In the Orthodox Church, the Christian life is lived through the Holy Mysteries, also called Sacraments. These are not symbolic gestures, but the concrete ways in which God gives His grace to His people. Through them, Christ continues His saving work in the world - cleansing, sanctifying, and uniting the faithful to Himself and to His Body, the Church.
Each Mystery is an act of God performed within the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through these that we are born again, strengthened, forgiven, healed, and set apart for service. The Sacraments are therefore not optional or cultural traditions; they are essential encounters with Christ, Who remains present and active in His Church until the end of the age.
"As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ"
- Galatians 3:27
That is not poetry, it is reality.
What Is a Sacrament (Holy Mystery)?
A Sacrament, or Holy Mystery, is the means by which God works directly in the life of the believer. Through visible signs (such as water, oil, bread, wine, and the laying on of hands) the invisible grace of the Holy Spirit is given. These Mysteries are not human ceremonies, but the continuation of Christ's own saving work within His Body, the Church.
In every Mystery, it is Christ Himself who acts. The priest is only the servant through whom this grace is offered. What is seen outwardly belongs to the Church on earth; what is accomplished inwardly is the work of God.
"Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
- John 3:5
"This is My Body… This is My Blood."
- Matthew 26:26–28
The Church often names seven Sacraments, not because grace is limited to a number, but because these seven are the great pillars of our life in Christ.
Why Some Churches Have Fewer or Understand Them Differently
Orthodox Christians speak of Sacraments as Mysteries: real encounters with Christ, not merely symbols. After the Reformation, many communities kept only Baptism and the Lord's Supper, treating the rest as rites or ordinances. The Roman Catholic Church also names seven, though our theological expressions and liturgical life differ in places.
We do not make these comparisons to argue, but to be clear: Orthodox life is sacramental from beginning to end: from Baptism to the last prayers at the bedside.
Why the Sacraments Matter
- They unite us to Christ and to His Church.
(Romans 6:3–4) - They feed us with divine life and forgiveness.
(John 6:53–56; John 20:22–23) - They heal our wounds and strengthen us for the struggle.
(James 5:14–15) - They order the Church and send servants to the altar.
(1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)
The Mysteries require faith, repentance, and obedience; they are not magic. We prepare, we receive with reverence, and we live accordingly.
The Seven Sacraments and What They Mean
Baptism - Birth into Christ and His Church
The washing of new life: dying and rising with Christ, adoption by the Father, entrance into the Church.
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
- Romans 6:3-4 KJV
Chrismation - Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Immediately after Baptism (or on reception of a convert previously baptized), the priest anoints with Holy Chrism: the Spirit's seal and gifts.
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 2:38 KJV
Holy Communion - Food of Immortal Life
The Body and Blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and union with Him.
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 KJV
Confession - Forgiveness and Healing
Confessing sins before God in the presence of the priest, receiving absolution by the grace Christ gave His apostles
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
- John 1:9 KJV
Anointing of the Sick (Holy Unction) - Healing of Soul and Body
Anointing with blessed oil for those in illness or heavy weakness, calling on the mercy of God.
"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
- James 5:14-15 KJV
Marriage (Holy Matrimony) - A Crowned Union in Christ
A man and a woman are joined and crowned for a life of fidelity and salvation.
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
- Ephesians 5:31–32 KJV
Ordination - Service at the Altar
Through the bishop’s laying on of hands, the Church ordains Deacons, Priests, and Bishops for service.
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
- 1 Timothy 4:14 KJV
Frequently Asked
Can I take Communion if I am not Orthodox?
No. Even if other denominations tell you so. Communion presumes unity of faith and life in the Orthodox Church.
Do infants receive Communion?
Yes, after Baptism and Chrismation.
How often should I confess?
Regularly. Ask your priest. Serious sins or long gaps require confession before Communion.
What if I am sick and cannot come to church?
Call your priest; he can bring the Mysteries to you.
I was baptized elsewhere. What now?
Speak to your priest. Reception into Orthodoxy is guided case by case (economy) by the bishop.
Conclusion
Life in Christ is Sacramental. The Mysteries are Christ at work: raising us in Baptism, sealing us with the Spirit, feeding us with His own Life, forgiving, healing, crowning, and sending.
We do not come as consumers but as repentant sons and daughters. Walk the simple path - speak to your priest, prepare with humility, and receive what God gives.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good"
- Psalm 33[34]:8 LXX
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