The love-feast, or agape
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Jude 1:12; 1 Cor. 11:20–27) — a common table or meal, in the early Church, prepared from the voluntary offerings of the believers. It was usually held after the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist. The food for the love-feast was consecrated beforehand during the divine service. It usually consisted of vegetables, fish, meat, and flour dishes; wine, too, was not excluded from the offerings. The love-feast usually began with prayer and the washing of hands; during it psalms and other sacred songs were sung, passages from Holy Scripture were read and explained; and at its conclusion a monetary collection was taken for the poor, widows, orphans, and other unfortunates.
Everything concluded with prayer and a brotherly kiss. It should be noted that open sinners and those undergoing public penance, as well as catechumens, were not admitted to participate in the love-feast. Love-feasts, at least in the beginning, were very widespread, especially in Jerusalem, Troas, Corinth, and elsewhere.