Deacons giving Communion?

[Rebecca Gabl]

Dear all,

I've been in several liturgically "modern" parishes where the deacon gave the faithful Communion. I've never seen it happen in any "traditionalist" parishes. Is that an innovation? Is it really an option for the deacon instead of the priest to give Communion? There didn't seem to be any logical reason why it was the deacon instead of the priest in these cases.

[Alex Haig]

Dear all,

I've been in several liturgically "modern" parishes where the deacon gave the faithful Communion. I've never seen it happen in any "traditionalist" parishes. Is that an innovation? Is it really an option for the deacon instead of the priest to give Communion? There didn't seem to be any logical reason why it was the deacon instead of the priest in these cases.

I don't know why Deacons sometimes give communion to the faithful but it would seem to be in the spirit of Acts 6 when the first seven were chosen.

With love in Christ

Alex

[Herman Blaydoe]

It is, of course, up to the discretion of the bishop, but deacons have always traditionally been allowed to dispense the Eucharist. They cannot consecrate, but they may distribute. I have attended Reader services that were officiated by a deacon because no priest was available. The Deacon brought the presanctified Eucharist and distributed it. Deacons also often distribute communion to the sick and invalids in hospital or at home. I have seen this done in many parishes that have had the luxury of having a deacon in attendance. In recent times, the office of the Deacon has not received a lot of emphasis, the need for priests being so great, there haven't been a lot of deacons around to begin with.

[Olga]

None of the churches I have attended over the years had a deacon serving, only a priest. However, when a bishop (with his deacon) would visit the church, it was the deacon who gave the Communion.

[Father David Moser]

It is certainly possible for a deacon to distribute the Holy Mysteries - but it is rarely, if ever, actually done. The only place I have seen this done was in an AEOM (formerly the protestant EOC group that were taken in by the Antiochian Archdiocese years ago) parish, shortly after their reception - but then there were a lot irregularities in those parishes at that time (which have since been eliminated as their pastors and people become more familiar with Orthodox praxis).

I think that there are a number of duties traditionally open to deacons that have been simply "assumed" by priests since there are few deacons in parishes. I had the experience recently when concelebrating at a hierarchal divine liturgy of the deacon doing something that I thought was reserved for the priesthood. He and I are good friends so I mentioned my observation to him in a lighthearted manner and he replied that this is something that the archbishop has had him do to help out the serving clergy. I got in trouble once from a senior priest for suggesting that a deacon should take on this task - but now I find out that it is indeed acceptable. Also, since I was a deacon for about 7 years before my ordination to the priesthood, from my experience, I can say that the vast majority of parish priests don't know what to do with a deacon and certainly don't know how to serve with one.

The sum of the situation is that there are many duties which are open to deacons, but which, in modern praxis, they do not generally take on.

Fr David Moser

[M.C. Steenberg]

As near as I can tell, distribution of the holy gifts was one of the primary duties of the deacons from the very earliest days. Certainly in parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate it is not at all uncommon (however, worth noting that in general there are far fewer deacons than priests about; and if a priest is present he will generally distribute the gifts rather than the deacon; so one only tends to see this if, e.g., there is a parish with two queues for communion, where the deacon will take one, the priest another, etc. If a second priest is present, he will normally take the second chalice rather than the deacon).

INXC, Matthew

[Alex Haig]

I think this is highlightling one of the sadder points about modern Christianity, that we're top-heavy. It seems there should be a pyramid in a diocese with one bishop at the top, some priests and many deacons, however, many dioceses seem to have more than one bishop (ruling and assistants), relatively lots of priests and hardly any deacons.

With love in Christ

Alex

[Paul Cowan]

As near as I can tell, distribution of the holy gifts was one of the primary duties of the deacons from the very earliest days. Certainly in parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate it is not at all uncommon (however, worth noting that in general there are far fewer deacons than priests about; and if a priest is present he will generally distribute the gifts rather than the deacon; so one only tends to see this if, e.g., there is a parish with two queues for communion, where the deacon will take one, the priest another, etc. If a second priest is present, he will normally take the second chalice rather than the deacon).

INXC, Matthew

This is the situation in my parish. We have two Priests and a Deacon. The Priests always distribute the gifts. Our parish is growing and whether that is the reason or the fact the Priest blesses two chalices before Matins (or another reason?) , if the second Priest is not present our Deacon takes the second chalice and distributes the gifts.

I know from holding the napkin (Sorry, I don't know the proper name) for him he is very aware of the responsibility he is taking on as he is VERY nervous with the spoon and the prayer to the individual. It is a tremendous burden to assume the responsibilty of offering the true body and blood of our saviour to the parish.

It is humbling for me to participate this close to the Holy gifts and to the men that do it.

Paul

[Paul Cowan]

I think this is highlightling one of the sadder points about modern Christianity, that we're top-heavy. It seems there should be a pyramid in a diocese with one bishop at the top, some priests and many deacons, however, many dioceses seem to have more than one bishop (ruling and assistants), relatively lots of priests and hardly any deacons.

With love in Christ

Alex

Dear Alex:
I don't see this the fault of the clergy as it more so with us the laymen. We need more of us stepping up to the plate to be Deacons.

But, oh, not me. I can't take on that responsibility. I can't commit to church every Sunday and more. I can't take the time off work and away from family to study seminary courses for this, yet another job. What, no pay either? I can't even remember everyones names.

The excuses are endless. We do what we can to help. Those that God calls will hear the word Axios! What a terrifying thought for me to hear those words directed at me. Yet, I know the mission our parish supports needs more help. What's a poor layman to do? humm?

IN Christ Paul

[James]

I can't speak to anything but my own situation, but I have been blessed by my bishop to distribute the gifts in my parish. That blessing was based solely on the needs of my parish, and does not apply elsewhere. If for some reason I found myself serving in another parish, I don't think I could presume to distribute communion.

By the way, this is my first post on the board, although I have been lurking for a couple of years. I have learned a great deal through my reading here!

Dcn. James
(ACROD)

[Mary James]

It is possible for a deacon to serve communion, but I think he can only if for emergency reasons where a Priest cant show up to a dying person, or faint during Liturgy and is unable to serve communion.

At one modernist Church i went too, the deacon was serving communion to the parishioners by creating a third line.. there were already two Priests serving in two lines. Why was he doing this? I found out that they wanted to distribute communion quickly so it didn't take too much time. oy!

[Father David Moser]

It is possible for a deacon to serve communion, but I think he can only if for emergency reasons where a Priest cant show up to a dying person, or faint during Liturgy and is unable to serve communion.

At one modernist Church i went too, the deacon was serving communion to the parishioners by creating a third line..

This is not so much a "modernist" practice as it is a difference between Byzantine and Slavic custom. In the Byzantine (Greek, Arabic) Churches, it is not uncommon for a deacon to assist the priest by bringing out a second chalice (or as you saw, a third). In Slavic (Russian) Churches this is almost never done - only in the case of an emergency or crisis is a deacon allowed to distribute the Holy Mysteries (and then usually only to the sick or injured or shut in.)

I think that we have to be careful not to judge an unfamiliar liturgical practice as "modernist" simply because it is not done in our Church.

Fr David Moser

[Mary James]

This is not so much a "modernist" practice as it is a difference between Byzantine and Slavic custom. In the Byzantine (Greek, Arabic) Churches, it is not uncommon for a deacon to assist the priest by bringing out a second chalice (or as you saw, a third). In Slavic (Russian) Churches this is almost never done - only in the case of an emergency or crisis is a deacon allowed to distribute the Holy Mysteries (and then usually only to the sick or injured or shut in.)

I think that we have to be careful not to judge an unfamiliar liturgical practice as "modernist" simply because it is not done in our Church.

Fr David Moser

Thank you Father.
Actually, I didn't refer to the practice of the Deacon giving out communion as modernist.. i just called that Church modernist because it had many modernist ideas. :P

[Nina]

I never ever saw a deacon giving Holy Communion in the churches I have been and at the times I have been. I do not think it is a Byzantine custom.

[Paul Cowan]

My parish does this most every Sunday with an officiating priest. If we do have our two priests, then they of course do it themselves.

[Father Anthony]

My parish does this most every Sunday with an officiating priest. If we do have our two priests, then they of course do it themselves.
I have seen this practice in GOA parishes that have
A.) a very large congregation
B.) the availability of a deacon to assist.

This would have to be done with the knowledge and blessing of the diocesan bishop.

I remember as a deacon, being instructed by my bishop to assist in the distribution of Communion on certain occasions, along with the parish priest.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

[Herman Blaydoe]

I've seen deacons assisting in the distribution of the Eucharist on many occasions where there were large crowds. We have had reader services where a deacon served communion that had been previously consecrated by a priest, when a priest wasn't available. Deacons may also take communion to those who are in hospital or confined to bed. At least that is my understanding, but of course it is up to the bishop to decide if and when this is appropriate.

[Michael Astley]

The rubrics of the Liturgy of St James specifically state that the priest is to give the faithful the Body of the Lord while the deacon is to administer the Chalice.

[Paul Cowan]

The rubrics of the Liturgy of St James specifically state that the priest is to give the faithful the Body of the Lord while the deacon is to administer the Chalice.

So they are not comingled in the chalice? Body without blood? interesting.

[Michael Astley]

So they are not comingled in the chalice? Body without blood?

That's right, Paul. Things such as the commingling with communion from a spoon and the adding of hot water to the chalice developed later in the Byzantine Rite but aren't universal Orthodox practice. I seem to recall reading that the practice of mixing the Body and Blood together and administering them from a spoon was adopted for the same reasons as Communion on the tongue in the west: namely, to help prevent superstitious use of the Holy Mysteries. The earlier practice was to place the Body of the Lord into the hand of the communicant, and this is still the practice followed in some communities belonging to the Orthodox western rites, and when we use the Jerusalem Liturgy of st James. In fact, that is how St Cyril of Jerusalem instructed his catechumens:


Approaching, therefore, come not with thy wrists extended, or thy fingers open; but make thy left hand as if a throne for thy right, which is on the eve of receiving the King. And having hollowed thy palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying after it, 'Amen'. Then after thou hast with carefulness hallowed thine eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake thereof; giving heed lest thou lose any of it, for what thou losest is a loss to thee as it were from one of thine own members.

Pax,
Michael

[Paul Cowan]

That's right, Paul. Things such as the commingling with communion from a spoon and the adding of hot water to the chalice developed later in the Byzantine Rite but aren't universal Orthodox practice. I seem to recall reading that the practice of mixing the Body and Blood together and administering them from a spoon was adopted for the same reasons as Communion on the tongue in the west: namely, to help prevent superstitious use of the Holy Mysteries. The earlier practice was to place the Body of the Lord into the hand of the communicant, and this is still the practice followed in some communities belonging to the Orthodox western rites, and when we use the Jerusalem Liturgy of st James. In fact, that is how St Cyril of Jerusalem instructed his catechumens:



Pax,
Michael

Watching our Deacon and priests receive each week, this is also how they receive, however the Faithful get a spoon full. Can you give examples of the superstitious use of the mysteries? What might this look like?

Paul

[Nina]

Watching our Deacon and priests receive each week, this is also how they receive, however the Faithful get a spoon full. Can you give examples of the superstitious use of the mysteries? What might this look like?

Paul

Paul,

Some people received Holy Communion, did not consume it and went outside and purposely desecrated it, or used it in black magic and so on.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Watching our Deacon and priests receive each week, this is also how they receive, however the Faithful get a spoon full. Can you give examples of the superstitious use of the mysteries? What might this look like?

Paul

You might mix in the Host with your fertilizer, expecting to get better crops. How about adding it to your favorite love potion, or worse, a curse, to "supercharge" the effects of it? One interesting example of what can happen is Santería, as it is practiced in the Caribbean region, where Catholic ritual is mixed with Vodou.

People can come with all sorts of crazy things.

[Father David Moser]

Paul,

Some people received Holy Communion, did not consume it and went outside and purposely desecrated it, or used it in black magic and so on.

Or less on the dark side, they might take a particle of the Holy Mysteries and keep it in charm they wear to ward off evil.

Fr David Moser

[James H.]

I wish we had a deacon.

[Michael Astley]

On a thread on another forum in which I participate, a Catholic priest recounted the story of when he gave communion to a lady at her home because she was unwell and unable to get to mass. She showed him her photo album and he was horrified to see that there, between the plastic sheeting of the album, among photographs of her at her first communion, was the host that she had received on the day, and which she had kept as a souvenir, completely oblivious to anything being wrong with this.


I wish we had a deacon.

You could make it so. Speak to your priest and see what he says. :-)

Pax,
Michael

[Nina]

You might mix in the Host with your fertilizer, expecting to get better crops. How about adding it to your favorite love potion, or worse, a curse, to "supercharge" the effects of it? One interesting example of what can happen is Santería, as it is practiced in the Caribbean region, where Catholic ritual is mixed with Vodou.

People can come with all sorts of crazy things.

And thank you for scaring me even more! Uhh I never knew the specifics of the general phrase 'black magic'.



Or less on the dark side, they might take a particle of the Holy Mysteries and keep it in charm they wear to ward off evil.

Fr David Moser

Noo! That can not be! Is it true Father?

[Paul Cowan]

I just as soon swallow it all and pray I don't partake to my condemnation.

[James H.]

He woud love one too. Our bishop, per Patriarch Alexei's request, says it is necessary that any deacon go to seminary first and then become a deacon. This comes from the fact that there have been too many uneducated deacons who do not know how to serve correctly (from our bishop's POV). So, althought eh St Sephen's course is great and our Readers have done it, it is not seen as enough. They are weary of mail-in programs and would prefer for one to actually GO to seminary. This obviously takes as much dedication as if one were becoming a preist. While in theory I agree with this, I think practically this is expecting too much. But what do I know. Perhaps it is the wisest course of action for our jurisdiction. In the end I will generally give in to th Patriarch's wisdom before mine. I probalby always should but...

As for me, I don't believe I am called to be a deacon, even if it were easier. I am bearly fit to be behind the altar lighting candles (and I don't mean that in a "look at me, I am so lowly a sinner" kind of way but in that I am not really good at remembering how to do what when... I've been doing it for almost 10 years now!! lol)

James

[Paul Cowan]

I am not really good at remembering how to do what when... I've been doing it for almost 10 years now!! lol)


James,

This will be my second Pascha as the alcolyte "Captain". I still have my notes at my finger tips and rely heavily on the boys who have been there much longer than I to remind me when to do what. I fully understand. What type of notes do you keep for the services? I have photocopied a service book and scribbled all over it. I also have a totaly busted service book I keep notes in. I am interested in how you manage. Thanks.

Paul

[Nina]

When I was home with my parents I was blessed to attend church where there were several deacons. I thought it is like that everywhere and I took it so for granted. There was also an Archdeacon, monks, Archbishop, sometime bishops. Oh so much blessing (!) and all the prayers you could hear. Miss everything! It is worse to be used to it and be deprived afterwards. So hopefully you who have no deacons do not get much despondent when you know there is worse. Pray for God to bless us more.

[Paul Cowan]

Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordonville NY

Tuition and Fees

Seminary fees are $5,500.00 (U.S.D.) per year. This amount includes $3,000.00 for tuition fees, which must be paid at the time of registration, and an additional $2,500.00 for room and board. The charge for room and board, however, may be commuted by work for the Monastery during the academic year. An additional fee of $25.00 is levied for late registration. $25.00 is charged for entrance examinations. Auditors are charged $300.00 for each audited course (per academic year), not exceed the amount of regular tuition ($3,000.00) per year. The approximate cost for books and other supplies is $200.00 per semester.


St. Vladimirs Seminary in Yonkers NY

For the 2008-2009 academic year, the approximate costs are as follows:

Educational Expenses - 2008-09


Single Board Students Married Student w/o Children Married Student w/ Children
Tuition $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
Room/Rent
(9 months)
$2,400 $6,795-7,830 $7,290-8,325
Board $3,600 - -
Student Mutual Aid $50 $50 $50

Total $16,050 $16,845-17,880 $17,340-18,375


Note: Married students living in seminary apartments are responsible for paying rent from the time they move into the apartment until the time they move out. Therefore, when preparing a budget, students should make provision for rental and food expenses during the summer months.


Estimated Additional Expenses - 2008-09
(9 Months)
Single Board Students Married Student w/o Children Married Student w/ Children
Books & Supplies
$500 $500 $500
Food
-
$4,050 $5,400
Health Insurance $1,200 $3,800
$6,000
Transportation
(excluding car payments)
$1,800 $1,800 $1,800
Utilities/Phone -
$1,440 $1,440

Total $3,500 $11,590 $15,140


Note: Health insurance estimates are based on high-option student insurance coverage


St. Tikhon Seminary in South Canaan, PA
I could not find any pricing info

St. Herman's Seminary in Kodiak AK
I could not find any pricing info

Sorry this is all I could find out. The pricing alone and and having to move my family up there and related fees will keep me from ever participating.

Paul

[James H.]

James,

This will be my second Pascha as the alcolyte "Captain". I still have my notes at my finger tips and rely heavily on the boys who have been there much longer than I to remind me when to do what. I fully understand. What type of notes do you keep for the services? I have photocopied a service book and scribbled all over it. I also have a totaly busted service book I keep notes in. I am interested in how you manage. Thanks.

Paul


I'm not a notes kind of guy... but I should be. And honestly I would do that if 1) I took a moment to be more organized and more importantly 2) if I weren't phasing out at least for a little while. (this last reason doesn't explain why, for the last few years I haven't done anything, that's just being disorgainzed in my way of approaching things :))

You see, my wife prefers it when I am worshipping with her, so there's always been tension there. And now she is about to give birth to our first son, so at least for a good while I will be out there with here to help.

However, I should keep the notes thing in mind. I love to serve my church better and more seriously in the future and teach my son correctly without fumbling through things.

[M.C. Steenberg]

From the above:

The rubrics of the Liturgy of St James specifically state that the priest is to give the faithful the Body of the Lord while the deacon is to administer the Chalice.


So they are not comingled in the chalice? Body without blood? interesting.

It is worth noting that in Eastern Orthodox practice, this is only now done in this specific Liturgical celebration - that is, the Liturgy of St James (though I have also seen this Liturgy celebrated where the standard Orthodox practice of the faithful receiving the gifts together from the chalice via a spoon was maintained, despite the rubrics of the Liturgy of St James which specify that they are to be received separately).

In the Liturgies of St Basil and St John, which are the other two main Liturgies of the Church, the eucharist is never distributed to the faithful except from the spoon, the gifts being commingled in the chalice. This is true also of the Liturgy normally attributed to St Gregory (i.e. the pre-sanctified Liturgy, used on weekdays in Great Lent). (And it is worth noting that most parishes never celebrate the Liturgy of St James; those that do, normally only once or twice a year.)

The practice of distributing the gifts from the chalice with a spoon is very ancient, even if not 'most ancient'. Clearly the earliest eucharistic celebrations followed much more closely the pattern of the Jewish berekoth ritualised meal (of which Christ's supper with his disciples -- the mystical/last supper -- is an example), and would have involved the breaking of bread and its distribution to all, following by a sharing of the cup. I don't know of any evidence for the passing of the bread or the chalice past the second century; by the time Cyril of Jerusalem writes in the mid-fourth, the Eucharistic celebration has been much more ritualised, and the holy body is placed into the hand by the priest, and the chalice placed at the lips (precisely as is maintained in the communion of the clergy at the altar today). However, this practice, too, gave way to communion via a spoon, for -- as some have already noted -- at least partially practical reasons (e.g. concern for right receipt of the gifts, and not superstitious taking away); but also to ensure the gifts were not defiled in the process of receipt (e.g. by taking them in dirty hands; by dropping particles; etc.). It is worth noting that when bishops, priests and deacons receive the blessed body at the altar, they do so in hands that have been ritually washed, held over the altar table, and then brushed with the sponge to ensure no particle remains on the hand.

Whatever may have been the variations in practice in the fourth century, the custom of receiving the gifts with the spoon becomes universal for normal liturgical celebrations in Orthodoxy soon thereafter. There are from time to time groups who suggest that the older practice should be brought back; but liturgical developments in the Church are part of its ongoing life. Older doesn't always mean more authentic or better.

As to deacons distributing the gifts: again, this was a fairly regular practice historically, as Fr David and Fr Raphael also noted. Indeed, in some sense it was a large part of the deacon's duty. But in modern Russian practice it is almost never taken up (though technically it is still quite possible for it to be so); though in Greek / Byzantine practice it is seen more regularly. Perhaps it is good to bear in mind that the deacon always assists in the distribution of communion, in normal practice, by holding the cloth as the priest holds the spoon; both are actively involved in the distribution of the gifts (though not in the same way, which seems a reasonable linkage of the two roles to the actual process of distribution).

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Paul Cowan]

Perhaps it is good to bear in mind that the deacon always assists in the distribution of communion, in normal practice, by holding the cloth as the priest holds the spoon; both are actively involved in the distribution of the gifts (though not in the same way, which seems a reasonable linkage of the two roles to the actual process of distribution).

INXC, Dcn Matthew

We had a situation today I have heard about and always feared happening. Though I have heard of worse stories...Father was giving communion to a VERY fussy boy as mother held him. He was wiggling and screaming to get down, well in the fuss, his "portion" fell to the floor. The Deacon who was holding the napkin got on his hands and knees trying to find it and collect it up. He did, and we continued.

As a question, what do you do in this instance if the blood absorbs into the carpet? To what extent does one try to retreive the dropped particles? Especially if they cannot be found?

Paul

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Paul, you wrote:


As a question, what do you do in this instance if the blood absorbs into the carpet? To what extent does one try to retreive the dropped particles? Especially if they cannot be found?

I was once at a celebration of the Liturgy that was taking place in a large hall (a sporting hall; a gym) that had been converted into an Orthodox chapel for the duration of a diocesan conference. During the reception of the gifts by the faithful, something like what you describe happened, and the gifts dropped to the floor.

Let me just say that, working carefully with a priest at the end of the service, I now know how, quite effectively, to burn the top layer of a gym's floor off without leaving it blackened.

Such is precisely the reason why such care is taken!

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Paul Cowan]

I was just thinking of getting down on all fours and licking and slurping up the carpet and floor tile of all the remains.

I suppose it IS this important. Though I will admit, I will hesitate if told to do it. Though I think I would. yuck
Paul

[Nina]

I was just thinking of getting down on all fours and licking and slurping up the carpet and floor tile of all the remains.

I suppose it IS this important. Though I will admit, I will hesitate if told to do it. Though I think I would. yuck
Paul

The priest has to. Not you! That is why we should appreciate our priests so much. What they go through for us.

The other week Moses Ibrahim posted the story of the priest who had to consume the chalice's contents after a snake had crawled in and he did and cursed all snakes of the island because it was so difficult.

Father Matthew is very right that you have to burn the area. After visible parts are consumed.

[Father David Moser]

We had a situation today I have heard about and always feared happening. Though I have heard of worse stories...Father was giving communion to a VERY fussy boy as mother held him. He was wiggling and screaming to get down, well in the fuss, his "portion" fell to the floor. The Deacon who was holding the napkin got on his hands and knees trying to find it and collect it up. He did, and we continued.

As a question, what do you do in this instance if the blood absorbs into the carpet? To what extent does one try to retreive the dropped particles? Especially if they cannot be found?

Paul


I was just thinking of getting down on all fours and licking and slurping up the carpet and floor tile of all the remains.


Yes, that is the first step - licking up the spill. The second then is to cut out the piece of carpet on which the spill landed and burn it, or as Fr Matthew mentioned burning the top layer off the wood floor. If the floor isn't finished (varnished) and the Precious Blood soaks in, then it is necessary to shave off the top layer of wood until all of the wood containing the Precious Blood is gone. The shavings would then be burnt. For this reason many Churches (it is required in our diocese) will have a small carpet that is placed down just for the people to stand on as they receive the mysteries. That way if there is a mishap, it falls on the small rug which can be picked up and properly cleaned (usually burnt) and replaced at minimal cost.

The same kind of care applies to clothing - if the Gifts spill/drip onto clothing, that article must be given to the priest to be cleaned. Sometimes it is possible to get the Gifts out without harming the clothing, but sometimes it must be cut out (and the cloth burned). This is especially a danger with infants and toddlers who will take the gifts and then quickly turn their head and bury the face in mother's shoulder before the mouth can be wiped - the servers must be very alert to prevent this from happening.

Should such a mishap occur, the priest must call the bishop asap, tell him of the mishap and the bishop will (usually) prescribe a penance. The only times I have had a "serious" spill the chalice was over the Holy Table (thank God), thus the "clean-up" only involved the anitimins and the eleiton (the cloth in which the antimins is wrapped). The altar coverings were kept clean by a glass top that I have on the Holy Table.

Fr David Moser

[Olga]

For this reason many Churches (it is required in our diocese) will have a small carpet that is placed down just for the people to stand on as they receive the mysteries. That way if there is a mishap, it falls on the small rug which can be picked up and properly cleaned (usually burnt) and replaced at minimal cost.


What a good and practical idea! Another idea I have come across in churches where the ambon is carpeted is the use of carpet squares instead of continuous carpeting. That way, the requisite square(s) is/are simply removed and replaced with fresh ones.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

We had a situation today I have heard about and always feared happening. Though I have heard of worse stories...Father was giving communion to a VERY fussy boy as mother held him. He was wiggling and screaming to get down, well in the fuss, his "portion" fell to the floor. The Deacon who was holding the napkin got on his hands and knees trying to find it and collect it up. He did, and we continued.

As a question, what do you do in this instance if the blood absorbs into the carpet? To what extent does one try to retreive the dropped particles? Especially if they cannot be found?

Paul

Just as an addition to all of the other good things said above. Over time I have learned that if a child/baby is brought to the Cup and is really physically screaming & kicking I either have the mother leave the line for a few moments until the child calms down. Or else in some cases I will give only of the wine in a minimal amount so that there is little risk of spilling.

The point here is to gauge how we give the communion by the person approaching the Cup.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Janice Chadwick]

This is not so much a "modernist" practice as it is a difference between Byzantine and Slavic custom. In the Byzantine (Greek, Arabic) Churches, it is not uncommon for a deacon to assist the priest by bringing out a second chalice (or as you saw, a third). In Slavic (Russian) Churches this is almost never done - only in the case of an emergency or crisis is a deacon allowed to distribute the Holy Mysteries (and then usually only to the sick or injured or shut in.)

I think that we have to be careful not to judge an unfamiliar liturgical practice as "modernist" simply because it is not done in our Church.

Fr David Moser

Last Pascha, our deacon assisted the priest so that we could have two lines. That's the only time our deacon has done this. I'll have to wait and see whether the same thing is done this year. It hadn't been done before in the parish since we didn't have a deacon til last year. I think Fr. is very thankful to have a deacon now since he can concentrate more on his duties at the altar now that he has a deacon.