Eastern Catholic (Byzantine Rite)
Roman Catholic
Nuanced

Seven sacraments; initiation rites administered together in Syriac tradition

The Maronite Church affirms seven sacraments—Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Eucharist, Penance, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick—and follows the Eastern practice of administering the three sacraments of initiation together: a person is baptized, immediately anointed with Chrism (Myron), and then receives Holy Communion. This unified initiation, including for infants, reflects ancient practice.

The Maronite Divine Liturgy (Qudas Marunayyo) is celebrated in a form that blends the ancient West Syriac (Antiochene) Anaphora of St. James with elements introduced during Latinization. Contemporary Maronite liturgical reform following the Second Vatican Council has sought to restore more original Syriac elements. The Eucharistic celebration is the center of Maronite sacramental life, and the Church affirms the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Confession (Penance) is practiced regularly in Maronite communities as an essential element of spiritual life.

Key Distinctions

Term used:
mysteries (Syriac: raze)
Sacrament count:
seven
Baptism mode:
triple immersion or pouring; tradition varies
Baptism recipients:
infants; unified initiation (baptism + Chrismation + Eucharist)
Eucharist presence:
real presence affirmed; qurbana (Syriac Eucharistic tradition)

Scripture References

Sources

  • Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO, 1990), Canons 695–770
  • Synod of Mount Lebanon (1736), Chapter XII
  • Vatican II, Orientalium Ecclesiarum (1964), §§11–18
  • Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§1210–1419