The Old Way of Administering Holy Gifts
Communion Spoons are sanctified objects that have liturgical uses, most importantly during Eucharist. A communion spoon is used to distribute communion offerings to laity after the Holy Gifts have been consecrated. In the early days of Christianity, both clergy and laity received Holy Communion the same way - the bread, symbolizing the Body of Christ, was received in their hands and the wine, signifying the Blood of Christ, and was consumed directly from the Communion chalice.
Communion Spoons Serve a Practical Purpose
However, concerns were raised about the ritual losing sanctity due to accidental spills. This led to the use of tongs and mixing elements together before they were placed directly in the mouths of parishioners. This gave way to the use of spoons in the 9th century and the practice of administering Holy Communion using the sacred communion spoon remains to this day. Clergy still consume the consecrated Holy Gifts the old way at the Holy Altar. Because the Holy Altar is not crowded, there is less risk of accidental spills.
Rules for Use of Communion Spoons
Carrying forward centuries of tradition and maintaining the sanctity of rituals is an important part of Orthodox Christian way of life – these concepts apply to communion spoons as well. Communion spoons are liturgical instruments - they are not to be used for any other purpose. No person holding a lower position than that of a Deacon should touch them during service. Apart from being used to distribute Holy Communion during Divine Liturgy, a communion spoon can also be used to prepare Presanctified Gifts during Great Lent Sunday Liturgies. This special spoon is also used to prepare the Reserved Mysteries on the day of Great Thursday of Holy Week.
Construction and Appearance
Traditionally, a communion spoon is made of high quality brass. In earlier times, gold was used. In modern times, most Orthodox Churches cannot afford gold communion spoons and hence they use gold-plated communion spoons made from brass. The communion spoon has a distinctive appearance and features deep construction designed to avoid spills. It also sports engravings including a cross. Mostly, it is available as part of a church liturgical set that includes the communion chalice, diskos, star, cup and two plates. All these Holy Vessels are placed on the Oblation Table to prepare the bread and wine for Holy Eucharist.
Cost Saving Avenues
Market prices of Orthodox Church communion sets range from around a thousand dollars to over one thousand and five hundred dollars. Istok Church Supplies offers considerably marked down prices and customers can save up to 29% on the market price. This along with other special offers such as every fourth purchase being free makes for substantial cost savings. Plus, customers can have the confidence that they are purchasing authentic Orthodox Christian church products in traditional styles.
To make your purchase, head to the section of Communion Chalice Cups on the Istok Church Supplies website!
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