What is the chalice?

The communion chalice is the cup into which wine is mixed with water and sanctified to be the Lord’s blood in the Eucharistic Liturgy. The Lord Himself used a chalice (Matt. 26:26– 27) and the Apostles imitated Him. St. Paul calls it “the cup of blessing” and “the cup of the Lord” (1 Cor. 10:16–17). Early Christian chalices were commonly made from wood, glass, copper, or pottery.

In his homily to the priests, St. Epiphanius observes, “In the past, priests were golden and used wooden chalices. Today, priests are of wood and use golden chalices.”¹²⁴⁸ By the third and fourth centuries, precious metals became common, and valuable chalices of gold and silver adorned with jewels were offered to the Church by believers as a sign of their love. Many Fathers asked their congregations not to exaggerate in offering these valuable vessels while there are many people in need. St. Clement of Alexandria vigorously opposed using gold and precious stones.

St. Ambrose recalls that Lawrence sold his church vessels and distributed the proceeds to the poor, while he himself did not hesitate to sell the treasures of Milan to free those who were captives. St. Jerome refers to Exuperius of Toulouse as an example of someone who did the same thing to help the poor.¹²⁴⁹

According to the Coptic rite, the believers receive communion of the Body and Blood separately. It can also be noticed that the Lord used wine mixed with water when He blessed

1248 W. W. Watts, Catalogue of Chalices & other Communion Vessels: Victoria and Albert Museum. Department of Metalwork (United Kingdom: H.M. Stationery Office, 1922).

1249 W. W. Watts, Catalogue of Chalices & other Communion Vessels: Victoria and Albert Museum. Department of Metalwork (United Kingdom: H.M. Stationery Office, 1922): pp. 5–6.

it, and the Church received the same tradition from Him.¹²⁵⁰ The mixture of wine and water resemble the blood and water flowing from Christ’s pierced side on the cross. This mixture becomes the true blood of Christ and at the same time is a symbol of the indissoluble union between Christ (wine) and His people (water).¹²⁵¹