Communion (Christian)

For a discussion of Holy Communion see the article on the Eucharist.

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The term Communion, from Latin communio, meaning sharing in common, also often refers to the relationship of Christians, as individuals or as a Church, with God and with other Christians. The word is related to the greek koinonia (κοινωνία).

Related Topics:
Latin - Greek

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Churches in full communion have no barriers to acceptance of each other.

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When an Eastern Rite Catholic Church elects a new Patriarch, the Pope sends him a "letter of communion", indicating recognition of him as a fellow pastor of the same Church and a successor of the Apostles.

Related Topics:
Eastern Rite - Catholic Church - Pope - Apostles

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When the ecclesiastical link of communion, especially of faith, is complete, it is referred to as full communion, a term, however, that some use of merely practical arrangements that fall short of full unity. If a Church recognizes that others share with it some, but not all, of the beliefs and essential practices of Christianity, it may speak of the existence of "partial communion".

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In its original Latin form, the Western creed known as the Apostles Creed professes faith in "communionem sanctorum". Though traditionally translated into English as "the communion of saints", this phrase refers in the first place to communion or sharing by all the members of the Church in the holy things (Latin, sancta) of faith, sacraments (especially the Eucharist, and the other spiritual graces and gifts that they have in common. But it also refers to communion between people who, because of their link with Christ, are holy (Latin, sancti), whether they are still in earthly life or have already gone past death to be "at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Related Topics:
Latin - Apostles Creed - Communion of saints - Eucharist

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