In Orthodox Christianity, we experience God's presence and grace through sacred actions we call the Holy Mysteries or Sacraments. These are not mere symbols or remembrances, but real encounters with the living God who transforms our lives through His divine love.

 

The term "Holy Mysteries" comes from Christ Himself, who told His disciples that "to you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God" (Mark 4:11). These mysteries are ways that God reveals Himself to us and shares His divine life with us.

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Through God's grace, physical elements like water, oil, bread, and wine become vessels through which we receive spiritual grace and healing. This reflects our Orthodox understanding that God is "everywhere present and filling all thing," that He sanctifies all of creation.

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The Seven Major Mysteries

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While Orthodox tradition recognizes many sacred actions as mystical encounters with God, there are seven major Mysteries that hold a special place in our spiritual life. Not every Orthodox Christian will participate in every Mystery, but each offers a unique way to participate in God's heavenly kingdom.

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Baptism

Our entrance into the life of Christ and His Church. Through triple immersion in blessed water, we die to our old life and are born again in Christ. During this sacred service, the priest leads the candidate (or for infants, their godparents) in renouncing evil and accepting Christ. The baptismal service includes beautiful prayers of exorcism and blessing, culminating in the threefold immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The white baptismal garment symbolizes the newly-illumined Christian's pure life in Christ.
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Chrismation

Immediately following baptism, we receive "the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit" through anointing with holy chrism (a specially blessed oil). The priest anoints the newly-baptized person's forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands, and feet with the sign of the cross, saying "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." This anointing echoes the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, empowering us for life in Christ's Church.
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Holy Communion

The very center of Orthodox life, where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the healing of soul and body. We prepare through prayer, fasting, and recent confession. The Divine Liturgy builds toward this profound moment of unity with Christ. The faithful approach with reverence, receive the Holy Gifts from a common spoon, and then take blessed bread (antidoron) to help consume the Holy Gifts completely.​​

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Confession

A healing mystery where we receive Christ's forgiveness through the witness of our Father-Confessor. The priest offers guidance as an aid for healing and growth in Christ. Confession typically takes place in the church, with the penitent kneeling before an icon of Christ while the priest listens and offers counsel. The beautiful prayer of absolution declares God's forgiveness and restoration of our relationship with Him and His Church.

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Learn More About Confession from Fr. Tom →

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Marriage

A man and woman are united in Christ, their love becoming an icon of Christ's love for the Church. The Orthodox wedding service (crowning) is filled with profound symbolism: the joining of right hands, sharing a common cup, and the ceremonial walk symbolizing the couple's first steps together in Christ. The crowns represent both the honor of marriage and the crown of martyrdom, as spouses learn to sacrifice for one another in love.

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Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons for service in Christ's Church. Each order has distinct roles: deacons assist in worship and service, priests lead parishes and celebrate the Mysteries, and bishops maintain church unity and ordain clergy. The laying on of hands (ordination) takes place during the Divine Liturgy, showing how the clergy's service is intrinsically connected to the Eucharistic community.

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Holy Unction

Healing of soul and body through anointing with blessed oil. This Mystery is celebrated corporately during Holy Week and privately for those who are ill. Seven priests traditionally participate in the full service, reading seven Epistles, seven Gospels, and seven prayers, though it may be served by fewer clergy. The faithful are anointed on the forehead, cheeks, chin, hands, and often other parts of the body, asking for Christ's healing grace.

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Preparing for the Sacraments

Each Mystery requires proper preparation of heart and mind. Some, like Marriage and Baptism, involve extensive preparation and education. Others, like Communion and Confession, are regular parts of Orthodox spiritual life requiring ongoing preparation.

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For regular participation in Holy Communion, we typically:

• Fast from midnight before receiving (or at minimum 6 hours)

• Read pre-communion prayers

• Attend Vespers when possible

• Maintain a regular cycle of confession

• Prepare our hearts by releasing rancor, bitterness, or anger and seeking forgiveness from our brothers and sisters when appropriate.

 

For once-in-a-lifetime Sacraments like adult baptism and chrismation or marriage, additional preparation will be necessary. Education about the mystery, consultation with your spiritual Father, and confession when appropriate are likely to be required.

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Next Steps

​To contact Fr. Tom about participation in Sacrament, please email him directly.