Skip to main contentAccessibility feedback

Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Communion

Question:

Does the Eastern Orthodox Church allow Catholics to receive the Eucharist?

Answer:

The answer is no. Although there might be individual Orthodox clergy who would give you as a Catholic Communion, it still remains true that there is no Orthodox church that permits Catholics to receive Holy Communion at their liturgies.

The Orthodox have a genuine priesthood and so a genuine Eucharist. The Orthodox are generally admirable in their reverence for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament, which they receive following the ancient discipline of fasting and confession of sin. Married Orthodox priests and laity who follow the canons of their church even abstain from marital relations before communing. Thus there is another reason not to present yourself for Holy Communion at an Orthodox liturgy: you are probably not observing as a Catholic their discipline of preparation for the reception of the sacrament.

Did you like this content? Please help keep us ad-free
Enjoying this content?  Please support our mission!Donatewww.catholic.com/support-us