Seven mysteries; ancient Anaphora of Addai and Mari without Words of Institution
The Assyrian Church of the East recognizes and celebrates seven sacraments (mysteries in Syriac): Baptism, Chrismation (anointing with blessed oil), Eucharist (the Holy Qurbana), Ordination, Matrimony, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick. These sacraments convey grace and are understood as essential to the life of the Church. Baptism is administered to infants and adults by immersion or triple affusion, incorporating them into Christ's Body and remitting sins through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The most distinctive feature of the Assyrian church's sacramental practice is the ancient Anaphora of Addai and Mari, one of the oldest Eucharistic prayers in Christendom, traditionally attributed to the Apostles Addai and Mari. Notably, this Anaphora does not contain the Words of Institution ('This is my body... this is my blood'), a feature that has been theologically debated but which the church understands as legitimate and efficacious. The Eucharist is celebrated in the ancient Syriac language (Aramaic dialect), and the faithful participate in the Holy Qurbana (the sacred offering), receiving the consecrated bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- mysteries (razé)
- Sacrament count:
- seven mysteries
- Baptism mode:
- immersion or triple affusion; infant baptism affirmed
- Baptism recipients:
- infants and adults
- Eucharist presence:
- real presence — Holy Qurbana; unique Anaphora of Addai and Mari
Scripture References
Sources
- Anaphora of Addai and Mari (East Syrian Liturgy)
- Church of the East Constitution
- Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies on the Mysteries