An Orthodox Eucharist: A Metaphysical Framework for the Real Presence of Christ

This chapter provides a metaphysically informed framework for conceptualising the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the Holy Eucharist, focusing on the reality of the change that occurs during the Divine Liturgy. It formulates a model, termed the Neo-Aristotelian Model, using Edward Jonathan (E.J.) Lowe's metaphysical framework—namely, Serious Essentialism and the Four-Category Ontology—to articulate how the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Jesus Christ whilst retaining their outward appearances. The chapter addresses the conceptual challenge of understanding this transformation by construing it as an essential (kind) change, utilising the distinction between dispositional and occurrent exemplification to account for both the change in reality and the persistence of sensible qualities. The same framework is then extended to address a parallel challenge in Orthodox ecclesiology, providing conceptual resources for understanding how multiple parish eucharistic celebrations within a diocese can constitute the one Eucharist of the bishop. The chapter demonstrates how philosophical modelling can offer conceptual clarity whilst fully respecting the character of these teachings as Holy Mysteries.