The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
78 writings in The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments). Clear
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What are the Holy Mysteries?
The Holy Mysteries are sacred actions through which Christ gives you real grace and union with God. They’re not symbols. They’re not reminders. They’re actual…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why do Orthodox call sacraments ‘mysteries’?
We call them mysteries because that’s what they are. The Greek word is mysterion , and it means something hidden that God reveals, not a…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
How many sacraments are there in Orthodoxy?
We usually say seven. But we’ve never made that number official. This surprises people coming from Catholic backgrounds, where the seven sacraments are precisely defined.…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is Baptism?
Baptism is your death and resurrection. It’s the moment you’re plunged into water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and you…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why do Orthodox baptize by immersion?
We baptize by immersion because baptism is a death and a resurrection. You can’t really bury someone by sprinkling dirt on them. When St. Paul…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Can adults be baptized?
Yes. Adults can be baptized in the Orthodox Church, and they are all the time. If you weren’t baptized by immersion in the name of…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why do Orthodox baptize infants?
We baptize infants because baptism isn’t a personal decision, it’s being born into the Church. Just as you didn’t choose to be born into your…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is the Orthodox view of infant baptism?
We baptize infants. Always have. In the Orthodox Church, babies receive the full sacrament of baptism, triple immersion in water in the name of the…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What happens during an Orthodox baptism?
You die. Then you’re born again. That’s not metaphor. When we baptize someone in the Orthodox Church, we believe something real happens. The person goes…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is the exorcism before baptism?
The exorcism before baptism is a set of prayers the priest says over the person preparing to be baptized, asking God to drive out evil…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
Why is there oil in baptism?
We use oil in baptism because it strengthens you for spiritual battle and seals the Holy Spirit upon you. There are actually two different oils…
The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
What is Chrismation?
Chrismation is the mystery where you’re anointed with holy oil and receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. It happens right after baptism, completing your…
