Postcommunion

Postcommunion is a liturgical term referring to the prayers and actions that follow the reception of communion in Christian worship. This part of the service is often seen as a time of thanksgiving and reflection after the sacrament. The specific elements of the postcommunion vary significantly between different Christian denominations and traditions.

In many Western traditions, such as Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism, the postcommunion period typically includes a prayer of thanksgiving, often referred to as the "postcommunion prayer." This prayer usually reflects on the spiritual benefits received through communion and petitions for God's continued grace. Following this prayer, a blessing is often pronounced by the minister. The service concludes with a dismissal, sending the congregation out into the world to live out their faith.

In Eastern Orthodox traditions, the postcommunion rites are also characterized by thanksgiving. After the faithful have received the Body and Blood of Christ, a prayer of thanksgiving is offered, acknowledging God's gift. This is followed by the distribution of antidoron, blessed bread that is not consecrated but serves as a reminder of the Eucharist. The service then concludes with a final blessing and dismissal. Regardless of the specific rite, the postcommunion marks a crucial transition from the sacred act of receiving the Eucharist to the ongoing Christian life.