112 PART TWO: AN EMPIRICAL ACCOUNT vessels were taken in procession and placed in the tabernacle near the apse. The temporary chapel dissolved as the walls were removed, making it again part of the main church. Some attendees remained at their place, preparing themselves for morning prayer. Many others found themselves new places in other sections of the church alongside peers who had already flocked to the church, while some left the building altogether (temporarily or perhaps permanently). The morning prayer revolves around singing the Taizé songs, readings from the Old and New Testaments – as indicated with special reverence while the Gospel of the day is read – and intercessions. The songs are composed in different languages and chosen to fit the time of the year as well as to accommodate the nationalities represented. The readings, too, take place in several languages: they are read aloud in full, for example, in French and English, followed by key sentences in other languages. Similarly, intercessions are read in different languages and pay attention to the respective contexts of the visitors. The prayer culminates in the Communion rite. The Communion rite starts with chants while a good number of brothers collect bread and wine from the tabernacle. They position themselves throughout the church, in pairs. Facing the altar, they stand amidst the crowd. One of the brothers thanks God for the gifts consecrated in the Eucharist. He then utters the words from the missal: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Those familiar with the Roman rite respond (many in their own language): “Lord, I amnot worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” The brothers carrying the consecrated elements of bread and wine turn towards the people and administer to all who ask for it. They give blessings instead if so requested (if, for example, people cross their arms in front of their chests). Most people present seem to receive Communion. The guests in the direct perimeter of the administering brothers make some space to enable others to reach them. The Communion rite takes about ten to fifteen minutes (depending on the ratio of administerers to guests, of course). When the brothers are finished administering to guests, they return the remaining hosts and wine to the tabernacle, where the ciboria and chalices are stored or purified by two brothers. The administerers receive Communion from a brother as well, just like the rest of the community. During the Communion rite, several permanents position themselves throughout the church, distributing blessed bread. This Orthodox custom is meant to include those who do not partake in Communion for whatever reason
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