Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of spiritual birth, in which a person is united to Christ, washed of ancestral sin, and made a member of the Church. The candidate is fully immersed in water three times, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. As St. Paul writes, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
Communion
The Eucharist is the central mystery of the Church’s life. Bread and wine, through the Holy Spirit, become the Body and Blood of Christ. This sacrament unites the faithful with Christ and with each other. As Christ Himself proclaimed, “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him” (John 6:56). The Eucharist is the sacrament of ongoing spiritual nourishment and eternal life.
Confession
Through confession, the believer is reconciled to God after sin. By confessing to a priest, who stands as a witness, the penitent receives absolution and healing through the grace of Christ. As St. John Chrysostom said, “The Church is a hospital, and repentance is the medicine.” This sacrament renews the soul and restores the divine image within.
Holy Unction
This sacrament offers physical and spiritual healing through anointing with blessed oil. As the Apostle James teaches, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). Holy Unction is not only for physical illness but also for the healing of the soul.
Holy Chrismation
Immediately following baptism, the newly baptized is anointed with holy chrism, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament mirrors Pentecost, completing the initiation into the Church and granting strength to live the Christian life. As the apostles laid hands on the baptized to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17), so the priest anoints the body, sealing the grace received in baptism.
Marriage
Marriage is the sacred union of a man and a woman, blessed by God to reflect the love between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:32). The crowning of the couple symbolizes martyrdom, sacrifice, and mutual service in the bond of divine love. The priest’s blessing sanctifies the union, and the couple is called to grow together in faith and holiness.
Ordination
Through ordination, men are set apart by the laying on of hands to serve as deacons, priests, or bishops. This sacrament imparts the grace to lead and shepherd the Church, continuing the apostolic ministry. As Christ chose the apostles, so their successors are entrusted with the care of souls and the preservation of divine truth.