The Reverence of Christ for Children
Jesus’ boundless love for children is an enduring testament to His divine compassion. In Mark 10:14, we hear His words to His apostles: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Thus, we mustn’t hinder our children from experiencing God’s grace. We must endeavor to draw them ever closer to Christ. Just as physical nourishment is essential for human survival, spiritual sustenance is vital for a child’s spiritual journey, which begins with the sacrament of baptism. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, imparts this spiritual sustenance through the Holy Sacrament of Communion.
The Frequency of Children’s Communion
The question of how often a child should partake in the Holy Communion does not yield a definitive answer. However, we can elucidate why more frequent participation is essential. Attending the liturgy without receiving Communion on every occasion is not sinful; indeed, it is preferable to taking Holy Communion unprepared, as it may lead to receiving it “unto condemnation” (1 Corinthians 11:27 ff). Yet, some parents inadvertently hinder their children’s spiritual growth by irregularly bringing them to church, thus depriving them of the opportunity to partake in the Holy Sacraments.
Encouraging children to receive Holy Communion only twice a year during the first week of the Nativity Fast and the first week of Great Lent robs them of the chance to develop a deeper understanding of the significance of frequent Communion. In most parishes, children in church school programs regularly participate in Communion on designated days. Regrettably, seeing children partake of this Sacrament on Sundays or during fasting seasons is a rare occurrence. This practice should be a matter of deep concern for all members of the faithful community, particularly teachers, instructors, parents, and spiritual leaders responsible for our children’s upbringing.
Throughout every Divine Liturgy, powerful words resonate from the altar: “Take, eat, this is my body… and drink of it, this is my blood…” A priest proclaims these words, but the Lord Jesus Christ beckons us to partake. If, as adults, we sometimes feel unworthy or unprepared to approach Holy Communion frequently, why should we prevent our innocent children from forging a profound union with Christ? Saint Theophan, the Recluse, wisely remarked, “Take your children for Holy Communion more frequently.” As church schoolteachers and instructors, we must encourage parents to bring their children to Holy Communion, but we must respect their autonomy, for no one should be compelled to follow Christ. He extended an invitation, saying, “If you want to follow me, take up your cross…” not “You have to follow me” or “You must follow me.” This underscores His boundless love, which accepts all.
The Transformative Power of Holy Communion
Elder Parthenius of Kyiv, while contemplating God’s love, recited a prayer: “O Lord Jesus Christ, live in me, and allow that I also live in You!” To his astonishment, a serene voice responded: “The one who eats my body and drinks my blood lives in Me, and I live in him.” The grace of God, conferred through Holy Communion, nurtures a child’s spiritual and physical growth. Numerous cases of miraculous healing among children are attributed to this Holy Sacrament. For instance, Saint Andrew of Crete, a prominent Church Father, could not speak during his early years. Through fervent prayers and the act of partaking in Holy Communion, his tongue was miraculously untied. Saint Theophan, the Recluse, also affirmed that when children partake of the Holy Communion, they experience a profound sense of tranquility, joy, and a readiness to embrace all as their kin.
According to Orthodox Church guidelines, parents of children around seven should consider fasting before partaking in Holy Communion. At this age, children, whether boys or girls possess sufficient conscience to acknowledge their transgressions. However, when and how a child should partake of the Holy Communion rests with a priest or a spiritual father guiding the child toward salvation.
Instead of overly emphasizing physical cleanliness and beauty in children, we should invest more effort in instilling spiritual purity and teaching them how to approach the Holy Chalice with love, faith, and the fear of the Lord. Cultivating a habit of confession from an early age equips a child with spiritual assets that can serve them well throughout their life. A child who learns to seek forgiveness for their transgressions from their parents and loved ones, and through the Sacrament of Confession, will be better equipped to maintain a clean soul throughout their life.
Children who approach the Holy Sacraments should also comprehend the essence and grace bestowed upon them. Engaging children in these discussions is crucial, allowing them to deepen their understanding as they grow. As Father Valentin Svencincki, a Russian priest, eloquently stated, “All Sacraments are the light of heaven on the sinful earth. They are a promise fulfilled, garments for our faith, a manifestation of body and blood that warms our souls’ coldness and softens our hearts’ frozen feelings. They are a joyous light that shines in the darkness, and through them, the Holy Spirit descends as the Comforter, as our Lord Jesus Christ promised to His disciples.”
The Universality of Communion
It is essential to clarify that there is no distinct “children’s communion.” Holy Communion is not solely reserved for children; it is intended for all faithful individuals baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. They partake in Communion when they feel prepared. We should refrain from designating specific days for children to participate in Holy Communion. While it is understandable for children to come for Confession and Holy Communion as part of a church school group, it is imperative to address the situation for children who do not participate in these programs.
Furthermore, we should be cautious when instructing our children about fasting rules. Seeking spiritual advice from a parish priest is always preferable to formulating our own judgments. It is inappropriate and considered a grave sin to provide non-fasting foods under the church’s roof for children after they partake in Holy Communion. If they choose to consume non-fasting food at home, that is a matter for their parents to address. As church schoolteachers, we should lead by example, embodying the Christian way of life.
As we approach the next Lenten season, let us seek to make it a time of love, patience, and spiritual growth. May we experience the joy of the everlasting Kingdom of Heaven on the day of Resurrection through this journey.
V. Rev. Radovan Jakovljevic