On Receiving the Holy Mysteries Should we be concerned about infections or germs when receiving from a common spoon?

On Receiving the Holy Mysteries
Should we be concerned about infections or germs when receiving from a common spoon?

A recent poll among Orthodox Christians reported that many voiced concern regarding the safety of receiving the Holy Gifts from a common spoon, worried it might expose them to germs, infections, or some disease. They were worried that another person’s saliva or lipstick might come off the spoon when receiving Holy Communion.

It is important to note that from a purely microbiological perspective, the sweet red wine used in Communion is typically high in alcoholic content, meaning that the chances of bacteria or germs surviving in it are virtually non-existent. The invisible microbes that may enter our mouths from the previous communicant are harmless. Furthermore, the contents of every chalice are consumed at the end of the Divine Liturgy, and no priest has ever become ill or incapacitated after consuming the Holy Gifts.

More importantly, the Holy Gifts are sacred, in that they have become imbued with the fullness of God’s presence and grace, and they are divine (not human) gifts, “for every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from [You] the Father of lights” (Prayer behind the Amvon in the Divine Liturgy). If we truly believe in God, we know quite well that God would never allow harm to come to us, most especially in the reception of Holy Communion.

While there is no fear then of disease, it is important for us to wipe our mouths well after receiving Holy Communion, in order to prevent the elements from accidentally dripping onto the ground. It is also important for women who wear lipstick to wipe it off before receiving Communion or not to wear any lipstick at all when attending church. This not only shows respect to the Body and Blood of Christ, but it also shows respect to other communicants who wish to commune the Holy Bread and Cup. It also spares the priest from the taste of the residue of lipstick, when consuming the remains of the Holy Mysteries at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Finally, some individuals may wish to simply open their mouths wide and allow the priest to ‘drop’ the Communion into their mouths, thus not allowing the spoon to make contact with their mouths.

The practice of distributing the Eucharist to the laity with a spoon became the norm because of the practical issue of laity accidentally dropping particles of the Eucharist when communing. At the end of the service, when people come up to kiss the cross at the end of the liturgy, and receive the antidoron, it is common for crumbs to drop on the floor. It is therefore important that we make every effort to avoid antidoron falling on the floor, but when it comes to the Eucharist, this is an infinitely more serious problem.

When the bishops and priests receive Communion in the hand, and drink directly from the chalice, they have the benefit of having the Holy Table to do this over, so if something falls, it falls on the Holy Table, and can easily be consumed. However, even in the Altar, and despite the usual care that is exercised, accidents sometimes happen. All the more chance this can happen outside the altar.

Finally, it is imperative the we never forget that the Holy Mysteries are for the healing of both body and soul. As a priest, I have never worried about taking the holy spoon into my mouth following the last communicant, even if the person receiving is suffering from a disease such as AIDS. The Holy Gifts are truly the Body and Blood of Christ, and it is therefore impossible for some germs or infections to be passed on to me from either the holy spoon, or from the chalice.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon