GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH of PROPHET ELIAS - Sacraments & Sacramentals


Sacraments & Sacramentals

The Baptismal Service	Printable Versions
The Holy Sacrament of Marriage	Printable Versions
Self-Examination for Holy Confession	Printable Versions
Troparion	Printable Versions

The Baptismal Service

The Pre-Baptismal Rite The Prayer of Reception The priest lays his hand upon the head of the candidate as a sign of their reception into the Christian life; a life filled with Divine Grace. The Exorcisms We areborn into a sinful reality. Even before we learn to cooperate with Satan, we are his victims. Through a series of prayers the priest calls upon Almighty God to free and protect the candidate from the powers of darkness and deceit, so that the candidate might be able to join Christ in holiness and purity. The Rejection of Satan The candidate and/or sponsor is asked to face away from the Holy Altar and to "renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his worship, and all his angels, and all his pomp". The Acceptance of Christ The candidate and/or sponsor is asked to face towards the Holy Altar and affirm their belief in Christ "as King and God". The Declaration of Faith The candidate and/or sponsor is asked to declare their faith in the true God by reciting The Creed (as declared by the 1st & 2nd Ecumenical Councils in the 4th century A.D.). It is this affirmation of faith by the sponsor, the parents' promise to raise the child faithfully, and the Grace of God that form the basis of the Orthodox Christian Church's acceptance of infant baptism. The Creed I believe in one God, the Father the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father, through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and He suffered and was buried. On the third day He rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the Prophets. In One, Holy. Catholic. and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect for the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the age to come. Amen. The Naming A name is given to the candidate. From the moment the candidate is received into the Church, emphasis is placed on their individuality. It is a pious custom that the candidate be given the name of a Saint of the Church This saint will then serve as a protector, intercessor, and role model for Christian living. The Baptismal Rite The Initial Benediction "Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". This Initial Benediction declares the real presence of God's Kingdom and that Jesus Christ is truly in our midst. It is Christ Himself who will celebrate the Holy Sacrament, through the prayers of the faithful and the hands of the priest. The Blessing of the Water Immersion in water is the visible expression of the invisible cleansing from sin which takes place at baptism. Before the water can be used for the Sacrament of Baptism it must be declared as blessed. This is expressed through a series of prayers and symbolic actions. The Anointing with Oil This anointing has its origins in the ancient practice of applying olive oil to insulate a person from the coldness of outdoor waters. Its continued use is as a final exorcism before baptism; that as the oil insulates the candidate from the cold, so may it insulate them from evil. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism In accordance with the commandment of the Lord, the candidate is then baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19), traditionally expressed by triple immersion in water. We believe that Christ died for our sins. The immersion in water symbolizes the death of our old nature which is "compatible by deceitful desires". However, Christ conquered death and rose on the third day. After the third immersion the candidate, likewise, rises into the everlasting life of Christ. They are born again, and "put on a new nature that is renewed in the image of God the Creator". The Sacrament of Holy Chrismation Through this Sacrament the candidate is confirmed in the Orthodox Christian Church They are given the "Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. As the candidate participates in the death and resurrection of Christ through Holy Baptism, they then participate in Holy Pentecost through Holy Chrismation. This is expressed by the anointing with Holy Chrism, which is blessed on Holy Thursday by the Patriarch of Constantinople. This symbolic action, reminiscent of the anointing of the Old Testamental priesthood, reminds us that each member of the Church is a member of "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people" (1 Peter 2:9). The Tonsure In ancient times, the master tonsured the hair of his servants to express his rights over them. By this tonsuring the candidate accepts that their life belongs to God, and that they will be a faithful servant of the Lord. The Garment of Righteousness The candidate is presented with a new white garment symbolizing their newly restored purity and life in Christ. The Procession In the ancient Church, and in other parts of the world today, baptism is conducted outdoors in natural waters. It is then necessary to proceed to the Church to complete the service. The procession around the baptismal font is reminiscent of this. The beautiful hymn "As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia" (Gal. 3:27) is chanted duringthis procession. The Epistle Reading (The Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans 6:3-11) "Brethren, all of us who have been baptized into Christ, were baptized into his death, Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the sinful body might be destroyed and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For He who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. The death He died He died to sin, once and for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." The Gospel Reading (Matthew 28: 1620) "At that time the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshipped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." Holy Communion The new baptized person's membership in the One, Holy. Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ is fully realized through their partaking of the Precious and Holy Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Gift of the Cross The Cross is the symbol of the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of the commitment made to Christ at Holy Baptism, and as a witness of faith to the world. The Lord, Himself said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matt. 16:24) Your Presence We ask that you join your prayers with those of the Church, to call upon Almighty God to accept the candidate as one of His own. As well, attending this service should serve as an occasion for you to reaffirm your own baptism.

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The Holy Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage is a sacrament of the Orthodox Church This means that our Lord Jesus Christ is invisibly present to bless a marriage, through the hands of the priest and the participation of the faithful. The blessing is expressed by the Church through ancient and meaningful prayers and rituals. The Rings Among other meanings, a ring has been a symbol of position, responsibility, and commitment from ancient times. Commitment is a prerequisite for true and eternal Christian love, as exemplified by the sacrificial life of Christ. Thus, each partner, by receiving a ring from Christ, through His Church, enters into a commitment with Christ regarding their marriage. They also enter into a commitment with each other. They commit themselves to follow Christ's example of selfless love in their marriage. The servant of God, (N), is betrothed to the servant of God, (N), in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. O You now, O Master, bless this putting on of rings with a heavenly blessing; and may an Angel of the Lord go before them all the days of their lives. The Joining of the Right Hands The right hands of the couple are joined during the following prayer. This prayer expresses the fact that it is God, through His love for humanity, who joins a husband and a wife to each other, and bestows upon them the fruit of this union. The hands of the couple are kept joined throughout the rest of the Service. Do You now, O Master, stretch out Your hand from Your holy dwelling place, and join Your servant (N) and Your servant (N), for by You is woman joined to man. Join them in oneness of mind; crown them into one flesh; grant them the fruit of the womb, and the joy of fair children. The Crowning The ancient rite of Crowning reflects the couple's new status before God, and within the Church. The crowns express the glory and honour bestowed upon the couple by God as they enter into this most blessed relationship. They are crowned as king and queen of their own kingdom, ie. their new household, over which they are to rule with love, wisdom and mercy. Some interpret the crowns to refer to the crowns of martyrdom, since every true marriage involves immeasurable self-sacrifice from both partners. The servant of God, (N), is crowned to the servant of God, (N), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. O Lord our God, crown them with glory and honour. Psalm 8:5 The Epistle Reading (St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 5:20-33) The Epistle reading expresses the unique relationship that is Christian marriage. The couple are called to serve each other in love; the wife serving her husband, and the husband serving his wife, even unto self-sacrifice, as did Christ for the Church. Brethren, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church, His body, and is Himself its Saviour. As the Church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love yours wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present the Church to Himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the Church, because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband. The Gospel Reading (The Holy Gospel according to St. John 2:1-11) The Gospel reading recalls Christ's presence at a wedding at Cana of Galilee. The Lord's presence at that wedding sanctified marriage, as He will sanctify this couple's marriage by His continued presence in it. At that time there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with His disciples. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ''Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. The Common Cup The sharing of wine from the common cup serves to impress upon the couple that from that moment on they will share everything in life; the joys as well as the sorrows. Their joys will be doubled and their sorrows will be shared. O God, who made all things by Your power, and established the universe, and adorned the crown of everything that You made: Bless with a spiritual blessing this common cup, which You offer to those joined in marriage. The Procession The husband and wife take their first steps as a married couple being led by a vested priest, a living icon of Christ. This expresses the prayer that all their steps follow the way of Jesus Christ. During the procession, three hymns are chanted. The first expresses Isaiah's joy at the coming of the Messiah. It is the same joy that the couple feels in each other's presence. O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin was indeed with child, and bore a Son called Emmanuel, both perfect God and man; Daybreak is His Name; whom as we glorify, we bless the Virgin Mother. The second hymn praises the sacrifice of the martyrs, for sacrifice is a necessary part of marriage and the Christian life. O Holy Martyrs, who have fought the good fight and received your crowns of victory; intercede with Christ our God, that He may have mercy on our souls. The third hymn praises and glorifies God, for the couple's marriage is to be dedicated to the glory of God. Glory to You, Christ our God, Your apostles' proudest boast, joy of the martyrs, whose message is: the Trinity, one is essence. Final Blessings Be magnified, O bridegroom, like Abraham, and be blessed like Isaac, and multiply like Jacob, walking in peace and fulfilling in righteousness the commandments of God. And you, O bride, be glorified like Sarah, and be glad like Rebecca, and multiply like Rachel, rejoicing in your own husband, and observing the paths of the law, for so God is well pleased. Your Presence We ask that you join your prayers with those of the Church, to call upon Almighty God to bless this marriage. In an Orthodox Christian place of worship, respectful and quiet behaviour is expected. The clapping of hands, yelling, or other boisterous noise is considered rude. The throwing of confetti, rice, etc., while inside the Church is prohibited. Please conduct yourself respectfully while in this House of God.

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Self-Examination for Holy Confession

"And one of them, a lawyer, asked Jesus a question, to test Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." (Gospel of Matthew 22:35-40) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37) I You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3) Have I believed in God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Have I believed that Jesus Christ is both God and man? Have I remembered to put God first in my life as a way of loving Him? Have I received Holy Communion regularly and with proper preparation? II You shall not make for yourselves a graven image. (Exodus 20:4) Have I made an idol of any person or thing? Do I give more importance to someone or something than to God? III You shall not take the name of the Lord you God in vain. (Exodus 20:7) Have I profaned the holy name of God in any way? Have I cursed anyone or anything? IV Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8) Have I kept the Lord's Day holy? Have I attended Church services regularly? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You shall love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 22:39) Have I shown love and mercy? Have I helped others in need? Have I helped my Church teach the truth and help others? V Honour your father and your mother. (Exodus 20: 12) Have I respected my bishops. priests, parents. teachers or other elders? VI You shall not kill. (Exodus 20:13) I Have I caused injury or death to anyone by my actions or words? I Have I wished injury or death to anyone by my thoughts? VII You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14) Have I allowed impure thoughts, words or deeds? Have I engaged in sexual activity before or outside marriage? VIII You shall not steal. (Exodus 20: 15) Have I stolen anything or cheated anyone? IX You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. (Exodus 20: 16) Have I lied, gossiped or otherwise betrayed anyone? X You shall not covet your neighbour's house ... or anything that is your neighbour's. (Exodus 20: 17) Have I been jealous or envious of anyone?

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Troparion

Troparion, Tone 4 The glorious Elias, incarnate messenger of God, pillar of prophets, and second forerunner of the coming of Christ, sent grace from on high to Elisha that he might cleanse lepers and heal sickness for all those who honour him. Kontakion, Tone 2 O Prophet who foresaw the mighty deeds of our God, O great Elias who through your prayers stopped rain, intercede for us with the only One who loves humanity. One of the greatest and most holy prophets of the Old Testament. He lived in the 9th century B.C., during the reign of the sinful King Ahab, King of Israel, who worshipped the idol of Baal. Prophet Elias was wise and faithful to the true God. God sent Prophet Elias to speak the truth to King Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel. But to no avail. Not only did King Ahab not listen to Prophet Elias, but he threatened to kill him. To escape, Prophet Elias fled to a mountain. There he stayed and hid in a cave. Everyday, God sent a crow with meat and bread to feed Prophet Elias. He would drink h m a nearby stream. But there was a drought in the land. Prophet Elias had prophesied that it would last for 3 years as a punishment for the faithlessness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. So in time, the stream dried up. With no water, Prophet Elias had no choice but to leave his mountain hideout. On his way, he met a poor widow with her only son. The unfortunate woman accepted to give Prophet Elias a place to stay, despite her poverty. She had only a little flour and oil with which to make all their food. However, Prophet Elias miraculously increased the amount of flour and oil so that all three people had enough to eat for a long time. Then, when the widow's son fell ill and died, Prophet Elias performed a second miracle and brought him back to life. The drought, though, continued. For three whole years, not a drop of water fell. The people suffered and many died from hunger. God sent Prophet Elias to appear before King Ahab. Upon seeing Prophet Elias, the sinful King Ahab said to him, "Is it you, you troubler of Israel?" Prophet Elias responded, "I have not troubled Israel; but you and your people have because you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord." [3 Kings. 18:17,18 (LXX)] To show them that the Lord is the true God and that Baal is truly false, Prophet Elias offered King Ahab a challenge. He told the-King to gather his people and priests the next day. Prophet Elias and the priests of Baal would each make offerings to their own God. No one would have fire. Then they would let the true God send fire from the heavens to light the wood and make the burnt offering. King Ahab accepted the challenge. The next day they all gathered on Mt. Carmel. The priests of King Ahab made their offerings upon their altar. They danced around their altar, pleading with Baal to send fire from the heavens. But nothing happened. Then, Prophet Elias drew near to his altar and made his offering. He ordered the people to pour water abundantly on the wood. Before the crowd, he knelt and prayed to the true God, "O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, I ask you O Lord, hear my prayer and send fire upon this sacrifice that all may know that You are the Lord God of Israel" [3 Kings 18:36 (LXX)] Prophet Elias had barely finished his prayer when a great fire descended from the heavens and consumed the wood and the offering. When the gathered crowds saw the miracle, they believed in the true God. Prophet Elias then prayed for rain, and a great rain fell. All the people glorified the true God. Finally, when his earthly life was over, God decided to bring Prophet Elias close to him without his tasting death. One day, when Prophet Elias was resting near the Jordan River with his disciple Elisha, who was to become a prophet also, a fiery chariot descended from the heavens and took up Prophet Elias. As he was ascending to the heavens, he threw his cloak down to Elisha. With this cloak, Prophet Elisha performed many miracles as well. We celebrate the memory of Prophet Elias, as well as his presence among us, on July 20. * Translated from the Encyclopaedia "Ydria".

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