How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

mercy. Do not treat us according to our sins O Lord
because, "If You Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord
who can stand But there is forgiveness with You" (Psalm
130:3-4).
Before proceeding to take the Holy Communion,
contemplate on the words of the deacon: "Pray for the
merit of partaking of these Holy, Pure and Heavenly
Mysteries", examine yourself before partaking of the Holies
so as to take grace instead of condemnation.
It is worth mentioning that the Protestants think the
Communion is merely a spiritual sharing between believers,
and do not place restrictions or conditions of repentance on
those partaking. Their elders do not warn their people that,
“none is supposed to partake of it except ready believers,
who are without blame or stumbling. Whoever partakes of it
without knowledge or understanding or confession of
Christian faith or whoever partakes of it while carrying a
hidden or conspicuous sin or certain guilt, faces the wrath
of God and His penalty, and is a criminal in the Body and
Blood of the Lord." As for us Orthodox people, we believe
in the transubstantiation and that what we partake of is not
normal bread or normal wine, but the Holy Body and Blood
of the Lord truly and in truth.
St. John Chrysostom gave an effective sermon about
Communion with repentance and preparation, which is also
mentioned by the church in the eleventh hour of Tuesday of
the Holy Pascha: "I want to remind you brothers of what I
repeated by telling you about our partaking of the Holy
Mysteries of Christ as I saw you in great degradation and
lack of fear, worship and mourning, so I cry for myself and
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