123
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 39:
Line 39: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
no edit summary
The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.
The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.
== The Sacraments ==
The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.
The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.
Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.
The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never time when the young are not part of God's people.
'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness who represents both Christ and His people.
Through Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. Since Marriage is not viewed as a legal contract, there are no vows in the Sacrament.
The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is also a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, remind us that when we are in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present with us through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.