<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
My experience with the Greek orthodox church is pre-diagnosis. From my
experience, I note that in individual churches, a lot depends on the priest (and his age). The younger ones are far more liberal in meeting
parishioners' needs.
When I was a member, the bread and wine were mixed together and served on a spoon to each person (same spoon for everyone). I know later there was some controversy about this practice.
At the end of every service, all members of the congregation are invited to partake of bread from the priest on the way out of the service. This is for those who have not taken communion, but can still take away with them a portion of the "communion." This is optional, of course.
You may wish to contact the Archdiocese of North and South America (I
believe they are headquartered in NYC) to begin dialogue and/or see if they have addressed the celiac issue - or even if they are aware of it.
I'm also Greek Orthodox, and I've talked to my priest about this as well. He said that because it changes into the blood and body of Christ, you shouldn't have a problem with it. However, I would suggest talking to your specific priest about it in order to gain his insights.
I am Byzantine Catholic -- very similar. A common cup is used. In the Slavic (Russian) traditions, the bread is cut into cubes and dropped into the wine before it is consecrated. It is then given to the communicant by spoon. The Syrian traditions serve bread separately but dip it into the cup before serving.
There should be no problem with receiving wine only -- my children have all had wine in communion since baptized as infants. Orthodox/byzantines do give communion with baptism and infants and older receive communion every week. The slavonic traditions just uses wine in a spoon. The Syrian traditions keep a spoon just for infants who are too young to chew the bread. They are given wine only. A few priests do want the babies to get at least a crumb of bread. Since the orthodox don't give communion to non-parishioners, the priest will know who is receiving communion. If he doesn't know you, he doesn't give you communion. There's no reason for the priest not to be forwarned if there is an allergy/celiac issue.
There is no way to do a gluten free host that I could think of -- there is one loaf that is cut into pieces. And orthodox priests are not usually known for flexibility!
I grew up Greek Orthodox. The priest has a chalice of wine with bite sized pieces of bread floating in it. The point is to give each person a spoonful of the Body and Blood at the same time.
The Greeks are notoriously unaccommodating for everyone. The family could ask for a separate chalice with gluten free bread. However, I am pretty sure the priest will say no, perhaps because they feel random bread cannot be blessed or it is a hassle...you pick a reason.
Hence, I don't really have a solution to this. My Church said they would bless me during Communion but told me that they could not accommodate my gluten free needs.
Sorry I don't have good news, we are Greek orthodox and my daughter has celiac, the church (here) refused to do anything for her because not only do they use bread (not waffers), but they also put bits of it in the wine. I have stopped going for communion because I was so upset with the church. I hope someone else out there has had better luck.
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Ask for a separate chalice with gluten free bread
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You should contact the priest, and depending on how progressive he is, they may allow you to bake your own gluten free bread, and then freeze it and bring it to the parish, whereby the priest can bless it. This can be set aside and used for your own personal use. Of course you will need a separate chalice and separate spoon. Another option is to have the wine only.
Lara Field, MS, RD, LDN
Pediatric Dietitian
Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
Phone: 773-702-0551
Fax: 773-702-0666
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________________________________
From: Field, Lara [UCH]
Sent: Tue 1/22/2008 3:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: greek orthodox and holy communion
Looking for some information on the Greek Orthodox church and taking holy communion.
Anyone have experience with this?
Thank you in advance!
Lara Field, MS, RD, LDN
Pediatric Dietitian
Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
Phone: 773-702-0551
Fax: 773-702-0666
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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