The holy mysteries or sacraments in the Orthodox Church are vessels of the mystical participation in divine grace of mankind. In a general sense, the Orthodox Church considers everything which is in and of the Church as sacramental or mystical.
The sacraments, like the Church, are both visible and invisible. In every sacrament there is a combination of an outward visible sign with an inward spiritual grace. Saint John Chrysostom wrote that they are called mysteries because what we believe is not the same as what we see; instead, we see one thing and believe another.
The sacraments are personal — they are the means whereby God’s grace is appropriated to each individual Christian. In most of the sacraments, the priest mentions the Christian name of each person as he administers the sacrament.
THERE ARE SEVEN MYSTERIA (SACRAMENTS) IN ORTHODOXY:
BAPTISM:
The complete immersion in water three times in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – for the cleansing of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
CHRISMATION:
The newly baptized servant is then confirmed into the Faith being anointed and sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
HOLY COMMUNION:
Receiving the precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. A rededication to a more Christian way of life.
HOLY CONFESSION:
The act of confessing one’s sins in repentance, thereby asking forgiveness from the Lord.
HOLY UNCTION:
Receiving the Grace of God through Holy Oil unto healing of body and soul.
HOLY MATRIMONY:
The holy union of man and woman.
HOLY ORDERS:
The ordaining by God, those men, wishing to serve the Lord as shepherds of His flock.
The foundation of these beliefs is based on Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition; Holy Tradition derived, not by custom, but rather through the teachings of the Church from the time of the Apostles to the decision of the Ecumenical Synods: The Greek Orthodox Church has not changed! It remains as it was, when there was but ONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH!
For more information on the sacraments please visit the Archdiocese of America
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 