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The Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion)
Holy Unction/ Anointing with Oil
In recent centuries, the Orthodox Church has recognized seven mysteries for sacraments: baptism, chrismation, the eucharist, penance (confession), the priesthood, marriage and unction (anointing of the sick).
While the New Testament does not specifically
enumerate the holy mysteries, it is clear that the Apostolic Church received
people through baptism and chrismation (confirmation); celebrated the
eucharist at least weekly on the Lord’s day, readmitted penitents
through the act of penance, selected and ordained her ministers; sanctified
the union of husband and wife; and extended the healing ministry of Christ
to those in need of divine succour. It is evident, therefore, that the
Church gave special attention to these acts from the beginning, despite
the absence of explicit testimony from Scripture,
the early Fathers or the
Ecumenical Councils.
