Definition

Noun: - The central Christian rite commemorating the Last Supper: This sacrament involves the consecration of bread and wine, which are believed to become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is considered a means of receiving grace and a sign of unity within the Christian community.

Usage

• This term is used specifically within Christian theology and liturgy to refer to the ritual also commonly known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Eucharist.
• It is a formal and doctrinal term, typically found in religious texts, discussions, and formal teachings.

Examples

• The priest prepared to administer the sacrament of the Eucharist to the congregation.
• In many Christian traditions, receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist is a pillar of faith.
• Theological debates have often centered on the nature of the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Advanced Usage

• "To receive the sacrament of the Eucharist": This phrase describes the act of a believer partaking in the consecrated elements.
  • The faithful lined up to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist.
• "The doctrine of the sacrament of the Eucharist": This phrase refers to the formal theological teachings concerning this rite.
  • The council issued a statement on the doctrine of the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Variants and Related Words

• Eucharist (n): The more common shorthand term for this sacrament.
• Holy Communion (n): Another common synonym emphasizing the communal aspect.
• Lord's Supper (n): A term often used in Protestant traditions, directly referencing the Last Supper.
• Mass (n): In Catholic and some other traditions, this term refers to the entire service containing the Eucharistic rite.
• Sacrament (n): The broader category of sacred rites, of which the Eucharist is one.

Synonyms

• Holy Communion
• Lord's Supper
• The Eucharist
• The Blessed Sacrament (especially in Catholic contexts)

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, specific theological meaning. Differences in interpretation (e.g., transubstantiation, consubstantiation, symbolic remembrance) relate to the doctrine surrounding the sacrament, not to the core definition of the term itself, which is the commemorative rite instituted at the Last Supper.

Noun

1. a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine