Tag Archives: Illness

Behold, I approach the Divine Communion. O Creator, let me not be burnt by communicating,
For Thou art Fire, consuming the unworthy. But, rather, purify me of all impurity.
~Prayer of Saint Symeon the New Theologian

If we approach Holy Communion with the above thoughts in mind, we will reap all of the spiritual blessings which Christ bestows upon His faithful servants. If, however, we are negligent and careless when receiving the Divine Fire, our communion is unto judgment and condemnation.

Therefore, after we commune, we should be very careful about putting anything in our mouth that we do not intend to swallow. It is possible for some of the Holy Mysteries still to be on our teeth or in our mouth, so we should always be watchful, after communing:

1. Not to smoke (an unhealthy and unclean practice which Christians must avoid anyway) or chew gum at any time for the next few hours.
2. To train small children not to put their fingers in their mouths.
3. Not to spit for any reason.
4. Not to brush one’s teeth or to gargle–both of which involve spitting–before evening, or at least until several hours have passed and one has eaten a meal.
5. If you are ill and are vomiting, you should not commune unless your illness is life-threatening. If you suddenly become ill after communing, carefully clean up the vomit and bury it in a safe place that will not be stepped on.

Note: All Orthodox faithful are encouraged to come forward after the dismissal to venerate the Holy Cross and receive Antidoron from the Priest. Some Orthodox do not allow those who have communed and already taken Antidoron to come forward at this time, however this is not a church rule and is not practiced in our parish.