The sacraments are sacred acts through which God imparts His grace to us within the Church, using elements of the material world. In these mysteries, God unites the physical with the divine, allowing us to receive grace that we could not attain on our own. The Syriac word for “mystery,” rozo, describes both the hidden and revealed aspects of God’s plan. In Scripture, “mystery” refers to truths once concealed but now made known in Christ. Even as these truths are revealed, their full depth remains beyond human understanding, accessible only through faith.
From the earliest days, Christian life has centered on the sacraments - encounters with Christ that bring the grace of the Kingdom into our lives. Through thes e mysteries, God’s saving work continues in the Church, transforming and sanctifying the faithful. The Orthodox Church recognizes seven principal sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Priesthood. These are rooted in Christ’s words and actions and are a continuation of His ministry.
Baptism
Baptism is the foundational sacrament, marking the beginning of Christian life. Through baptism, we receive the benefits of Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection. The baptismal font is both a tomb and a womb: we die to sin and are born anew in Christ. Baptism unites us with Christ and with His Church, integrating us into the community of faith. It is the gateway to a life of continual transformation, prayer, and participation in the Eucharist.
The Rite of Baptism:
Begins with prayers for the catechumen, exorcisms, and renunciation of evil, acceptance of Christ, and the Nicene Creed.
The candidate is anointed with oil, symbolizing healing and readiness for spiritual struggle.
- Baptism is performed by triple immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The newly baptized is clothed in white, symbolizing new life and purity.
- Immediately after, the sacrament of Chrismation is administered.
Chrismation (Confirmation)
Chrismation, or Confirmation, is closely linked to Baptism. It fulfils Baptism by bestowing the Holy Spirit, marking the believer as belonging to Christ and His Church. The anointing with Holy Chrism (Myron) signifies the seal of the Spirit and the fullness of sacramental grace. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation, used to receive those coming from other Christian traditions into the Orthodox Church.
Biblical Reference
“ Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
Confession (Repentance)
Confession is the sacrament of healing and reconciliation. Through repentance and confession before a priest, the faithful receive forgiveness and restoration.
Quotations
“Did you commit sin? Enter the Church and repent for your sin; for here is the physician, not the judge; here one is not investigated, one receives remission of sins. ” — St. John Chrysostom. God’s mercy is limitless for those who repent. True confession requires sincere contrition, acknowledgement of sins, and a commitment to change.
Holy Eucharist (Divine Liturgy)
The Eucharist is the central sacrament of the Church, the source and summit of Christian life. In the Divine Liturgy, the Church becomes the Body of Christ, united with Him in the most perfect way. 
Quotations
“By dispensation of His grace, He [Christ] disseminates Himself in every believer through that flesh whose substance comes from bread and wine, blending Himself with the bodies of believers, to secure that, by this union with the Immortal, man too may be a sharer in incorruption.”
Biblical Reference: “The Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, the flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father in His graciousness raised from the dead.” - Ignatius of Antioch. The Eucharist was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper and is celebrated as a memorial and participation in His redemptive work.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament brings healing and forgiveness to those who are ill.
Biblical Reference
“Is there any sick man among you? Let him send for the elders of the Church and let them pray over him. The prayer offered in faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him from his bed, and he will be forgiven any sins he has committed.” (James 5:14 - 15). The anointing symbolizes God’s ultimate pardon and healing, both physical and spiritual.
Priesthood (Holy Orders)
The sacrament of Priesthood continues Christ’s ministry in the Church through bishops, priests, and deacons. Ordained ministers are set apart to serve, teach, and shepherd the people of God, and to celebrate the sacraments.
The Rite of Ordination
Bishops are ordained by other bishops, signifying apostolic succession.
Priests and deacons are ordained by the bishop.
The laying on of hands and prayers are central to the rite.
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. It is the foundation of family and society, intended to show sacrificial love and unity.
Biblical References
“Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 )
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church.” (Ephesians 5:25)
“For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31)
Marriage calls for mutual love, respect, and lifelong commitment, mirroring the love within the Holy Trinity.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament brings healing and forgiveness to those who are ill.
Biblical Reference: “Is there any sick man among you? Let him send for the elders of the Church and let them pray over him. The prayer offered in faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him from his bed, and he will be forgiven any sins he has committed.” (James 5:14-15). The anointing symbolizes God’s ultimate pardon and healing, both physical and spiritual.