The Crown of Mysteries: Encountering the Real Christ

In this sermon for Covenant Thursday, Fr. Seraphim outlines the Coptic Orthodox doctrine of the Real Presence, asserting that the bread and wine undergo an actual conversion into the literal body and blood of Christ rather than remaining mere symbols. The distinction hinges on the Greek terms (sarx), referring to Christ’s entire human nature assumed at the Incarnation, and (soma), which denotes the physical, sacramental body present on the altar. By examining the precise language of the liturgy and the Epistles of St. Paul, the author argues that the transition from "sarx" to "soma" confirms the physicality of the Eucharist. Ultimately, the text uses the grave warnings found in scripture regarding unworthy communion to prove that the elements must be the true body of the Lord, necessitating a spirit of repentance and awe from the faithful.