“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him.” — John 6:56 (BSB)
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” — Ephesians 4:4–6 (BSB)
“Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” — John 15:4 (BSB)
The name also speaks of our unity with one another. As we partake of one bread, we are made one body in Christ. Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “Holy Communion is not only our union with Christ, it is our union with His people. We eat from the same loaf, and so we live from the same grace.” The sacrament therefore makes visible the bond of peace and charity that exists in the Church.
This communion is holy because Christ is holy, and because the sacrament is consecrated by His word and Spirit. Bishop Keith L. Ackerman (Diocese of Quincy, ACNA) writes, “When we speak of Holy Communion, we speak of a divine gift: Christ truly present to the faithful, nourishing them with His own life.” It is not a mere symbol, but a divine mystery that requires reverence, faith, and thanksgiving.
Anglicans treasure the Eucharist as the Church’s highest act of worship, wherein Christ feeds us and draws us deeper into His grace. Canon David Roseberry (Anglican Mission in America) puts it simply: “Holy Communion is where Christ meets His people. He gives Himself—again and again—not as a memory, but as real food for our souls.”
Thus, we rightly call this sacrament Holy Communion: it is a sacred sharing in Christ and a true participation in the unity and love of His Body, the Church.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “In the Eucharist, we become Christ-bearers, as His Body and Blood mingle with our own. We are united with Him, not in symbol alone, but in truth.” — Catechetical Lectures, 22.3
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your own mystery that lies upon the Lord’s table. Be what you see; receive what you are.” — Sermon 272
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–200 AD): “Our bodies, partaking of the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, having the hope of resurrection. For as bread from the earth receives the invocation of God and becomes Eucharist, so also do our bodies participate in life.” — Against Heresies, 4.18.5
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
