Introduction
The Agape Meal is the fellowship meal that follows Divine Liturgy on Sundays. “Agape” is the Greek word for “brotherly love.” Agape meals are first mentioned by St. Paul, St. Jude and other early Christians as the common meal or “love feast” of the Early Church. Christ gave us examples of these love feasts every time he joined in fellowship with his disciples. And then, of course, his final Love Feast was the Last Supper, culminating with the Institution of the Eucharist. Our agape meals are Love Feasts with one another.
It is vital to have these communal meals with one another just as it is vital for any family to eat together. It is during this time that we strengthen our bonds of friendship with each other — we feel one another’s joys and pain and support each other as brothers and sisters.
Mercy Meals or Meal Trains are another vital way to express our love and hospitality for one another. One line organization assists us to provide meals for those in need.