as holy (Leviticus 6:14–7:36; Hebrews 13:10-15). In the Roman Catholic Church the blessed bread is usually unleavened, as was the Matzah of the Passover, perpetuating the link with Jewish practice, and for convenience, is usually small wafers. In the Orthodox Church, the bread is a loaf of bread (intermingled with the wine in the Chalice), copying the symbolism of the Apostle Paul that as the loaf is one, so we who partake are one.

   

   

These churches believe that their Eucharists are not only a fulfillment and continuation of what the Lord did and commanded at the [[Last Supper]], but also as a continuation and fulfillment of those events in the Gospels that portray this fourfold pattern and mention it. Christ took the bread and blessed it while looking to heaven. The miracle takes place. Also, the Lord was seen in the "breaking" of the bread at Emmaus.  

These churches believe that their Eucharist is not only a fulfillment and continuation of what the Lord did and commanded at the [[Last Supper]], but also as a continuation and fulfillment of those events in the Gospels that portray this fourfold pattern and mention it. Christ took the bread and blessed it while looking to heaven. The miracle takes place. Also, the Lord was seen in the "breaking" of the bread at Emmaus.  

   

   

In the Catholic and Orthodox Eucharist then, the priest takes the bread, and he follows that with a blessing. These churches believe that here the priest (who also gives the Word and pastors the people) stands in the place of Christ, ''[[in persona Christi]]'', as His representative ambassador.<ref>2 Corinthians 5:18-20</ref> That is, it is not the table of the priest or even of the people; it is the table of Christ. It is Christ who stretches out his hands to invite the people to the banquet. Christ Himself is the host of the banquet. This is the mind-set of the priest, who is termed "the Celebrant." Here is to be noted a double understanding of the priest. He also is believed to represent the people to the Lord. But the priest is not of the order of the Aaronic priesthood; he is a member of Christ the Head who is understood to be High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14–10:14).  

In the Catholic and Orthodox Eucharist then, the priest takes the bread, and he follows that with a blessing. These churches believe that here the priest (who also gives the Word and pastors the people) stands in the place of Christ, ''[[in persona Christi]]'', as His representative ambassador.<ref>2 Corinthians 5:18-20</ref> That is, it is not the table of the priest or even of the people; it is the table of Christ. It is Christ who stretches out his hands to invite the people to the banquet. Christ Himself is the host of the banquet. This is the mind-set of the priest, who is termed "the Celebrant." Here is to be noted a double understanding of the priest. He also is believed to represent the people to the Lord. But the priest is not of the order of the Aaronic priesthood; he is a member of Christ the Head who is understood to be High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14–10:14).