Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
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EssentialHoly Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy Eucharist (Communion)The central Mystery: bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ through the Epiclesis (invocation of the Holy Spirit). Not merely symbolic: a real, mystical change. Communicants receive both Body and Blood together from a spoon. Preparation includes fasting, prayer, and confession.EssentialHoly Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy BaptismThe Mystery of initiation into the Church through triple immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Death and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism forgives all previous sins and unites the person to the Body of Christ. Orthodoxy practices infant baptism, followed by Chrismation and first Communion.ImportantHoly Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy Chrismation (Confirmation)Anointing with Holy Chrism (Myron) immediately after Baptism. The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Anointed on forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands, and feet with the words 'The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Corresponds to Pentecost in the personal life of the Christian.ImportantHoly Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy Confession (Repentance)The Mystery of the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism. The penitent confesses before God in the presence of a priest who serves as a witness and spiritual physician. The priest reads the prayer of absolution. Confession is therapeutic: a healing of the soul, not a courtroom judgment.ImportantHoly Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy Matrimony (Marriage)The crowning of a man and woman in a lifelong union blessed by God. The ceremony centers on the Crowning: the bride and groom wear crowns symbolizing their domestic kingdom and martyrdom of self-denial. Marriage is an icon of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32). Orthodoxy permits up to three marriages with increasing penitential character.ImportantHoly Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy Orders (Ordination)The Mystery by which men are ordained to the clergy: deacon, priest, or bishop. Ordination occurs during the Divine Liturgy through the laying on of hands (cheirotonia) by a bishop. The Apostolic Succession, unbroken chain of ordination from the Apostles, is essential to valid ministry.Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick)The anointing of the sick with blessed oil for healing of body and soul, and forgiveness of sins. Ideally performed by seven priests (practically, fewer). Also served communally on Holy Wednesday for all the faithful as preparation for Pascha.