Communion

I would now like to explain two of the most important sacraments (or holy mysteries) of the Church: baptism and Holy Communion. These are not just symbols to us, but real encounters with the grace of God, just as the Bible teaches.

Baptism makes us new in Christ. Jesus Himself said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Baptism is that new birth. Saint Paul teaches: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead ... we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3–4).

In the Orthodox Church, baptism is always done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Through it, our sins are washed away, and we are joined to Christ and to His Body, the Church (Galatians 3:27).

Baptism is the beginning of a new life. When the people asked Peter what they should do to be saved, he said: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is not the end, but the start of the Christian journey, filled with the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Holy Communion unites us with Christ. At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and said, “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19–20). In Holy Communion, we truly receive His Body and Blood. Saint Paul explains: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16).

Holy Communion is life-giving. Jesus Himself said: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:53–54). This shows us that Communion is not only a remembrance, but a real sharing in the life of Christ.

Baptism and Communion belong together. In the early Church, those who were baptized immediately received Holy Communion, as the new birth and the new food of eternal life go hand in hand. Baptism brings us into Christ, and Communion keeps us united to Him as we walk the Christian path.

Baptism is our birth into Christ, and Communion is our nourishment in Him. Together, they are at the heart of Orthodox life, just as they were in the time of the Apostles.

With love in Christ,
Fr. Charles

Next Letter: Repentance and Confession