Utraquism (from theLatinsub utraque specie, meaning "under both kinds"), also calledCalixtinism (fromchalice;Latin:calix, borrowed from Greekkalyx, "shell, husk";Czech:kališníci), was a belief amongstHussites, a reformistChristian movement based on theCzech lands, thatcommunion under both kinds (both the consecrated host and the precious blood, as opposed to the consecrated host alone) should be administered to thelaity during the celebration of theEucharist.[1] Communion in both kinds was a principal dogma of the Hussites and one of theFour Articles of Prague.[2]
After the Hussite movement split into various factions early in theHussite Wars, Hussites that emphasized the laity's right to communion under both kinds became known as Moderate Hussites, Utraquist Hussites, or simply Utraquists. The Utraquists were the largest Hussite faction.
Utraquism was aChristian dogma first proposed byJacob of Mies, professor of philosophy at theUniversity of Prague, in 1414.[2] It maintained that theEucharist should be administered "under both kinds"[1] – as bothsacred host andprecious blood – to all the congregation, including thelaity. The practice amongRoman Catholics at the time was for only the priests to partake of the consecrated wine, the Precious Blood.[2]
Jacob taught that communion should be provided and taken under both kinds, which as a precept of Christ could not be changed by the church. Only those who received the utraquist (both kinds) communion belong to the church of Christ.[3]: 51 There is disagreement in sources about whether he, or early Utraquists, taught this was necessary for salvation[4]: 180 (as claimed by Catholic detractors such as Andrew of Brod), or necessary to receive the salvific effect of the eucharist[4]: 174 or an obligation.[5]: 518
The 15th century Utraquists were a moderate faction of theHussites with strong respect for the sacrament and, generally, endorsedtransubstantiation and Catholicity[6] (in contrast to the more radicalTaborites,Orebites andOrphans who were closer to the beliefs ofJohn Wycliffe). They were also known as thePrague Party or the Calixtines – fromcalix, Latin for their "emblem", thechalice.[2]
The Utraquists eventually allied themselves with the Catholic forces (following theCouncil of Basel) and defeated the more radical Taborites and Orphans at theBattle of Lipany in 1434.[2] After that battle, nearly all forms of Hussite revival were Utraquist, as seen withGeorge of Poděbrady, who even managed to cause the town ofTábor, the famous Taborite stronghold, to convert to Utraquism.[7]
An agreement of mutual accommodation was agreed in 1485 between Catholics and Utraquists: thereligious peace of Kutná Hora ended the Hussite wars. Following the victory of allied Utraquist and Catholic forces in theHussite Wars, Utraquists constituted a majority of theBohemian lands.
In the 16th century much of the population then adopted the pre-Lutheran ProtestantUnity of the Brethren andLutheranism; the Utraquist Church remained strong in the cities.
TheBattle of White Mountain, in 1620, marked the end of theBohemian Revolt and, led to recatholization in theLands of the Bohemian Crown. In 1627, communion under both kinds was again not made available, until the eventualJosephinianPatent of Toleration in 1781.
In modern Catholic practice since theSecond Vatican Council, it is determined by each local bishop whethercommunion is available in one or both kinds in their diocese.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Hughes, Joseph (1915). "Utraquism". In Herbermann, Charles (ed.).Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Wood, James, ed. (1907). "Utraquists".The Nuttall Encyclopædia. London and New York: Frederick Warne.| 400–1100 AD |
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