Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith, symbolizing the washing away of sin and the rebirth into new life in Christ. Through baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ, the Church.

Chrismation

Chrismation immediately follows baptism and involves the anointing with holy chrism (consecrated oil). It bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering the baptized to live a Christian life.

Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist is the central act of Orthodox worship, where the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ under the forms of bread and wine. This sacrament unites us with Christ and with one another in the most profound way.

Confession

Confession is the sacrament of repentance, where we confess our sins to a priest and receive absolution. Through this sacrament, we experience God's forgiveness and are reconciled with Him and the Church.

Matrimony

Matrimony is the sacrament in which a man and a woman are united in a blessed and lifelong union. The Church blesses their marriage, asking for God's grace to strengthen their love and commitment.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops. This sacrament confers the grace and authority to perform sacred duties and serve the Church.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament of healing for those who are ill in body, mind, or spirit. It involves anointing with holy oil and prayers for physical and spiritual healing.

What We Believe

Orthodox Christians believe in the Holy Trinity: one God in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They uphold the Nicene Creed, which outlines the fundamental Christian beliefs. The Church emphasizes the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of salvation. The Holy Scriptures and Sacred Tradition, including the writings of the Church Fathers and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils, guide Orthodox theology and practice.

The Holy Trinity

We believe in one God in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of the Holy Trinity is the foundation of our faith, reflecting the unity and diversity within God's nature.

The Incarnation of Christ

We affirm that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became fully human while remaining fully divine. Born of the Virgin Mary, He lived, taught, suffered, died, and rose from the dead for our salvation. His life and resurrection are central to our faith and hope.

The Holy Scriptures and Sacred Tradition

Our faith is grounded in the Holy Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the Sacred Tradition passed down from the Apostles through the Church Fathers. Together, they provide the authoritative guide for our beliefs and practices.

The Seven Sacraments

We celebrate seven sacraments, or "mysteries," which are visible signs of God's grace. These include Baptism, Chrismation, the Eucharist, Confession, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. Each sacrament nourishes our spiritual life and strengthens our relationship with God.

The Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is the heart of Orthodox worship, where we gather to offer prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving, and partake in the Holy Eucharist. Through the Liturgy, we enter into the presence of God and are united with Him and one another.

The Communion of Saints

We venerate the saints, who are holy men and women that have lived exemplary lives of faith and virtue. They intercede for us and inspire us to live according to God's will. Icons, which depict the saints and events from the Bible, play a vital role in our worship and prayer life.

Sacraments