The Lovefeast has been a part of Christian worship since the apostolic era, when it was called an “Agape Meal,” a Greek word for love. Moravians revived this practice as a response to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
In the 18th century, Moravians, Reformed, Separatists, and other minority Protestant groups all lived together in the village of Herrnhut in Saxony (modern-day Germany) on the estate of Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf. On August 13th, 1727 members of the Herrnhut community gathered for worship during a time when divisions were causing quarreling and disunity. During that meeting, members confessed their sins to one another and received forgiveness. The movement of the Holy Spirit was so strong that members lingered long after the service had ending to pray and sing hymns with one another. The revival lasted so long into the evening, Count Zinzendorf called for food to be brought. To this day, Moravians commemorate this moment annually. And today, Moraivans continue this tradition by sharing a simple meal together on special occasions.