What are the 'Mysteries' ?
The word 'Mystery' is used in Orthodoxy to denote what is known in Western Christianity as a Sacrament. The Italian theologian Peter Lombard (c.1100-1160) first enumerated seven Sacraments and this number was later adopted by the Orthodox church. However, Orthodoxy does not restrict the list to these seven, rather any action designed to bring us closer to the presence of God and done through the church has some degree of sacramentality about it. As in the Catholic Church, the Mysteries of the faith convey divine grace to those who receive them worthily.
The seven Mysteries are:
Baptism
In Baptism, a person is joined to the Body of Christ (i.e. the Church). Baptism is normally done in infancy, but can also be initiated for an adult. In the Orthodox Church, Baptism is usually done by immersion, rather than sprinkling and a trinitarian formula is used.
The effects of Baptism are remission of sins and union with Christ and this is affirmed clearly in part of the Nicene Creed:
"...we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins."
Chrismation
Chrismation* (from the Greek: Chrismatis - 'Anointing'), is normally practiced immediately after Baptism. The candidate is anointed with oil by a Bishop or Priest, this sealing their initiation into the church. Confirmation also equips the person with the Holy Spirit to enable them to grow in their spiritual life.
* The equivalent western sacrament is called 'Confirmation'.
Eucharist
The Eucharist (Greek: 'Thanksgiving') is the centre of Orthodox life and practice. Also known as the 'Divine Liturgy' or the 'Mystic Supper', the Eucharist is a profound experience of worship and praise.
Before the liturgy begins, the bread and wine are prepared in a service of preparation called the Proskomide. The bread is known as Prosphora, from the Greek: 'Offering'. It is specially prepared and stamped with a seal and the words 'Jesus Christ Conquers' in an abbreviated Greek form. An example is shown here:
Orthodoxy agrees with the Catholic Church that Christ is truly present in the elements (the bread and the wine), but does not explain this change metaphysically i.e. it is content to leave the actual process as a divine mystery. Orthodox practice is always to give both the bread and wine to communicants, the usual method being by intinction i.e. the eucharistic bread is dipped into the wine. However, only those who have been fully Baptised and Chrismated into the church may receive. It is also a requirement that one should fast from the midnight before receiving.
Normally at the end of the Eucharist, the Antidoron (Greek: 'instead of the gifts') is used. This is bread and wine that has been blessed, but not consecrated. As well as the faithful present, the Antidoron may be offered to non-orthodox Christians whose baptism has been recognised by the church.
The liturgy is mainly sung and there are four main types:
- The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - this is most frequent liturgy.
- The Liturgy of St. Basil the Great - used ten times a year.
- The Liturgy of St. James - used on the feast day of that saint (23 October).
- The Divine Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts (attributed to St. Gregory the Great). This is the distribution of the Holy Gifts from the Reserved Sacrament in the context of Vespers. It takes place in Great Lent when a full weekday Liturgy may not be celebrated on account of the Fast.
St. John Chrysostom (347-407)
Normally the Divine Liturgy takes place only once a day, but special dispensation can be given for more frequent celebrations.
"O Lord our God, whose might is incomparable, whose glory is incomprehensible, whose mercy is infinite, and whose love of man is ineffable, do thou thyself, O Master, in thy tenderheartedness look down upon us and upon this holy house, and grant us and those who pray with us thy rich mercies and compassion."
"For to thee belong all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages."
An extract from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
A full online version of the Divine Liturgy is also available.
Holy Orders
Orthodoxy allows for three degrees of ordination: Bishop, Priest and Deacon. Married Priests and Deacons are allowed, but marriage after ordination is not permitted.
As in Roman Catholicism, the priesthood and episcopacy are restricted to men only. However, women may serve as Deacons.
The Deacon assists the priest in the liturgy and performs other administrative functions.
Holy Unction
In the letter of James we read of the anointing of the sick with oil. In the Orthodox Church, this is practised not just for those who are dying, but all who are in a state of sickness.
"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."
James 5:14-15 (NAB).
Marriage
Orthodoxy sees marriage as the mystical union between a man and a woman and an imitation of Christ and his church. However the marriage covenant is not unbreakable, as in the Catholic Church. The church strongly opposes divorce, but will permit it as a concession to human weakness, normally only for adultery. Divorce is addressed in the Orthodox Q & A section.
Penance (Confession)
Confession is usually done aurally to a Priest, after the confessing person has examined their conscience. Opportunity is also taken for the person to receive spiritual guidance. To receive the Eucharist worthily, a person should have confessed any serious sins beforehand.
