CONCERNING FREQUENT COMMUNION OF THE IMMACULATE MYSTERIES OF CHRIST
by our Righteous God-bearing Father
Nikodemos the Hagiorite
PREFACE BY ARCHIMANDRITE CHRYSOSTOM MAIDONES
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life;
and I will raise him up at the last day. (Jn. 6:54)
These words of our Lord Jesus Christ have been, since the moment they were spoken, a “scandal” and stumbling block, and a point of departure for all who could not see in them “words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:58). The misconceptions and mis-interpretations continue to exist today, as does the need for a patristic and pastoral response. Just such a reply exists in Saint Nikodemos’ renowned work, Concerning Frequent Communion. The pious reader will find therein answers, combed from the entire patristic tradition, to such questions as: How should I approach the Holy Mysteries? What preparation is necessary? How often should I commune? And, what does it mean to be “worthy” of Holy Communion? Based upon and gathered from the teachings of the Holy Fathers of the Church, Concerning Frequent Communion provides a much needed, comprehensive and “catholic corrective” to the variety of one-sided approaches so prevelant today.
This, the second volume in the series The Works of Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite, includes a thorough explanation of the Lord’s Prayer, an apology for frequent communion, answers to objections and clarifications of misconceptions. This edition is further enriched with a brief history of the book’s compilation and two appendices on the Divine Eucharist from other works of Saint Nikodemos.
