Other Sacraments and Blessings

Other Sacraments and Blessings

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments. In addition to the Eucharist she accepts the above six Mysteries as major Sacraments because they involve the entire community and most important are closely relation to the Eucharist. There are many other Blessings and Special Services which complete the major Sacraments, and which reflect the Church's presence throughout the lives of her people. Some of these are discussed in the following pamphlet in this series.

Treasures Of Orthodoxy is a series of pamphlets written for the non-Orthodox, especially those who are considering becoming members of the Orthodox Church and who wish to deepen their appreciation of her faith, worship, and traditions. The pamphlets are authored by Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald, a faculty member of Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology. The pamphlet titles are as follows:

1. Introduction - Introduces the non-Orthodox to Orthodox Christianity.
2. House of God - Describes the interior of the church building.
3. Worship - Discusses the form and characteristics of Orthodox worship.
4. Liturgy - Describes the meaning and celebration of the Eucharist.
5. Sacraments - Describes the meaning and importance of liturgical life.
6. Special Services and Blessings - Describes the non-sacramental services which contribute to spiritual life.
7. Teachings - Outlines the salient points of doctrine and basic credal affirmations.
8. Spirituality - Discusses the meaning of theosis as the goal of Christian life.
9. History - Sketches the great epochs of Orthodoxy.
10. The Church - Outlines the procedure for becoming a member of the Orthodox Church.