the eucharist Flashcards
what is the eucharist
term in the early church for the ceremony in which bread and wine are used to recall Jesus’ death
where does the eucharist orinate from?
had its origins in Jesus’ last supper where he gave new meaning to the passover bread and wine relating them to his body and blood where we remember his sacrifice on the cross
how was the eucharist referred to as in the New Testament
Paul uses the term communion and the lords supper to refer to whats known as the eucharist today
how does the didache refer to how the eucharist should be practised
eucharist is only for those baptised as the bread and wine are seen to be holy
eucharist was to be held on the lords own day so probably a Sunday
confession of sin and reconciliation with other christians is also required to ensure purity of the sacrifice being offered to God
how does Justin Martyr refer to how the eucharist should be practised
Sunday meeting should include readings from gospel followed by sermon from “president”
bread and cup of wine mixed with water is brought to president who gives thanks for the elements to holy trinity
deacons then distribute elements to those present and those absent later
only for baptised, emphasis on unity as they greet with a kiss
how does Hippolytus refer to how the eucharist should be practised
after ordination of a bishop deacons present bread and wine
growing formality and complexity in eucharist service
Hippolytus stated bishop didn’t have to follow exact eucharist prayer but to pray to his own ability although keeping a pattern so we have a transition from earlier informal services
the bread and wine are holy indeed and it should be cared for
how does tertullian refer to how the eucharist should be practised
may be evidence of daily eucharist also mentions how eucharist was taken home for private consumption
good care was taken to ensure bread or wine wasn’t dropped
refers to eucharist as a sacrifice
how does cyprian refer to how the eucharist should be practised
insisted on the use of both water and wine mingled together as Jesus himself had taken a cup in which water and wine had been mixed
regards eucharist as a sacrifice
what are the three main developments in the eucharist
movement from house to church - begun as a family meal in private eventually turning into a more formal surrounding of the church
movement from a real meal to a symbolic meal
movement from simplicity to a more complex ceremony
reasons why the eucharist is the most important aspect of christian worship
can’t receive if not baptised showing importance
arrangements made for those too unwell to go to church to receive it
commandment of Jesus at last supper “do this in remembrance of me”
Hippolytus stated how the elements were carefully handled
reasons why baptism is a more important aspect of christian worship than the eucharist
had to follow the catechumerate which lasted up to 3 years involving intense spiritual prep
had to preform daily exorcisms
great emphasis placed on preparation through use of oils and fasting
however this is not commonly practised anymore which can be seen as heretical baptism
