Sacraments

The Sacraments in the Orthodox Church not only disclose and reveal God to us, but also serve to make us receptive to God.  As detailed by Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald, the Sacraments, or Mysteries, in the Orthodox Church bring us closer to God by our participation in them.  For a full text of Father Fitzgerald's discussion, please refer to The Sacraments, on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's website.

The Eucharist

In the Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald's review of the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church, he makes special note that "The Holy Eucharist, which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church.  Often referred to as the 'Sacrament of Sacraments', it is the Church's celebration of the Death and Resurrection of Christ offered every Sunday and Holy day.  All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist, which is at the center of the life of the Church."

Baptisms

Some time ago, Life Magazine carried a photo illustrating "A Baby's Momentous First Five Minutes."  It was a photo of a mother's hand reaching out to her newborn child, illustrating the love and desire she had to embrace her child.  Every time a person is baptized, the hand of God's Love reaches out to embrace that individual.  It is Divine Love that supports the Sacrament of Baptism.  Infants who are at least three months of age are received into the Orthodox Church through this Sacrament.  Please call the church office to make arrangements for your child's baptism.

Chrismation

While infants receive this Sacrament at their baptism, this Sacrament is the means by which other previously baptized Christians are received into the Orthodox Church.  These adults will have attended classes with Father Demetri.  Jesus said, "Come and See."  There is no commitment unless you ask for it.

Marriage

An appointment should be made to talk with Father Demetri at least six months before your marriage, a year is even better.  Couples who are planning to marry must attend the pre-marriage seminar offered by our Metropolis.

Confession

The Sacrament of Confession has been practiced since the beginning of the Christian era.  The priest invokes the Grace of God for the forgiveness of sins.  We as Christians who live in communion with Christ are expected to examine our actions daily and to periodically avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Confession, a form of spiritual check-up.  Through these means we humble ourselves before God and receive guidance from our Spiritual Father, the priest.  Confession should be a positive experience and one that we should look forward to.  Appointments can be made by calling Father Demetri.

Funerals

A psychiatrist recently listed five of the most upsetting experiences people can have and three of the five were related to death.  Physical death is inevitable.  During these times your Church and Father Demetri are available to assist you in any way possible.  In the event of a death, or an impending death, it is important to contact Father Demetri any time of the day or night.

40 Day Blessings

This Blessing is a Special Service for mothers and their roughly 40 day old babies.  This service welcomes the new mother back into the life of the Church after about a 40 day absence after giving birth.  The service of dedication of the infant is in keeping with the custom of the entrance of the Lord in the Temple by which tradition places at 40 days after the birth of the Lord.  Please call the church office to schedule this blessing.