Holy Eucharist Vs Sacrifice

The Holy Eucharist is the manifestation of the Orthodox Church as the new life in Jesus Christ, the new life of grace. In the Mystery (Sacrament) of the Holy Eucharist, we have the real and true presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and not any symbolic or imaginary appearance. The change of the elements of bread and wine takes place by supernatural means that surpasses all human understanding and which can only be understood through pure and undefiled faith. Although, the Holy Eucharist as a Mystery (Sacrament) and as a Sacrifice is simultaneously perfected by the same sanctification, it keeps the two inseparable features of the Mystery (Sacrament) and the Sacrifice that differ according to their nature. Because the Holy Eucharist
as a Mystery (Sacrament) is offered as the heavenly food to the faithful, uniting them to Jesus Christ and to one another while nourishing their souls to the hope of Resurrection of eternal life, it is moreover a Sacrifice offered to God, offering Jesus Christ as the redeeming sacrificial offering to Him. We constantly need spiritual nourishment to preserve and grow in the new life of Jesus Christ, in the new life of grace. Precisely for this reason, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.” Therefore, the whole life of the faithful is led towards the Mystery (Sacrament) of the Holy Eucharist by which we are exalted and sanctified.