How Does the Orthodox Church View the Sacraments?
Sacrament literally means, a “mystery.” 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 these seven – the entire life of the Church is mystical and sacramental. The sacraments were instituted by Christ Himself (John 1:16, 17). The seven mysteries, their scriptural origin, and a brief description of each, follows. Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27): (from Greek baptizo, “to be plunged”) The sacrament whereby one is born again, buried with Christ, resurrected with Him and united with Him. In baptism, one becomes a Christian and is joined to the Church. In Christ’s baptism, water was set apart unto God as the means by which the Holy Spirit would bring to us new life and entrance into the heavenly Kingdom. Chrismation (Acts 8:15-17; 1 John 2:27): The sacrament completing baptism, whereby one receives the gift of the Holy Spirit through anointing with t
