SACRAMENTS

In Orthodox Christianity, we encounter God's presence and grace through the Holy Mysteries, or Sacraments. These are not mere symbols or remembrances. They are real encounters with the living God, who transforms us through them. 

 

The Orthodox use of the term "Mystery" comes from the New Testament. Christ tells His disciples, "to you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God" (Mark 4:11), and the Apostles speak of themselves as stewards of "the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). ​

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The Mysteries are means God uses to share His divine life with us.  Through His grace, physical elements like water, oil, bread, and wine become vessels for communion and spiritual healing. This reflects our Orthodox understanding that God is "everywhere present and filling all things," and that He sanctifies all of creation.

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The Church has traditionally numbered seven Holy Mysteries: Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Holy Unction. These are not the only ways God's grace reaches us; Orthodox Christians have always understood that grace permeates the whole of life, in the blessing of homes and harvests, in the lighting of a candle, in every prayer offered in faith. But these seven Mysteries hold a particular place in the life of the Church, marking moments where Christ makes the invisible more accessible for His people.