"Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is administered either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it."  St. Ignatius of Antioch, "The Epistle to the Smyrnaeans," c. 105 A.D.

"And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place.  And the memoirs of the Apostles or the writings of the Prophets are read, as long as time permits.  Then, when the reader has ceased, the priest verbally instructs us and exhorts us to imitate these good things.  Then we all rise together and pray.  And, as we said before, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought.  Then, the priest in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability.  And the people assent, saying 'Amen.'  Then, the Eucharist, is distributed to everyone, and everyone participates in that over which thanks has been given.  And a portion of it is sent by the deacons to those who are absent."  St. Justin Martyr, “First Apology," c. 160 A.D.

Printed with permission from Catholic Defense.

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