The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church
One of the most cherished prayers in the Orthodox Church speaks of the Spirit of God as "present in all places and filling all things." This powerful statement captures the heart of Orthodox theology: God is not distant or detached from His creation. Instead, He is deeply present, active, and involved in our lives and the world around us. While we cannot see Him with our eyes, we believe that through the risen Christ and the Holy Spirit, God is near to us, drawing us into His life and revealing Himself in all of creation. In the Orthodox understanding, everything—from the beauty of nature to the simplest moments of our daily life—points to God and reveals His glory.
In the Orthodox Church, there are specific moments in the life of the Church community where the presence and action of God become especially tangible. These moments are what we call Sacraments. Often referred to as Mysteries, this term highlights the deep and mysterious ways in which God reveals Himself through sacred actions. The Sacraments are not just rituals; they are powerful means through which God discloses His presence and invites us to partake in His divine life.
The Sacraments: Making Us Receptive to God
The Sacraments do more than reveal God; they also make us receptive to Him. Through them, we are invited into a deeper relationship with God and with each other. The Holy Spirit works through these sacred actions to unite us with Christ and draw us into the life of the Father. By participating in the Sacraments, we grow closer to God, receive the gifts of the Spirit, and are gradually transformed. This process of transformation is called theosis, or deification—the calling to become more like God, sharing in His divine nature. Importantly, this journey is not taken alone but within the context of the Church community. The Sacraments are not individualistic; they are communal, binding us together as one Body in Christ.
The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church are rich with meaning and tradition. They involve a variety of elements—prayers, hymns, Scripture, gestures, and processions—that draw on the fullness of the Church’s history, many of which date back to the time of the Apostles. The Orthodox Church does not reduce the Sacraments to simple formulas or rituals; rather, they are multifaceted, with many acts woven together to form the whole. Most importantly, the Sacraments involve the use of material elements—such as water, oil, bread, and wine—which serve as visible signs of God's presence and grace. This reminds us that matter is not merely "physical" or "secular"; it can be made holy and become a medium for the Spirit. Through the Sacraments, we affirm the central truth of the Christian faith: that God took on flesh in Jesus Christ, entered His creation, and through Christ, He is redeeming all of creation.
The Eucharist: The Heart of Orthodox Worship
The Eucharist, also known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience in the Orthodox Church. Sometimes called the "Sacrament of Sacraments," it is the Church’s celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, offered every Sunday and on major feast days. It is the focal point of the Church’s life and worship. All the other Sacraments find their meaning in relation to the Eucharist, and they all flow from it. The previous pamphlet in this series provided an in-depth exploration of the meaning and celebration of the Eucharist in the Orthodox tradition.
Baptism: New Life in Christ
The Sacrament of Baptism is the entry point into the life of the Church and the Body of Christ. It is through Baptism that we are introduced into the life of the Holy Trinity. Water, a natural symbol of cleansing, is used in the Orthodox Church to represent the newness of life that comes with being born again in Christ. Baptism, by immersion three times in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, symbolizes the death to sin and the rebirth to new life in Christ. It is a public identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Following the ancient practice of the early Church, Orthodox Christianity encourages the baptism of infants, believing that the sacrament testifies to God's choice of the child to be a member of His covenant community. Baptism is not a mere ritual, but a powerful act of God's grace.
Chrismation: The Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Sacrament of Chrismation (or Confirmation) follows Baptism and is never delayed. It is the moment when the newly baptized person is sealed with the Holy Spirit. Chrismation is often referred to as a "personal Pentecost," as it imparts the Holy Spirit in a special way, just as the Spirit descended on the Apostles at Pentecost. During this sacrament, the priest anoints various parts of the body with holy oil, saying, "The seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit." The oil signifies strength, consecration, and sanctification. This anointing reminds us that each person is not only a valued member of the Church but also receives spiritual gifts to serve God and others. Chrismation is a clear expression of God's active presence in the believer's life.
Confession: Restoration and Healing
Sin distorts our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. The Sacrament of Confession offers a way to heal those broken relationships and restore the love and peace of God. In the Orthodox Church, Confession is a sacrament through which we experience forgiveness and reconciliation. While the confession itself is made to God, the priest serves as a witness of God’s grace and forgiveness. The priest is not a judge but a physician of souls, guiding the penitent back to spiritual health. The Orthodox Church encourages regular confession, as it is essential for spiritual growth and preparation for the Eucharist, especially in the case of serious sin.
Marriage: A Divine Calling
Marriage, in the Orthodox Church, is not just a social contract or legal agreement. It is a Sacrament that reflects the eternal covenant of love between Christ and His Church. In the Sacrament of Marriage, a man and a woman are united before God, entering into a relationship that is meant to lead both partners closer to God. After exchanging rings and vows, the couple is crowned with "crowns of glory and honor," symbolizing the establishment of a new family under God. The couple also shares a cup of wine, echoing the wedding at Cana, and symbolizing the sharing of joy, love, and burdens in their new life together.
Holy Orders: A Call to Serve
Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the Church preserves its continuity and ministry. Men who are called by God and chosen by the Church are ordained to serve in the roles of bishops, priests, and deacons. These ordained ministers are not simply functionaries; they are representatives of Christ among His people, called to teach, shepherd, and lead the Church in worship. There are three primary orders in the Church: Bishops, who serve as successors to the Apostles; Priests, who minister to the local communities; and Deacons, who assist the priests. Each order has unique responsibilities, and the laying on of hands by the bishop, through the power of the Holy Spirit, ordains them to this sacred service.
Anointing of the Sick: God's Healing Presence
When we are sick, in pain, or facing the trials of life, we can often feel isolated and alone. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, also known as Holy Unction, is a reminder that Christ is present with us in our suffering. He is near to offer strength, healing, and comfort. In this sacrament, the priest anoints the sick with holy oil, praying for healing of body, mind, and spirit. Though traditionally associated with those near death, this sacrament is available to anyone who is sick or suffering, providing a tangible experience of God's care.
Other Blessings and Special Services
While the seven Sacraments described above are the foundation of Orthodox life, the Church also offers many other blessings and special services throughout the year. These services reflect the Church’s deep care for its members and her desire to be present with them throughout all the stages of life.
