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Questions & Answers

Orthodox and Catholic

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Other Churches and Faiths › Orthodox and Catholic

The question

What are the precise differences between the Coptic Orthodox Communion and Catholic Communion? Do both churches believe that the bread and wine really turn into the body and blood of Christ?

The answer

The Catholic Church believes in the Sacrament of the Eucharist as we do; in that the bread and wine do indeed become the Body & Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The manner in which we receive Holy Communion is still that of absolute awe and reverence. The Catholic Church describes the process of change calling it "transubstantiation"; but the Orthodox Church does not use this term believing that it is a mystery beyond comprehension or description. Also the most observable differences can be detected in the process, worship, rituals, and administration of the Holy Eucharist. The Coptic Orthodox Church relies securely on the Holy Bible, Old & New Testaments, as the main source on which the celebration of the Liturgy is based. We have maintained the most intricate details in every component of the Liturgy. Every detail in our Divine Liturgy can be traced back to its origin.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1259 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.