The following is a general guideline for approaching the chalice. Bear in mind that small customs change from parish to parish but this is the historic practice of the Russian Church.It is appropriate for those that are able to come venerate the parish icons (at least the center festal icon) during the communion of the clergy. After venerating we should then make a bow to the congregation standing on the south and north side of the temple asking quietly for forgiveness. The idea behind this is that we are making peace with things Heavenly and Earthly before communing. However, when the Holy Chalice is brought forth from the Altar, the veneration of icons should stop as the Lord is present in front of us in His Precious Body and Blood.
When the Gates are being opened and the deacon or priest exclaims “With Faith and the fear of God draw near” we must make the sign of the Cross and bow before the Gifts (from the waist on Sundays). We then fold our forearms on the chest, the right arm forming a cross over the left one. When receiving Communion and walking away from the Chalice we should keep the arms in that position.
The people serving at the altar are the first to partake, then children, the elderly, and then all the rest of the parish (in some places Men then Women). In any matter, we must give way to other people and by no means push each other aside.
Women must wipe lipstick off of their lips (better to not wear it at all).
Having approached the Chalice one must pronounce his or her name loudly and distinctly. We must accept the Gifts by opening the mouth wide and then closing our it on the spoon. The Deacon or Altar server will clean your lips for you. Chew the gifts (if needed) and swallow immediately and then in our parish we kiss the Chalice as it symbolizes the Lord’s rib.
We must not touch the Chalice with our hands or kiss the priest’s hand at this point.
We must not make the sign of the Cross near the Chalice! When you are lifting your hand to make the sign of the Cross, you may hit the chalice and spill the Sacred Gifts.
Having withdrawn towards the little table we should eat antidoron (blessed bread) and drink the blessed wine assuring we have rinsed out our mouth fully.