THE METHOD OF RECEIVING WITH THE COMMUNION SPOON

The method of receiving with the Communion SpoonPanagiotis I. Skaltsis, Professor AUTH School of Theology

 Concept and prefiguration of the Communion SpoonThe communion spoon, in Greek “λαβίς” from the verb “λαμβάνω” I receive, is defined as the tool with which something is held, e.g. tongs.1"It is the long gold or silver-plated spoon, with which the priest administers holy communion to the faithful in bothkinds.”2It came into liturgical practice via the Old Testament, from the vision of Isaiah, when he received the prophetic gift after one of the Seraphim took a burning coal and placed it on his lips with tongs.3This act is a prefigurement of Holy Communion: “Just as one of the Seraphim took the burning coal and gave it to Isaiah, so the priests take the bread, that is, the body of Christ the Master and administer it to the people." («Ὧσπερ Σεραφείμ ἔλαβετόνἄνθρακακαίδέδωκετῷἨσαΐᾳ, οὕτως καί οἱ ἱερεῖς λαμβάνου σιτόν ἄρτον, ἤτοι τό Δεσποτικόν σῶμα καί διδόασιτῷλαῷ»).4Thus the term “λαβίς” or “λαβίδα”was known throughout the history of the liturgical –eucharistic life of the Church, at timesit was understood differently on a practical level, until the form bywhich we know it today, as a communion spoon, prevailed...

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The method of receiving with the Communion SpoonPanagiotis I. Skaltsis Professor AUTH School of Theology 

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