Eucharist

Abstract

The word “Eucharist” generally refers to the Christian celebration of the Lord's Supper. Sometimes a substitute for the entire liturgical celebration of the sacrament, the word also relates more specifically to the presence of Jesus Christ in the elements of bread and wine. The word itself derives from the Greek eucharistein , a combination of the word eu (good) and the word charis (gift). Often translated as “thanksgiving,” the term thus refers in the broadest sense to the reception of good gifts from God in an attitude of thankfulness.