The Holy Sacraments (Mysteries) of the one holy apostolic Church instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, through which divine grace is invisibly imparted to the faithful by the work of the Holy Spirit. In the Oriental Orthodox Church, particularly within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, there are seven holy sacraments as it follows: Baptism Chrismation (Confirmation) Holy Eucharist Penance (Confession) Unction of the Sick Holy Orders Holy Matrimony These holy mysteries are not merely symbolic but are real channels of divine grace. As our church father St. Cyril of Alexandria teaches: “The Word of God united to flesh gives life, and this life is poured out through the sacraments for our sanctification.” (Commentary on John, Book 4) Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward and divine grace, serving to sanctify the soul and body, incorporate the believer more deeply into the Body of Christ, and strengthen them in the life of faith and repentance.
Baptism is the foundational sacrament through which a person is cleansed from original sin and becomes a member of the Church. Infants are baptized 40 days after birth for males and 80 days for females. The sacrament involves full immersion in water, symbolizing death to sin and rebirth in Christ. It is administered by a Orthodox priest and is accompanied by prayers and the anointing with holy oil.
Also known as Chrismation, Confirmation immediately follows baptism. The baptized individual is anointed with holy oil (Myron) to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament strengthens the believer to live a Christian life and to witness to the faith.
Holy Communion is the partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, typically during the Divine Liturgy. It is the center of the spiritual life of Orthodox believers. The bread and wine are believed to become the actual Body and Blood of Christ through the prayers and the descent of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is essential for spiritual nourishment and unity with Christ.
Penance is the sacrament through which believers confess their sins before a priest and receive absolution. It is essential for spiritual healing and restoration. The sacrament involves sincere repentance, confession, and the intention to amend one & life in attainment of spiritual .
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which clergy (deacons, priests, and bishops) are ordained to serve the Church and administer the blessed 7 sacraments of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The ordination involves the laying on of hands and prayers by a bishop. Each order has specific roles: deacons assist in services, priests lead congregations and administer sacraments, and bishops oversee dioceses and ordain clergy.
Matrimony is the holy sacrament of marriage, where a man and woman are united in holy matrimony before God. Marriage is seen as a spiritual union and a symbol of Christ and the Church. The ceremony includes prayers, blessings, and the crowning of the couple, signifying their new life together.
Unction of the Sick is the sacrament through which the priest anoints the body of the sick, asking for divine grace to heal both body and soul. It is administered to those who are ill, especially when they are in danger of death, and involves prayers and anointing with holy oil. This sacrament emphasizes God & mercy and the healing power of faith.
These sacraments are deeply rooted in both Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and are administered by the clergy within the life of the Church, often accompanied by prayer, fasting, and spiritual preparation. Attach Liturgical Calendar for Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.