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Eucharist: IGCSE Religious Studies Definition

Angela Yates

Written by: Angela Yates

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

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Contents

  1. 1. What is the Eucharist?
  2. 2. Religious Studies Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

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


Explore the IGCSE Religious Studies revision resources


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Author
Reviewer
Angela Yates

Author: Angela Yates

Expertise: Religious Studies

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.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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