Scrupulous, much?

So, I tend to be a little rigorously minded regarding norms for the reception of the Eucharist (as demonstrated by my citing a non-existant rule below). But your rad-traddiest member of the SSPX is nothing compared to the Coptic Orthodox:

Sexual relations between married couples should not take place either on the eve of Communion, as well as on the day of receiving the sacrament. . . .

Before Communion, it is important not to brush your teeth or gargle water, in case water may accidentally be swallowed. St. Severus Bin Moqafaa says, “Many gargle their mouth by water then partake in the Communion and this is wrong. The mystery of God’s words to His servant Moses about the Passover lamb, who was an example of the Body of Christ, was to be eaten with bitterness, meaning bitterness of the mouth.”

Women should not partake of the Holy Communion when they are menstruating. After a woman gives birth, she is not to partake of the Holy Communion until after forty days, if she delivered a boy, and eighty days if she delivered a girl. Hence, the first time she receives Holy Communion, after child birth, is on the day of her child’s baptism after the priest prays for her the woman’s absolution.

It is not preferable for a person to walk barefoot, or for a man to shave, directly after Communion. This is to avoid any wound occurring which may bleed. If, however, bleeding does occur unintentionally, the blood must be wiped with a piece of cloth or cotton, then burned in fire.

Seems like you'd run out of handkerchiefs pretty quick.

St. Pio X, oro pro nobis


File Under: The_Liturgy