Sacraments and holy mysteries
Orthodox Christians commonly name seven holy mysteries, while also understanding the Church's whole life as sacramental. Treating seven as an exhaustive boundary can misstate that broader view.
Scripture
- Matthew 28:19 — The risen Jesus commands the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Acts 2:38–42 — Peter calls for repentance and baptism; the new community continues in teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — Paul recounts Jesus' words over bread and cup and says the community proclaims his death when it shares them.
Primary sources
The Orthodox Church in America proposes:
The OCA catechetical text describes everything in and of the Church as sacramental or mystical.
to consider everything which is in and of the Church as sacramental or mystical
Passage context and translation
The OCA says seven mysteries are usually counted but warns that treating the number as an exhaustive boundary can mislead. This is a catechetical explanation, not a universal inventory of all Orthodox terminology.
Before the excerpt
The more ancient and traditional practice of the Orthodox Church is
After the excerpt
The Church may be defined as the new life in Christ.
Sources and further reading
Related records
- Holy Mysteries
- Living Orthodoxy
- Baptism: command, response, and early practice
- The Lord's Supper and Eucharist in context
- The Seven Sacraments
- Living Catholic Faith
- Baptism and the Supper
- Baptism and Christian initiation
- Sacraments, mysteries, and ordinances
- Chrismation and Confirmation
- Confession, Penance, and Absolution
- Anointing and Prayer for the Sick
- Holy Orders and Church Ministry
- Marriage and Matrimony
- Church, Worship, and Sacraments in the Fathers
- Mysteries