Didache Part 2: Baptism Fasting & Communion
7 of 16
7:1 Baptize people in this manner. Having first recited all the precepts, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in running water.
7:2 If you do not have running water, baptize in some other water. If you do not have cold water, you can use warm water.
7:3 If you do not have all these, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
7:4 Before the baptism, let him who baptizes and him who is to be baptized fast previously, and any others who are able. Command him who is to be baptized to fast one or two days before.
8 of 16
8:1 Do not fast like the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth days of the week, but you shall fast on the fourth and sixth days instead.
8:2 Do not pray as the hypocrites, but pray as the Lord has commanded in His Gospel: “Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil-one: for Thine is the power, and the glory, for ever.”
8:3 Pray this way three times a day.
9 of 16
9:1 Give thanks in the Eucharist in this fashion.
9:2 First, concerning the cup. We thank Thee, our Father, for the holy vine, David Thy Son, which Thou have made known to us through Jesus Christ Thy Son; to Thee be the glory forever.
9:3 And concerning the broken bread. We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge that Thou have made known to us through Jesus Christ Thy Son; to Thee be the glory forever.
9:4 As this broken bread was once scattered on the mountains, and after it had been brought together became one, so may Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth unto Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory, and the power, through Jesus Christ, forever.
9:5 And let none eat or drink of your Eucharist but such as have been baptized into the name of the Lord, for of a truth the Lord has said concerning this, give not that which is holy to the dogs.
10 of 16
10:1 After it has been completed, pray this way.
10:2 We thank Thee, Holy Father, for Thy Holy Name, which Thou hast caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality that Thou hast made known unto us through Jesus Christ Thy Son; to Thee be the glory forever.
10:3 Almighty Master, Who didst create all things for the sake of Thy Name, and hast given both meat and drink, for men to enjoy, that we might give thanks unto Thee, but to us Thou hast given spiritual meat and drink, and life everlasting, through Thy Son.
10:4 Above all, we thank Thee that Thou art able to save; to Thee be the glory forever.
10:5 Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to redeem it from every evil, and to perfect it in Thy love, and gather it together from the four winds, even that which has been sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou hast prepared for it; for Thine is the kingdom and the glory forever.
10:6 Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the Son of David. If anyone is holy let him come to the Eucharist; if anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
10:7 Let the prophets give thanks, so far as they are willing to do so.