The Sacraments

One of the best-loved prayers of the Orthodox Church speaks of the Spirit of God as "present in all places and filling all things." There are moments in the life of the Church when the perception of God's presence is heightened and celebrated — we call these the Sacraments, or Mysteries. Through them the Holy Spirit draws us closer to Christ, who unites us with the Father — a lifelong journey of growth in God that Orthodoxy calls theosis, or deification.

The Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist — the Divine Liturgy — is the central and most important worship of the Church, the "Sacrament of Sacraments." Every other Sacrament leads toward and flows from it.

Baptism & Chrismation

Baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ; through three-fold immersion in the Name of the Holy Trinity we die to sin and are born to new life. Chrismation immediately follows, sealing the newly baptized with the gift of the Holy Spirit — a personal Pentecost. Following the ancient practice of the Church, Orthodoxy baptizes and chrismates infants.

Confession

In Confession, our sins are forgiven and our relationship with God and neighbor restored. The priest is not a judge but a physician and guide — a witness who represents both Christ and His people.

Marriage

In the Sacrament of Marriage, a man and a woman are joined and crowned with "crowns of glory and honor," establishing a new family under God — an eternal vocation in which each helps the other grow closer to Christ.

Holy Orders

Through Holy Orders, men chosen from within the Church are set apart by the bishop for the ministry of bishop, priest, or deacon — each a living icon of Christ among His people.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick (Holy Unction) reminds us that in every pain — of body, mind, or spirit — Christ is present through His Church to offer healing and strength. It is offered to all, and celebrated for the whole parish on Holy Wednesday.