Posted by Wayne Parham [ 192.35.232.241 ] on May 23, 2006 at 02:30:21:
In Reply to: Re: My sister`s friend and other stories posted by manualblock on May 22, 2006 at 15:58:06:
Yes, the Orthodox Church believes that too. The process is called "transubstantiation" and it means that bread and wine have been actually transformed into the body of Christ and to his blood by prayer and faith. It is not merely symbolic but rather an actual transformation to the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ. That's why you are to be careful with the materials given - do not drop them on the floor or misplace crumbs - because it is the body of the Savior that you handle. This is one of the differences between Orthodox and Catholic Churches and the Protestant denominations.
I respect my Catholic and Orthodox friends and would not want to insult their beliefs. However, I think of this as something like witchcraft and will not take part in a communion in a church that believes in transubstantiation. I will take communion in a Protestant church though as long as they don't use wine.
I am good friends with an Orthodox priest in Tulsa, and have enjoyed many long conversations with him. I like to find common ground rather than dwell on our differences. However, I find the idea of transubstantiation troublesome. For example, a person that is allergic to alcohol may have an adverse reaction to the communion, whether a priest has prayed for its "transubstantiation" or not. So while I wish to respect the Orthodox and Catholic beliefs, I find I must quietly turn down any communion in their churches.
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