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

Note:
In the case of afternoon Masses, such as during the Great
Lent, adults should take care to fast from midnight, the night
before.
Care of eating is also related to taking care when bathing and
brushing teeth. The person who intends to receive Holy
Communion must bathe the night before, and not in the
morning, as bathing is considered breaking the fast because
the body pores absorb water during bathing, and also some
of the water might enter into the mouth accidentally.
Also brushing teeth in the morning of receiving the Holy
Communion is not permissible, as some water might enter
the throat and hence break the fast. In the case of certain
mouth infections which necessitate brushing teeth in the
morning, special absolution must be taken from the
confession father. Bathing and washing the mouth is
considered luxury and comfort for the body, while God
ordered the Passover lamb (who signifies the Body of Christ)
to be eaten with bitter herbs, in haste, with a belt on their
waist, their sandals on their feet and their staff in their hand
(signifying readiness and preparation, not rest and idleness),
(Exodus 12:8-11).
V Care for sleeping
We refer here to bodily secretions, which prohibit the
partaking of Holy Communion. This relates to secretions,
through masturbating for example, or menstruating, in the
case of a woman. These secretions are considered breaking
the fast, however, it does not prohibit, them from attending
the church or partaking in prayer with the congregation.
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