The Orthodox leader said that history played a role in how his Church views the Eucharist today. “We have a very special experience in the Russian Orthodox Church because we lived for 70 years ...

Delivering the opening catechesis at the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 6, Metropolitan Hilarion outlined the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the Eucharist.

Photo by MARK H. HUNTER -- The Rev. Mark Christian, priest of St. Matthew the Apostle Orthodox Church, presents the Eucharist during the Jan. 4 service. Altar service Jack Craft, left, assists him.