
In the context of Catholicism, the word trogon refers to the Greek word used by Jesus in John 6, which is often translated as chew or gnaw rather than simply eat. This distinction has been a topic of discussion among Catholics, particularly in relation to the practice of taking Communion on the tongue versus in the hand. Some Catholics argue that the use of trogon suggests that Communion should be chewed or gnawed, which could be interpreted as a reason to receive Communion in the hand rather than on the tongue. However, the Church generally prefers Communion to be taken on the tongue, citing practical reasons such as reducing the risk of the Body of Christ falling to the floor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Trogon" is closer to "chew" or "gnaw" than "eat" |
| Usage | The Greek word "trogon" is used by Jesus in John 6 |
| Comparison with "phagete" | "Trogon" is the present participle, whereas "phagete" is the aorist |
| Communion practices | The Catholic Church prefers Communion on the tongue to lessen the possibility of the Body of Christ falling onto the floor |
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What You'll Learn

The meaning of 'trogon'
The word "trogon" has several meanings. In the context of Catholicism, "trogon" is a Greek word used by Jesus in John 6, which is translated as "chew" or "gnaw" rather than "eat". It refers to the act of consuming the Eucharist during Communion. The use of "trogon" in this context suggests a deeper reverence and respect for the sacred ritual.
In biology and ornithology, "trogon" refers to a family of birds known as Trogonidae, which includes numerous non-passerine tropical birds with brilliant and often iridescent plumage. These birds are found in tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa, and Asia. They are known for their colourful feathers, unique toe arrangement, and nesting habits of gnawing holes in trees. The family Trogonidae is further divided into three subfamilies: Aplodermatinae (African), Harpactinae (Asian), and Neotropical Trogoninae (New World).
Additionally, "trogon" can also refer to a verb form in the Greek language, where it is used as the present participle of the verb "to eat". In this context, "trogon" signifies the act of eating or consuming something.
Overall, the meaning of "trogon" varies depending on the context in which it is used. It holds religious significance in Catholicism, represents a diverse family of colourful birds in biology, and serves as a verb form in the Greek language.
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'Trogon' vs 'Phagete'
In the context of Catholicism, "trogon" is a Greek word used by Jesus in John 6, which is translated as "chew" or "gnaw" and is closer in meaning to "gnaw" than to "eat". This has been a point of discussion among Catholics, as some argue that communion should be taken on the tongue to show reverence to God, while others believe that receiving communion in the hand is still valid.
On the other hand, "phagete" or "phage" is the aorist form of "to eat" in classical Greek. In later Greek, the present form "esthio" was replaced by "trogon". So, "phagete" refers to normal eating, while "trogon" suggests a more intense action of chewing or gnawing.
In the specific context of John 6:53-54, some commentators suggest that there is a progression from "phagete" to "trogon", indicating a deeper meaning beyond just eating. However, others argue that the difference between the two words may not be significant, and that making too much of this progression may be misguided.
In summary, "trogon" and "phagete" are both related to eating, but they represent different nuances of the action. "Trogon" implies a more intense or focused action of chewing or gnawing, while "phagete" refers to normal eating. In the Catholic discussion of communion practices, "trogon" is used to emphasize the reverence and respect for the Eucharist, while "phagete" may represent a more general act of consuming the sacrament.
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Communion on the tongue
While some Catholics have adopted the practice of receiving Communion in the hand, this is an exception to the universal norm. The Holy See has granted an indult, or special permission, for this practice in certain countries, including the United States. However, there is no Church law that forbids receiving Communion on the tongue, and it is the right of the faithful to receive Communion in this manner if they so choose.
To receive Communion on the tongue, one typically stands before the minister with reverence and humility. The priest or minister will say "The Body of Christ", to which the recipient responds Amen. The recipient then tilts their head slightly back, opens their mouth wide, and extends their tongue to receive the Sacred Host. It is important to open the mouth wide and extend the tongue sufficiently to allow the minister to place the host safely.
In some cases, such as during the COVID outbreak, priests may encourage communicants to receive Communion in the hand to reduce the risk of disease transmission. However, there is no scientific evidence that receiving Communion on the tongue increases the risk of disease transmission. Ultimately, the decision of how to receive Communion is left to the discretion of each communicant, and both methods should be taught and respected.
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The apostles and the Last Supper
The Last Supper refers to the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles, as described in all four canonical gospels. The event is also referred to as the "Mystical Supper" or "Secret Supper" in Eastern Orthodox and Russian Orthodox traditions, respectively. The term "Last Supper" does not appear in the New Testament, but it is traditionally used by Christians to refer to this event.
The narrative shared in all four gospels is that after Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem, he shared a meal with his disciples towards the end of the week. This meal, which took place during Passover, later became known as the Last Supper. After the meal, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified.
The key events during the Last Supper include the preparation of the disciples for Jesus' departure, predictions of his impending betrayal, and the foretelling of Peter's denial of Jesus. Jesus predicted that one of the apostles present would betray him, and despite each apostle's assertion that they would not, he reiterated that the betrayer would be one of those present.
The Last Supper has been a popular subject for artists throughout history, with one of the most famous depictions being Leonardo da Vinci's mural painting, "The Last Supper." Da Vinci's masterpiece, housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy, captures the moment after Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him. The painting is renowned for its mastery of perspective, treatment of motion, and complex display of human emotion.
The apostles present at the Last Supper, as depicted in da Vinci's painting, include Bartholomew, James the Lesser, Andrew, Peter, Judas Iscariot, John, Thomas, James the Greater, Philip, Matthew, Jude, and Simon. Each apostle is portrayed with a unique expression, illustrating a range of emotions in response to Jesus' announcement of his betrayal.
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The Church's preference for Communion
The Greek word "trogon" is used by Jesus in John 6 and is understood to mean "chew" or "gnaw", rather than simply "eat". This has been a point of discussion among Catholics, as the traditional method of receiving Communion in the Catholic Church is on the tongue, without chewing.
Some Catholics have questioned this tradition, citing the use of "trogon" in the Bible and arguing that receiving Communion on the tongue does not allow for chewing or gnawing. However, others have pointed out that the apostles did not take Communion on the tongue at the Last Supper, and that the use of "trogon" may be more about the act of receiving Communion rather than the specific way it is ingested.
While the Church allows for Communion to be received in the hand, the preference for Communion on the tongue is a long-standing tradition that is rooted in practical concerns and a deep respect for the Eucharist. This physical act of devotion is an important part of Catholic worship and is seen as a way to receive Communion with the proper reverence and focus.
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Frequently asked questions
The Greek word 'trogon' is used by Jesus in John 6 and is closer in meaning to "chew" or "gnaw" than "eat".
"Phagete" is the aorist, whereas "trogon" is the present participle.
'Trogon' is significant in discussions of how to take communion. Some Catholics believe that 'trogon' implies that the Eucharist should be chewed or gnawed, rather than swallowed whole.




















