What Is Communion (Eucharist)?
Communion is the Christian practice of sharing bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus's death, instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper.
Meaning
Communion, also called the Eucharist, from the Greek for thanksgiving, or the Lord's Supper, is the shared meal of bread and wine that Christians observe in remembrance of Jesus Christ's death. It traces directly back to the night before Jesus's crucifixion, when he shared a Passover meal with his disciples and gave the elements new meaning.
The gospel accounts and Paul's letters record Jesus's words at that meal. When he had given thanks, he broke it and said, Take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you, do this in memory of me. Christians have observed some form of this meal continuously since the earliest church, seeing it as an act of remembrance, thanksgiving, and participation in Christ.
Traditions differ meaningfully on what happens in Communion. Catholic teaching holds to transubstantiation, that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ while retaining their physical appearance. Orthodox Christianity affirms a real, mystical presence without defining the mechanism as precisely. Lutheran teaching holds Christ is truly present in, with, and under the elements. Many Reformed and evangelical traditions understand the meal primarily as a symbolic act of remembrance and spiritual communion rather than a physical change in the elements. Frequency also varies widely, from weekly to monthly to a few times a year, depending on the church.
In Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:24“When he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me."”
Explore more terms in the Christian glossary, see how the traditions understand it on the denominations guide, or read related verses explained.
Communion (Eucharist): Frequently Asked
What is the difference between Communion and the Eucharist?
They refer to the same practice under different names. Eucharist comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving and is used more often in Catholic and Orthodox contexts. Communion or the Lord's Supper is more common in Protestant usage. The underlying act, sharing bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus, is the same across traditions.
Do all churches believe the bread and wine literally become Jesus's body and blood?
No. Catholic and Orthodox traditions affirm a real presence of Christ in the elements, described differently in each tradition's theology. Many Protestant traditions, particularly Reformed and evangelical churches, understand the bread and wine as symbolic, representing Christ's body and blood rather than physically becoming them. Both views claim biblical support.
Who is allowed to take Communion?
Practices vary by church. Some traditions, like Catholicism, generally reserve Communion for baptized, confirmed members in good standing with the church. Many Protestant churches practice open communion, welcoming any baptized believer or even any professing Christian present. It is best to follow the specific guidance of the church hosting the service.