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Eucharist - IGCSE Religious Studies Definition

Reviewed by: Angela Yates

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What is the Eucharist?


In IGCSE Religious Studies, the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper) is a Christian sacrament that commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples before his crucifixion. The Eucharist symbolises Jesus’ sacrifice, with the bread representing his body and the wine his blood. 

Different Christian denominations interpret the Eucharist in varying ways: Catholics believe in transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, while Protestants often see it as a symbolic act of remembrance. The Eucharist is a central act of Christian worship, reinforcing faith, unity, and thanksgiving to God.


Religious Studies Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Learn about the meaning and significance of the sacrament of the Eucharist for Christians by using our detailed revision notes

Eucharist - GCSE AQA revision notes 

Eucharist - GCSE Edexcel revision notes


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Angela Yates

Reviewer: Angela Yates

Expertise: Religious Studies Content Creator

Angela graduated with a first-class degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Manchester. After completing a PGCE and CCRS, she taught RE for around fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer and educational content creator. Angela is passionate about creating Religious Education resources to enable students to achieve their full potential.

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