Prayer 

“Christian prayer is generally directed to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit. The prayer of the Church begins with the prayer to the Holy Spirit, “Heavenly King,” and is performed by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. In his prayer, Christ prayed to the Father in the Holy Spirit: “In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth’” (Lk 10:21). To “rejoice in the Holy Spirit” is the beginning of prayer.” – Christ Our Pascha, Paragraph #670

Seven Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)

“The saving and sanctifying action of the Church is accomplished in seven Holy Mysteries. These are: Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance, Holy Anointing, Marriage, and Orders. Through these sacred actions of the Church, Christ grants the grace of the Holy Spirit. Through these Mysteries the Church sanctifies the faithful on their journey to the fullness of life in Christ. Through visible signs (e.g., water, chrism, bread and wine, the laying on of hands) Christ builds up his Church in the Holy Mysteries.” – Christ Our Pascha, Paragraph #405

Baptism is the beginning of our new life with God and our first step on our journey to heaven. In the Mystery of Baptism, we are immersed into Christ’s death and resurrection. We die with Christ in order to rise with Him. All our sins are forgiven. We are born again, becoming “new creatures,” members of Christ’s Body (the Church), children of light, God’s beloved sons and daughters by adoption and heirs to His kingdom.

Chrismation is the Mystery in which we are anointed and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is our personal Pentecost. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us and to sanctify us. We become temples of the living God.

The Most Holy Eucharist is the Mystery in which the one sacrifice of Christ our Saviour, His death on the cross and resurrection on the third day becomes present to us. In Holy Communion, Jesus Himself feeds and nourishes us with His most holy and precious Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, under the appearance of bread and wine.

Repentance (Penance) is the Mystery in which we return to God, our Father. We resolve to change our life and confess our sins to a priest, who has been given the power and authority to absolve our sins committed after baptism. Through him, we receive God’s forgiveness, grace and healing.

Anointing of the Sick. In times of grave illness, a Christian is strengthened with God’s grace through the prayer of a priest and the sacramental anointing of holy oil. The person is given the grace to share more fully in the passion of Christ and to receive either spiritual or even physical healing.

Marriage is the Mystery in which husband and wife are united as one in the communion of marriage, to reflect the love which exists between Christ and His Bride, the Church.

Holy Orders. By the Holy Spirit and through the hands of a bishop, a man is ordained to serve God, receiving the grace and power to perform the sacred duties of a bishop, priest or deacon. Through monastic or religious vows, men and women are consecrated to God, to His praise and service as religious brothers and sisters.