Sacraments Overview

“A sacrament is a way in which God imparts grace to His people. Orthodox Christians frequently speak of seven sacraments, but God’s gift of Grace is not limited only to those seven- the entire life of the Church is mystical and sacramental. The sacraments were instituted by Christ Jesus Himself (Jn 1:16,17)."

The Seven Mysteries are:

  • Baptism (Mt 28:18-20; Rom 6:4; Gal 3:27)
  • Chrismation (Acts 8:15-17; 1Jn 2:27)
  • The Eucharist (Mt 26:26-28; Jn 6:30-58; 1 Co 10:16; 11:23-31)
  • Confession (Jn 20:22,23; 1Jn 1:8,9)
  • Ordination (Priesthood) (Mk 3:14; Acts 1:15-26; 6:1-6; 1Ti 3:1-13; 4:14)
  • Marriage (Gn 2:18-25; Eph 5:22-33)
  • Unction of the Sick (Lk 9:1-6; Jam 5:14,15).

Quotation from The Orthodox Study Bible, p.1786, St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology