COMMUNION RAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A communion rail is a term that refers to a barrier or railing located in Christian churches near the altar, separating the area where the clergy and Eucharistic objects are placed from the rest of the church. The purpose of the communion rail is to create a designated area for the faithful to approach during the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Traditionally, the rail is made of wood or stone and typically extends across the front of the sanctuary. It serves as a visual demarcation between the sacred and the secular spaces within the church. During the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, individuals approach the communion rail to receive the consecrated bread and wine, which symbolize the body and blood of Christ.
The use of a communion rail has varied throughout Christian history and has undergone changes in different denominations. In some traditions, especially those that follow a more liturgical or formal worship style, the rail is actively used, with communicants kneeling or standing to receive communion. In more contemporary contexts, the rail may not be physically present, though there might still be a designated space for individuals to gather during the sacrament.
The communion rail also holds symbolic significance, emphasizing the idea of approaching the presence of Christ with reverence and humility. It provides a tangible reminder of the sacredness of the Eucharist and facilitates a sense of unity among the worshippers as they gather together at the rail to partake in this central ceremony of Christian worship.
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Etymology of COMMUNION RAIL
The word "communion rail" originates from the combination of the Latin word "communio", meaning "communion" or "sharing in common", and the English word "rail", referring to a barrier or fence.
In Christianity, the communion rail is a low railing or barrier typically located at the front of a church, separating the sanctuary or chancel from the congregation. It is also known as an altar rail or chancel rail.
The term "communio" relates to the act of receiving the Eucharist, a central sacrament in Christianity where believers partake in the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The rail is called "communion rail" because it serves as a physical division between the sanctuary, where the sacrament is consecrated and administered, and the congregation, who approach the rail to receive communion.
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