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

Concerning this, St. Severus, son of Moqafaa said,
"Although he is considered having broken his fast, it does
not prohibit the prayer, or him entering the church or
attending the mass but only prohibits partaking of the Holy
Mysteries. As for married couples, they should not have
sexual relations the night before receiving the Holy
Communion, and the couple should remain as such during
that day. The night prior to the Mass, they should be
repentant, and prepare themselves physically and
spiritually, and during the day they should be kept busy
contemplating on the blessing they just received, and the
great Divine Host who now dwells within them as a result.
They are to spend the day thanking God for this great gift."
It was said about St. Epifamios, Bishop of Cyprus, that he
was calling the Holy Spirit in person during the Mass. One
day he called Him but He did not overshadow the place, so
he grieved very much and feared that God prevented His
Spirit from him. He then looked at the deacon beside him
and found him infected with leprosy, so he ordered him to go
out of the church. After the service he called him and asked
him the reason for the evil that occurred to him, and he
confessed that he had relations with his wife the night before.
My beloved, while waiting for your turn to receive the Holy
Communion, pray :
"O Sovereign of Life, and King of ages, the Word of God
our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, the true Bread
which came down from Heaven, giver of life to those who
receive it, make me worthy, without condemnation to
partake of Your Holy Body and Honoured Blood, so that by
partaking of the Holy Mysteries I become one with You to
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