The sacramental life of the Church
Through the Holy Mysteries, Christ shares His divine grace with us and draws us into the life of His Church.
Grace made present
In the Orthodox Church, the Sacraments are commonly called the Holy Mysteries. They are sacred actions in which the visible and material become means of God’s invisible grace.
Orthodox Christians traditionally speak of seven principal Mysteries. Yet the whole life of the Church is sacramental: in worship, prayer and blessing, God continually meets His people and sanctifies His creation.
Through Baptism, a person is united with Christ, cleansed from sin and born into the life of the Church. The candidate is immersed three times in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, sharing symbolically and truly in Christ’s death and Resurrection.
Learn More About BaptismImmediately following Baptism, the newly baptized is anointed with Holy Chrism and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. Chrismation is a personal Pentecost that strengthens each Christian to grow in faith and bear witness to Christ.
Learn More About BaptismIn Holy Communion, Orthodox Christians receive the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under the forms of bread and wine. The Eucharist unites the faithful with Christ and with one another and stands at the heart of the Divine Liturgy.
Through repentance and confession, we honestly acknowledge our sins before God in the presence of a priest. Christ offers forgiveness, spiritual healing and strength to begin again. The priest serves as a witness and spiritual guide.
Learn More About ConfessionIn Holy Matrimony, a man and a woman are united and crowned to share a life of faithfulness, love and service in Christ. Their marriage becomes a path of salvation as they grow together in holiness and, when blessed with children, nurture them in the faith.
Learn More About MarriageThrough ordination, bishops, priests and deacons are set apart for service to Christ and His Church. By prayer and the laying on of hands, they receive grace to preach the Gospel, celebrate the Church’s worship and care for God’s people according to their ministry.
In Holy Unction, the faithful are anointed with blessed oil for the healing of soul and body and for the forgiveness of sins. It is offered to those suffering from physical or spiritual illness and is celebrated especially for the whole community during Holy Week.
A life in Christ
The Holy Mysteries are not merely ceremonies marking important moments. They invite us into an ongoing life of repentance, communion, healing and service within the Body of Christ.
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