This chapter is designed to help explain and point out the various parts of the service of Holy Communion, their meaning and significance. There are a variety of interpretations, allegorizations, justifications, of each part of the service, which have come about over the centuries. Our discussion will be directed more toward origins and basic meanings that seem to be fundamental to the act, rite, or form.

Rite refers to the written text and content of the liturgy, while ceremony refers to the actions of the liturgy. Throughout this chapter we will be exploring both the rites and ceremonies of the Eucharist according to the usage of the Episcopal Church.