What is the difference between the consecrated bread and blessed bread?
Only Orthodox may take communion (consecrated bread), but anyone may have some of the blessed bread that is offered to individuals approaching the priest for a final blessing at the end of Divine Liturgy. Here’s how it works: the round communion loaf, baked by a parishioner, is imprinted with a seal. In the preparation service before the Liturgy, the priest cuts out a section of the seal and sets it aside; it is called the “Lamb”. The rest of the bread is cut up and placed in a large basket, and blessed by the priest. During the eucharistic prayer, the Lamb is consecrated to be the Body of Christ, and the chalice of wine is consecrated as His Blood. Here’s the surprising part: the priest places the “Lamb” in the chalice with the wine. When we receive communion, we approach the priest, standing with our arms crossed across our chest and opening our mouths wide while he gives us a fragment of the wine-soaked bread from a golden spoon. He also prays over us, calling us by the saint-name w
