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The Orthodox Church Sacraments...
The Orthodox Church Sacraments...
The Orthodox Church Sacraments...
e believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, Begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke by the Prophets; And we believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the Life of the age to come. Amen.
The Seven Great Mysteries or Sacraments of the Orthodox Church are: Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Marriage Holy Unction (Healing) Holy Orders
A Mystery in the Orthodox Church is an incomprehensible truth revealed by God. Orthodox believe these great gifts of Gods Mercy and Grace to be given to and administered through His Church. Grace is unmerited favor. None of us deserve the Grace of God, yet we approach these Great Mysteries or Sacraments in humble obedience in with fear of God, and faith and love, (we) draw near.
Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person is immersed 3 times for each of the Persons of the Trinity. Infants are baptized into the church with Sponsors or Godparents speaking on their behalf. Converting adults are also immersed. In baptism one identifies himself with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, becoming a new creation through Gods grace. This service is always followed by Chrismation. The Godparents continue to have a spiritual obligation to the child as he matures. In baptism, we are born again to newness of life. Chrismation: This is the anointing with Holy oil or Chrism. It always follows the baptismal service, but Orthodox priests may accept the baptisms of other denominations depending upon certain criteria. It is up to the priest and the bishop. When this occurs the Chrismation service is done without re-baptism. The priest marks parts of the body with the sign of the cross repeating the Seal of the Holy Spirit. In some traditions the church replies Seal! It is regarded as our personal Pentecost, since the person is Sealed the Holy Spirit and is welcomed into the Body of Christ His Church. Holy Eucharist: This is the Holy Body and Blood of Christ given to the faithful of the Orthodox church for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Each member must prepare himself for communion by having Peace and Faith in prayer and fasting. The Body and Blood mixed together with warm water signify the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The warmth reminds us of Living Sacrifice of Christ. It is served from a common challis with a spoon every Sunday. It is not unusual for members of other Orthodox Churches to take the Eucharist at other parishes besides their own, but all who partake must be baptized, practicing Orthodox Christians. Confession: Peace and Faith are at the core of the Orthodox teachings. Peace with God and man, along with faith are necessary. Confession is a great Mystery of the Church. As members come to their priest to repent of their sins and receive forgiveness, God gives them grace to become more like Him. Marriage: God gives grace to the union of man and woman. The service is unique to Orthodoxy. Both the man and the woman wear crowns upon their heads signifying that they are the king and queen of their own little kingdom, the home - domestic church, which they will rule with fear of God, wisdom, justice and integrity. The Eucharist is served to the couple. Holy Unction (Healing): In healing, the Church follows the procedure prescribed by the Apostle James: "Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sin, he will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15). Holy Unction is often thought as for the dying, yet instead, the dying are given Holy Communion. Holy Orders: Bishops, Priest (Presbyters) and Deacons are the Biblically founded ordained leaders of the Church. Both the New Testament and the Church Fathers recognize the Twelve as the first bishops or overseers in the Church. When Judas had fallen away and the disciples were considering his successor, Peter said, "Let another take his office" (Gr. Episkopen, lit. "Bishopric"; Acts 1:20). This bishopric was given to Matthias (Acts 1:26). The apostles - these first bishops - in turn ordained presbyters and deacons, building up the Church.
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