How should one prepare for Communion, and what are the rules?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, preparation for the Holy Eucharist is taken with the utmost seriousness, as we believe we are receiving the literal and life-giving Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ. St. Paul warns that "whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:27).

Preparation is divided into Spiritual, Ascetic, and Physical disciplines.

1. Spiritual Preparation

• Repentance and Confession: You must undergo the Sacrament of Penance and Confession with your Father of Confession. The priest has the authority to "forbid those whose measure they consider deficient" or "bind those who deserve binding." Without a sincere heart and the absolution of a priest, one should not approach the Altar.
• Reconciliation: You must be at peace with all people. As noted in the Canons of St. Basil, if the clergy know that laypeople are hostile toward one another, they should not receive the Mysteries until they are reconciled.
• Prayer: You should read the "Prayers Before and After Communion" found in the Agpeya or the Liturgy book. These prayers express humility, like the centurion who said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof."
• Reading the Word: You should attend the Liturgy from the very beginning. According to St. Severus Ibn El Moqaffa, hearing the Bible and the sermon is a requirement; those who miss the readings and the sanctification of the oblations receive the same punishment as Judas Iscariot, for they partake with an "impure soul."

2. Ascetic Preparation

• Sacramental Fasting: To receive the "Heavenly Manna," the stomach must be empty of earthly food. In the Coptic tradition, this is a total fast (abstaining from all food and water) for nine hours before Communion. This typically begins at midnight the night before the Liturgy.
• Marital Abstinence: For those who are married, the Church requires abstinence from sexual relations for at least one day before and one day after receiving Holy Communion, out of reverence for the Sacrament.

3. Physical Preparation

• Cleanliness: One should arrive at the church with a clean body and modest clothing. This is a sign of respect for the House of God.
• Early Arrival: You must be present in the church at least by the reading of the Holy Gospel to be considered eligible for Communion that day. Ideally, one should be present for the Raising of Incense and the Offertory.
• The Liturgical Veil (for women): Women should cover their heads during the Liturgy and Communion as a sign of modesty and subjection to the angelic order present at the Altar.
• Silence: Avoid talking or distractions during the Liturgy. Focus on the prayers and the hymns led by the deacons and the Moalem (such as Moalem Ibrahim Ayad or Moalem Gad Lewis).

4. Rules During the Act of Communion

• Order: Approach the Altar with humility, hands crossed over the chest (right over left), symbolizing the Cross.
• Receiving: When the priest says, "The Body of Emmanuel our God, this is true, Amen," you respond, "Amen." Open your mouth wide enough for the priest to place the Body inside; do not "bite" the priest's finger or the spoon (Mystir).
• The Laffafah (Communion Veil): Hold a clean white cloth (Laffafah) under your chin to ensure no drop or crumb falls to the ground. Use it to wipe your mouth immediately after swallowing.
• After Communion: Do not leave the church immediately. Stay until the final blessing and the distribution of the Eulogia. Drink some water and consume the bread to ensure the Holy Mysteries have been fully swallowed.
• The Rest of the Day: Spend the remainder of the day in a quiet, spiritual atmosphere. Avoid spitting, smoking, or excessive feasting, as you have become a "temple" carrying the King of Kings.

Summary

The priest has the authority to refuse Communion to the unrepentant or anyone he feels is unworthy. As our tradition states, Communion is like the "live coal" presented to Isaiah; it purges sin and takes away iniquity, but only if approached with a prepared and contrite heart.

By following these rules and the guidance of your Father of Confession, you ensure that the Eucharist remains a source of life and salvation rather than judgment.