INSIDE OLD CATHOLIC

By †Gabriel Obiano, D.D. Have you ever noticed a priest at Mass praying with his arms outstretched, palms open? Or perhaps someone praying in similar posture and gazing upwards? In the Catholic tradition, this isn't just a spontaneous expression of devotion; it's a specific, ancient posture known as the Orans posture. Far from being a modern innovation, this gesture of prayer has resonated across the Church for centuries, holding a profound spiritual significance that continues to enrich the sacred liturgy of the Mass today. But what exactly is the Orans posture, where did it come from, and why does it still hold such power for believers? Let's reach out and explore this beautiful and meaningful stance of prayer. What is the Orans Posture? Derived from the Latin word orare, meaning "to pray," the Orans posture is characterized by standing (or sometimes kneeling) with arms extended sideways, bent at the elbows, and palms open and facing upwards. It is a posture tha...

By †Gabriel Obiano, D.D. The act of sharing bread and wine in communion, or the Eucharist, is central to Christian worship. Yet, a subtle but significant difference in practice has long distinguished the Western and Eastern traditions. While both believe the bread becomes the Body of Christ, the Roman Catholic Church uses unleavened bread, whereas the Eastern Orthodox Church uses leavened bread. This divergence is not merely a matter of culinary preference; it is rooted in profound theological and historical interpretations of the Last Supper.  The Roman Catholic Tradition: Unleavened Bread (Azymes) In the Roman Catholic Church, the bread used for the Eucharist is a thin, unleavened wafer, often referred to by its Latin name, azymes. This practice is tied directly to the historical context of the Last Supper. Exposition: The Roman Catholic position holds that the Last Supper was a Jewish Passover Seder. The Gospel accounts (Matthew 26:17, Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7) describe Jesus's pre...