The Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the center of the 
	church's life. It is the "sacrament of sacraments" and the 
	source and goal of all the church's doctrines. One must be 
	baptized and chrismated in the faith (and have received the 
	sacrament of confession when you are older) to partake of 
	Holy Communion. Full participation in the sacramental life 
	of the church, as well as faith in the real presence of 
	Christ in the Church, are of the utmost importance in 
	receiving this sacrament. When we receive Holy Communion, 
	we become one with Christ and the rest of the church 
	community.
	
	
	The Eucharist, which means "thanksgiving," was instituted 
	or begun by Christ at the Last Supper. We hear His words 
	in the Divine Liturgy: "Take, eat;" and Drink of this all 
	of you…" (Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:17-25, Luke 22:14-20, 
	John 13:1 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). At the Last Supper, 
	Christ took the bread and wine and commanded His disciples 
	to eat and drink it as His own body and blood. This action 
	has become the center of our Christian life.