Definition

1. Noun:
   • Participation in Holy Communion by members of more than one church: The act or practice of members from different Christian denominations (e.g., Catholic and Orthodox) receiving the Eucharist together.
   • A state of mutual communication or fellowship: A condition of close association, mutual sharing, or spiritual exchange between individuals or groups.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The ecumenical service was marked by a rare moment of intercommunion between the Protestant and Anglican congregations.
  • Theological dialogues have slowly opened the door to greater intercommunion among the ancient churches.
  • Beyond its religious sense, the poet described a deep intercommunion of souls among the old friends.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in intercommunion with": To be in a state of mutual fellowship or sacramental sharing with another church or group.
  • The two dioceses declared they were in full intercommunion, allowing for shared liturgical life.

Variants and Related Words

• Intercommune (verb, archaic): To hold intimate converse; to commune together.
• Communion (noun): The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings; also, the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist.

Synonyms

• Fellowship: Friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.
• Ecumenism: The principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches.

Related Phrases

• Sacramental sharing: A phrase often used interchangeably with in theological contexts.
• Eucharistic hospitality: The practice of inviting Christians of other traditions to receive communion.

Related Idioms

• A communion of spirits: An idiom describing a deep, non-physical connection between people, similar to the broader sense of .

Noun

1. participation in Holy Communion by members of more than one church (eg Catholic and Orthodox)