Prayer and the Eucharistic gathering

After we have washed in this way the person who has been persuaded and has assented to our teaching, we bring that person to those who are called brothers, where they are gathered together. There we offer earnest common prayers for ourselves, for the one who has been illuminated, and for all others everywhere, so that, having learned the truth, we may be counted worthy to be found by our deeds to be good citizens and keepers of what has been commanded, and so be saved with eternal salvation.

When we have finished the prayers, we greet one another with a kiss. Then bread and a cup of wine mixed with water are brought to the one who presides over the brothers. Taking them, he sends up praise and glory to the Father of all through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and gives thanks at length that we have been counted worthy to receive these things from Him. When he has completed the prayers and thanksgiving, all the people present voice their assent by saying, “Amen.” In the Hebrew language, “Amen” means “May it be so.”

After the one who presides has given thanks and all the people have expressed their assent, those whom we call deacons give each person present a share of the bread, wine, and water over which thanksgiving has been offered, and they carry a portion to those who are absent.