Euharistia

Euharistia, from the Greek eucharistia meaning "thanksgiving," is a term used in several Christian traditions to denote the Eucharist, the liturgical rite of thanksgiving and communion. The Eucharist is traditionally understood as a memorial of Jesus Christ's Last Supper and a participation in his sacrifice. It is typically celebrated in a worship service and involves the consecration of bread and wine, which are distributed to the faithful.

Christian groups differ in theology and practice. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments; through the process of transubstantiation, the bread and wine are believed to become the actual body and blood of Christ, while only the appearances of bread and wine remain. In the Eastern Orthodox and some Oriental Orthodox churches, the rite is celebrated with a strong emphasis on the real presence and communal participation, though the precise philosophical explanation of how the elements become body and blood is not codified as transubstantiation.

In many Protestant churches, the term eucharist is used but beliefs about presence vary, ranging from a symbolic memorial to a belief in real presence, as in some Lutheran or Reformed traditions. Frequency and form vary by church: Catholic and Orthodox jurisdictions commonly celebrate Holy Communion regularly, while some Protestant congregations distribute the elements less often. The rite is often administered by a priest or bishop, though some traditions allow ordained ministers or laypersons. See also: Eucharist, Lord's Supper, Holy Communion.