The Christian Eucharist and Oriko: A Study in Conflict Resolution

On the Cross, Jesus Christ assumed the consequences of human violence - death. His resurrection restored fallen humanity to life in God. Love triumphed over violence and death. Evidently, meal sharing is central to the celebration of Oriko, Passover and the Eucharist. There is however a fundamental difference in all these since they do not belong to the same tradition and essence. The Oriko is a cultural meal among the Igbos. It helps Christians of Igbo origin to appreciate the mystery and reconciliatory power of the Eucharist. The Eucharist on the other hand, has a natural cultural root with the Passover and involves a meal in which eating is symbolic and sacramental.