The Divine Liturgy, more commonly referred to as Eucharist or Holy Communion, defines the Church, but I think that we must recognize the definition of the Church through the Eucharist not simply as an act of worship but also as that which shapes how I am called to live my life out in the world.  The Holy Eucharist is what calls the Church towards a new way of living, towards a relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, towards a life of giving and receiving.  In his book The Eucharist, Fr. Alexander Schmemann outlines every aspect of how the Eucharist enables the Church to become the Body of Christ in a way that is lived in the world – not simply behind the walls of the Church. Continue reading →