Communion Chalice - Its History and Significance

Communion Chalice - Its History and Significance

By Chris Bradley

Many people are quite familiar with the communion chalice, but most have no idea why it is important in the Christian faith as well as it's meaning.

The chalice is also more commonly known as the communion cup. It is considered to be one of the most popular among the sacred vessels. Essentially, a chalice is used in most Christian ceremonies and masses as a cup that holds the wine.

Some of the churches that use this vessel include Catholics, Eastern Orthodox churches, Anglicans, Lutherans and other Christian sects.

Most of the time, a chalice is made from either gold or silver and decorated in various stones. Back in the day, the gold goblet was something that symbolized family.

Moreover, the chalices back then looked like a goblet with two handles at either side. Throughout the centuries, however, the look of the chalice has changed although its main significance remained the same.

The chalice as a vessel was treated with great reverence and often kept in a sacred place. Most of the time, when people hear of the word chalice or communion cup they automatically think 'holy grail' or the cup that Christ used in the Last Supper.

This came about when pilgrims back in the 6th and 7th century believed that there was a sect that still held the original cup that Christ used. However, this turned out to be unfounded.

Nevertheless, it showed just how important the cup was and how far those who believe in the Christian faith would go for it.

The communion chalice is one of the most important vessel used in many Christian ceremonies. You can find plenty of types of chalices and their uses depending on the church denomination or religion that's using them.

The design is different for each church that used them as well. For instance, in western Christianity the cups had a small node where the stem met the cup. This allowed the cup to be easily picked up.

In Catholicism, before the Vatican II, the cups were created with a tulip shape and were generally quite slim since only the priests were the only ones that used them.

Today, however, all people who are to take communion can drink from the chalice or any form of cup to also partake of the blood of Christ.

On the other hand, in Eastern Christianity, which includes the Orthodox churches; the chalices were often decorated with icons and even the cross. All of the people that took the communion were also able to drink from the chalice itself.

As you can see, the chalice has had many facets and even today, variations of its looks are still present.

These cups are still seen as an important part of the sacrament and the faith. They are essentially used to symbolically hold the blood of Christ.

The sanctity is still being revered and in fact, in the Catholic Church, whenever the communion chalice is used, it is actually blessed first and anointed.

You can get Communion Chalice and even Discount Christian Books at 15% off at their bookstore.

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