Seven sacraments; initiation rites administered together; rich liturgical traditions
Oriental Orthodox churches generally recognize seven sacraments (though some traditions count more), including Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Eucharist, Repentance (Penance/Confession), Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Following ancient practice, the three sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Chrismation, and Eucharist—are administered together, including to infants. This unified initiation reflects the undivided church's practice.
Each Oriental Orthodox church celebrates its sacramental life through its own distinctive ancient liturgy: the Armenian Badarak, the Syriac Qurbono of Addai and Mari or James, the Coptic Liturgy of St. Basil, the Ethiopian Divine Liturgy, and others. These liturgies, celebrated partly in the ancient liturgical languages of each church (Armenian, Syriac, Coptic, Ge'ez), are among the oldest continuous liturgical traditions in Christianity. The Eucharist is the center of Oriental Orthodox sacramental life, celebrated with great solemnity and understood to involve the true transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- mysteries (mysteria)
- Sacrament count:
- seven; unified rites of initiation
- Baptism mode:
- triple immersion
- Baptism recipients:
- infants; unified initiation
- Eucharist presence:
- real presence; change of elements; mystery language preferred
Scripture References
Sources
- Common Declaration of Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III (1973)
- Armenian Apostolic Church, Book of Canon Law
- Canons of the Synod of Dvin (506)