Translation of the article by Archpriest Sergiy Bulgakov "Spiritual Intercommunion"

In a letter addressed to Fr. Lev Gillet, the famous Russian theologian Archpriest Sergiy Bulgakov sums up the theological discussion that unfolded about his bold proposal for a “partial intercommunion” - Eucharistic communion of Anglicans and Orthodox, members of the Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius, and formulates the concept of “spiritual intercommunion”. The article has an important theological significance, since, on the one hand, it confirms that Bulgakov never considered the Eucharist a means of restoring church unity, but a visible sign of spiritual unity already achieved, and on the other hand, it shows how Bulgakov drew the line between “partial intercommunion” and “open intercommunion” practiced in Protestant churches when Christians of all denominations are invited to Eucharistic communion. In conclusion of the letter, Fr. Sergius points out the necessary and, in his opinion, sufficient conditions for the implementation of Eucharistic reunification with Roman Catholics and Anglicans. The translation from English into Russian is based on the publication: Fr. Sergius Bulgakov. Spiritual Intercommunion // Sobornost’. 1935. No. 4. P. 3-7. The numbered references are given by the translator in order to inform the reader of the content of the discussion. The reference * belongs to Fr. Sergius Bulgakov.