What are the sacraments of the Orthodox Church, and why are they important?
~ MT
There are seven major sacraments: baptism, chrismation, holy orders, unction (anointing of the sick), marriage, confession, and communion (the sacrament of the Eucharist). However, the Orthodox Church doesn’t limit our definition of the sacramental to those, as there are many activities and functions the church performs that are sacramental, such as: house blessings, molebens (a general blessing service), panikhidas (services for the departed), monastic tonsure, etc.
The literal meaning of sacrament is From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, you’re embedded in the idea that you’re serving God. The sacraments draw us closer to God directly.
God Bless,
Fr John