Agape feast
[7] Similar communal meals are also mentioned in the Coptic tradition–often identified as the Apostolic tradition attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, who does not use the term agape–and in works of Tertullian, who does.
[7][12] At the end of the 18th century, the Carmelite friar Paolino da San Bartolomeo reported that the ancient Saint Thomas Christians of India still celebrated the lovefeast, using their typical dish called appam.
[12][13] In addition, Radical Pietist groups originating in the eighteenth century, such as the Schwarzenau Brethren and the Moravian Church, celebrate the lovefeast.
Many New Testament scholars hold that the Christians of Corinth met in the evening and had a common meal including sacramental action over bread and wine.
[17][failed verification] It apparently involved a full meal, with the participants bringing their own food but eating in a common room.
Perhaps predictably enough, it could at times deteriorate into merely an occasion for eating and drinking, or for ostentatious displays by the wealthier members of the community, as happened in Corinth, drawing the criticisms of Paul: "I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.
Canons 27 and 28 of the Council of Laodicea (364) restricted the abuses of taking home part of the provisions and of holding the meals in churches.
The ancient Saint Thomas Christians of India continued to celebrate their agapa feasts, using their typical dish called appam.
[12][13] In the medieval Georgian Orthodox Church, the term agapi referred to a commemorative meal or distribution of victuals, offered to clergymen, the poor, or passers-by, accompanying the funeral service on the anniversary of the deceased.
One such group was the Schwarzenau Brethren (1708) who counted a Love Feast consisting of feet washing, the agape meal, and the Eucharist among their "outward yet sacred" ordinances.
Another was the Moravians led by Count Zinzendorf who adopted a form consisting of the sharing of a simple meal, and then testimonies or a devotional address were given and letters from missionaries read.
[citation needed] John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, travelled to America in the company of Moravians and greatly admired their faith and practice.
Due to the lack of ordained ministers within Methodism, the Love Feast took on a life of its own, as there were very few opportunities to take Holy Communion.
[citation needed] At least some of the Oriental Orthodox churches continue the tradition of this meal, including the Saint Thomas Christians of India.
Influenced by German Radical Pietists during the early eighteenth century, the Lovefeast was instituted among Brethren before Moravians adopted the practice.
[citation needed] Christianity • Protestantism Methodists also practice lovefeasts, often quarterly, as well as on the evenings of major feast days.
So clear, so full, so strong was their testimony that while some were speaking their experience hundreds were in tears, and others vehemently crying to God for pardon or holiness.
Hands and hearts and voices raise; Sing as in the ancient days; Antedate the joys above, Celebrate the feast of love.
[43] A number of Eastern Orthodox Christian parishes will have an agape meal (Turkish: sevgi ziyafeti), commonly known as coffee hour (Spanish: café comunitario), on Sundays and feast days following the Divine Liturgy, and especially at the conclusion of the Paschal Vigil.
[citation needed] The agape is a common feature used by the Catholic Neocatechumenal Way in which members of the Way participate in a light feast after the celebration of the Eucharist on certain occasions.
[citation needed] The Creation Seventh Day Adventists partake of an agape feast as a part of their New Moon observances, taking the form of a formal, all-natural meal held after the communion supper.
