The Eucharist also known as Holy Communion and the Lord’s Supper, among other names, is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches, and as an ordinance in others. According to the New Testament, the rite was instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:17–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–25); giving his disciples bread and wine during a Passover meal, he commanded them to “do this in memory of me” while referring to the bread as “my body” and the cup of wine as “the blood of my covenant, which is poured out for many”.

The elements of the Eucharist, sacramental bread (leavened or unleavened) and sacramental wine (or non-alcoholic grape juice), are consecrated on an altar or a communion table and consumed thereafter. Communicants, those who consume the elements, may speak of “receiving the Eucharist” as well as “celebrating the Eucharist”. Christians generally recognize a special presence of Christ in this rite, though they differ about exactly how, where, and when Christ is present.