Catholic and Orthodox Churches in Ukraine Consider How to Distribute Communion

Catholic News Agency ^ | 3/13/20 | Sofia Kochmar-Tymoshenko

[marshmallow]

Distribution of Holy Communion at an Orthodox Divine Liturgy in Ukraine. Photo courtesy of Oleksandr Drabinko

Kyiv, Ukraine, Mar 13, 2020 / 05:10 pm (CNA).- The coronavirus pandemic has prompted discussions in Ukraine over whether precautions should be taken related to the reception of Holy Communion, especially as many in the country attend Churches where it is distributed from a common chalice and spoon.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide there are 132,758 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 4,955 deaths. There are three confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ukraine, and one death. A 71-year-old woman who returned from Poland visited her church and did not self-isolate, and she died March 13 after one one day of hospitalization.

Officials have announced quarantines throughout the country, with schools suspended for three weeks. They have also work to prevent panic, as there have already been cases of protests and street fights prompted by concerns over the spread of coronavirus.

More than 60% of Ukrainians belong to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine or the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), and nearly another 10% belong to Greek Catholic Churches. Each of these Churches use the Byzantine rite, in which Communion is distributed under both species. The Body of Christ is immersed in the Precious Blood in a single chalice, and is distributed by the priest to the faithful from a single golden spoon. Additionally, in these Churches all the baptized, including infants, receive Holy Communion.

Thus the common means of distributing Communion in the country has led to much discussion of whether coronavirus can be transmitted through Communion, and what precautions should be taken.

Igor Kuzin, acting general director of the Public Health Center of Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, told CNA that the use of a common spoon for the distribution of......

[Mrs. Don-o]

All the ROCOR, Antiochian and OCA (Orthodox) Churches I ever visited, distributed Communion via a spoon by which the tiny Portion was dropped into the mouth of the communicant --- the spoon was not touched, licked, sucked, or placed in contact with the lips or mouth in any way. Same in Byzantine Greek Catholic churches.

This is just my very limited observation. YMMV. I don't suppose they do it that way everywhere.

[Citizen Soldier]

Has your church stopped having Masses yet? I just got notified tomorrow begins no Masses indefinitely.

[Phillyred]

Why not drive-in masses?

[norwaypinesavage]

This is probably heresy, but they should look to the Lutherans. The Lutherans deliver the wine from a tray containing dozens of miniature thimble sized glasses. Each communicant takes one little glass, drinks the wine, and returns the empty glass to the tray.

[xp38]

Most Protestant churches do it that way no?

[Mrs. Don-o]

Just an hour ago the BIshop of Knoxville, Bishop Richard Stika, announced that there will be no more public Masses in the Diocese until further notice. All small Adoration Chapels will be closed.

On the other hand, he is directing that all Catholic Churches be open all day, and evenings if possible, for individuals to be able to come in and "make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament" as we used to say, and pray.

I am stunned as well as saddened that this decision was made. However, I am glad the churches will be open and we can adore the Lord in His holy sanctuary. As well as in my garden (which needs to be dug) and at my kitchen table!

I understand that this is the first time there have been no public Masses in the city of Rome since the persecution of Diocletian, roughly 303-310 AD.

It's just stunning and shocking.

[norwaypinesavage]

I’m not sure. It’s probably up to the local leaders.

[Citizen Soldier]

I’m in Tucson AZ and the church will be open but the Cenacle Chapel is closed. I’m a funeral coordinator there so it will be interesting to see what’s going to happen to funeral Masses.

[Citizen Soldier]

Never

[Wonder Warthog]

"..the spoon was not touched, licked, sucked, or placed in contact with the lips or mouth in any way."

I keep repeating this...DIRECT CONTACT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR CONTAMINANT TRANSFER. Proximity to the recipients breath is sufficient for it to happen by salival microdrops. This is why masks are worn in operating rooms...to keep such breath droplets away from the patient.

This is simply scientific FACT.

[Popman]

-——This is probably heresy,-——

To some RC on this site...it is..

[Mrs. Don-o]

Thank you for that timely warning. God bless you.