communion

Communion, in Christian usage, refers primarily to the rite of the Eucharist, also called the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. It derives from Latin communio, meaning fellowship or sharing, and denotes believers' union with Christ and with one another through the sacramental meal.

In this rite, bread and wine are distributed to participants to symbolize Christ's body and blood, commemorating the Last Supper. The theology and practice of communion differ among denominations.

Catholic and Orthodox churches teach a real presence of Christ in the elements, though precise explanations differ: Catholics affirm transubstantiation; Orthodox churches emphasize the mystery of the Eucharist within the liturgical life. Lutherans teach a real presence as well, generally described as sacramental union, without a change in the substances of bread and wine. Many Protestant churches view the act as a memorial or symbolic, sometimes with a belief in a spiritual presence.

Practices vary: some communities celebrate weekly; others monthly or quarterly. Distribution methods range from receiving the elements in the hand or on the tongue to possibly using a shared chalice or spoon. Churches differ on access, with some practicing closed communion for baptized members of a given tradition, and others welcoming all baptized Christians.

A separate sense of communion, the communion of the saints, refers to the spiritual solidarity of all believers, living and dead, and to prayers and intercession within the Christian community.