Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
A Primer
The Holy Mysteries continue God’s saving plan to “bring everything together under Christ” (Ephesians 1:9-10).
Each one of these Mysteries, therefore, makes that saving action present to us here and now (Colossians 1:27).
There are seven Holy Mysteries in the Catholic Church which are separated into three categories:
For two of the Mysteries, there are guides with some additional details available:
Initiation
These Mysteries are what bring us into the Catholic Church. They include
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Baptism
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Chrismation (Confirmation)
In the Holy Greek & Byzantine tradition, all of Mysteries of Initiation are received at once, when neither has been gifted as in the case of infants or the non-baptized.
The family is the domestic church, the primary former of children. Parents vouch for and preserve the faith of the child being received into the Church. This most certainly includes Godparents.
Christ commands “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).
Therefore, we must not fear and withhold our young from partaking. We simply shall walk with them and grow in all holiness in Christ and His Church.
Should you or your children be called to become Catholic in the Byzantine Tradition,
Please do not hesitate to respond to and discern the promptings of God!
Begin the journey into Christ’s Church.
Contact our Pastor about Mysteries of Initiation.
Healing
The Healing Mysteries are:
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Holy Anointing.
In both Mysteries, the soul is healed and reconciled to God in His Might and Mercy.
Through Repentance, we receive forgiveness of sins (James 5:16–18).
In Holy Anointing, in addition to the soul, the body is reverently attended to.
Holy oil anoints the body and an efficacious blessing is bestowed by the priest.
We receive healing from illnesses both in body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and our own spirit (Mark 6:12–13, James 5:13–15, 1 Corinthians 3:16).
Service
Mysteries of Service are those that help grow and provide for, the Church and Her Children which she claims through Christ:
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Marriage
Marriage is a natural relationship, a covenant instituted by God from the beginning. Yet, in Christ, we see its deeper mystery.
It’s a revelation of Christ’s relationship to the Church.
It’s a living icon of the Holy Trinity.
(Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:1–12; Ephesians 5:21–33)
Without Marriage, no one, children or adults, can grow in holiness to serve.
The Church will not flourish without good growth.
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Holy Orders
Christ established the priesthood so that the fruits of His death and Resurrection, made available through the Mysteries, would be made available to all mankind throughout the ages (Luke 22:19; Matthew 28:18; John 20:22–23).
The East has maintained the ancient practice of ordaining married men to the priesthood, choosing to reserve the call to celibacy “for the sake of the kingdom” for the monastic life. All Bishops are celibate.
It is ordained these men continue to bestow all the Holy Mysteries to the Church.
A guide to Repentance
Proverbs 24:16 tells us that even virtuous people fall seven times.
Yet, Christ has given us the Mystery of Repentance to make His mercy and forgiveness always available (cf. John 20:21-23; James 5:14-17).
Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross is the only source of forgiveness for sin. He entrusted this ministry of forgiveness to the Apostles (Matthew 18:18; John 20:22-23).
Jesus offers forgiveness of sin, yet we need to admit we are sinners in order to claim it (1 Timothy 1:15).
Public confession of sins and reconciliation of sinners have been practiced in one form or another since the first days of the Church (James 5:16; 1 Corinthians 2:1-11). The Mystery of Repentance is often called a “second baptism.”
All Catholics may approach a Byzantine Catholic priest for Repentance. Before approaching be sure to prepare yourself by making a thorough examination of conscience.
Then:
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Approach the priest who will be standing before the icon of Christ at the iconostasis
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Express your desire to confess and receive absolution
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State the sins for which you are seeking forgiveness, in kind and number only to prevent scrupulosity and to not dwell on the past
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Be attentive as the priest offers some spiritual exhortation
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Bow as the priest places the epitrachilion (stole) over your head, lays his hands on you, and prays the Prayer of Absolution
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Respond “Amen” when he finishes the prayer
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If the priest has assigned a penance, make sure to perform it accordingly
A guide to The Eucharist
Christ nourishes us with His Body and Blood, helping us to mature and grow in His image and likeness (John 6:51-58; Luke 22:19-20; Mark 14:22-25; Matthew 26:26-29). In thanksgiving, (Eucharistia, εὐχαριστήσας in Greek) we receive Him.
Discern the Body and examine yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28–29).
You may receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion provided:
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You are a member of the Catholic Church and Her Churches in Communion.
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You made sacramental confession at a minimum during Easter or Christmas, in the past year
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You attend Mass or the Divine Liturgy regularly
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Your lifestyle is consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church
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You have kept the liturgical fast - at least one hour with no food and drink prior to Divine Liturgy - water and medicine does not break the fast
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You have been in church from the beginning or at least heard the Gospel
If you are unable to receive Communion, you are still welcome and encouraged to approach the priest for a blessing. Please indicate that you want to receive the blessing only when you approach, bowing reverently before Our Lord in His Mystery.
If one publicly remains in grave sin (any serious matter against the Commandments and the Church) do not approach Communion unworthily (1 Corinthians 11:27).
Go seek Repentance, be reconciled to God, and be healed. Do not be afraid!
Holy Communion is received under the forms of bread and wine mixed together and administered on a consecrated spoon. As you approach the priest:
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Remain standing
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Please tell him your name so that the prayer can be personalized for you
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The priest will use a spoon to retrieve Holy Communion from the chalice
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Tilt your head back, widely open your mouth, and close your lips upon the spoon so as not to waste a single drop or piece of His precious Body and Blood
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No response is required for the prayer
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Consume the Eucharist and return to your seat; engage in silent prayer until all communicants have received the Holy Mystery
Courtesy & Further Reading
Most of the language, above, has been adapted from posts by:
St. Barbara the Great Mission Church (Dayton, OH)
Please feel free to visit the links above, for there is invaluable reading to reflect on.
You may also access the links below: