Holy Mysteria

orth — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:41:41 +0000

We recognize seven Holy Mysteria: Baptism, Chrismation (or Confirmation), Holy Eucharist, Confession, Ordination, Marriage and Holy Unction. Baptism is the door through which one enters into the Church. Confirmation is the completion of Baptism with the seal of the Holy Spirit. In the Holy Eucharist, in the species of bread and wine we partake of the very Body and the very Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins and eternal life. Both the New Testament and Sacred Tradition bear witness to the real Presence of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. In Holy Confession & Absolution, our Jesus Christ, through the instrument of the confessor, forgives the sins committed after Baptism by the person who confesses his or her sins and sincerely repents of them. In Holy Ordination, through prayer and the laying-on of hands by a bishop, Divine grace comes down on the ordained enabling him to be a worthy minister of the Church. Apostolic succession is fundamental to the Church. Without it there can be no continuity of the Church. In Holy Matrimony, divine grace sanctifies the union of husband and wife. In Holy Unction, the sick person is anointed with sanctified oil; and divine grace heals his bodily and spiritual ills.

Orthodox Theology » church

Holy Mysteria