Moravian Holy Communion

Explore the views of the sacrament throughout history from church leaders such as Luke of Prague, Jakoubek, Comenius, and Spangenberg.

Would you like to learn about “Zwinglian-Lutheran tensions”?

Would you like to learn Peter Celcicky’s “middle view between the Ultraquists and the Taborites”?

How does the 1615 Czech hymnal offer connections to our understanding, even today?
From a translation of one hymn into English:

“After the Consecration”

Great High Priest, all things sustaining,
Jesus, high in heaven reigning,
Solace for your church still gaining:

In this holy feast, dear Savior
We your gracious presence savor,
Tasting your eternal favor.

The continuity of Moravian theology and practice of Holy Communion through the centuries is remarkable. Three main themes emerge:

1. Enjoyment of the special presence of the Savior;
2. The service of Holy Communion is both communal and individual in nature;
3. Expectation that the fruits of Holy Communion will be lived out in life, even as we look to eternity.

In this booklet, the Rev. Daniel Crews and the Rev. Nola Reed Knouse explore the Moravian celebration of Holy Communion.

Topics such as,

• Christ’s real presence in the sacrament, in all ways, and “any way he wants to be.”
• Discussion of the history of the sacrament in the Unitas Fratrum; the sacrament during the Renewed Unity in the eighteenth century in Saxon Germany; later development; and Holy Communion in today’s American Moravian Church.
• Preparation for the Service
• Celebration of the Sacrament, itself.