It is now 6:30 PM on Saturday, and I want to receive Communion tomorrow at 11:00 AM. How many hours do I have?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08
From 6:30 PM Saturday until 11:00 AM Sunday, there are 16 hours and 30 minutes total.
Regarding your preparation and fasting before receiving the Holy Mysteries:
- The Canonical Fasting Requirement:
- The canonical rule of the Church requires a strict fast (total abstinence from all food and water) for 9 hours prior to partaking of Holy Communion.
- Counting back 9 hours from 11:00 AM puts the absolute latest start of your fast at 2:00 AM Sunday morning.
- Therefore, from 6:30 PM, you have 7 hours and 30 minutes before your fast must strictly begin.
- Standard Parish Practice:
- Many spiritual fathers advise beginning the fast from midnight (12:00 AM), which would leave you with 5 hours and 30 minutes to eat and drink. However, if your Communion will specifically be at 11:00 AM, the 9-hour rule (starting at 2:00 AM) applies unless your father of confession has instructed you otherwise.
Remember also to prepare spiritually tonight through repentance, peace with everyone, and personal prayer (such as the prayers of Compline and the Midnight Hour). Be sure to arrive early to the Liturgy, ideally before or during the Offertory of the Lamb.