Greek Orthodox Sacraments
The Sacraments are considered the visible ways through which the Holy Spirit is imparted. The Greek Orthodox Church has seven Sacraments, or Mystiria, of which four are obligatory: Baptism, Chrysmation (anointment with holy oil), Confession and Holy Communion. The optional sacraments are Matrimony, Ordination and Unction (anointment of the sick).
Of these, the most relevant in the lives of elderly Greek Australians are Communion, Confession and Holy Unction. Many Greek elders consider receiving Holy Communion as very important. As they age, Confession increases in significance. Importantly, Holy Unction is specifically administered to the physically and mentally ill. The following information is particularly important for carers and service providers who may be required to arrange for Confession and Holy Unction to be given.
Baptism and Chrysmation
Baptism and Chrysmation take place during the same service. The priest, with the participation of the godparent, immerses the naked infant in the baptismal font and anoints the child with holy oil. Chosen by the child’s parents, godparents must themselves have been baptised as Orthodox Christians. They are expected to have a serious life-long interest in the child’s spiritual upbringing.
The ‘renewal’ of the child and the new relationship that is formed with the godparent is celebrated by family and friends with feasting and dancing after the church service. Godparents and parents address each other as koumbare (male) or koumbara (female) and the child addresses the godparent as noune (male) or nouna (female). To the Greek family, the relationship of the godparent to family is of special importance and godparents are included in other family celebrations and festivities.
Confession (Exomologisi)
This involves the admission of wrongdoing and the seeking of God’s forgiveness. It takes place in church, in confidence with a priest, in front of an icon. The frequency of confession varies as it is the individual’s decision when to make it. The most devout typically arrange to make confession once a year, often during Lent, leading up to Easter.
Communion
Communion is given at every Sunday service and on saints’ days and special feast days. A re-enactment of Christ’s Last Supper, it is meant to create a union between God and the faithful. Individuals may prepare for confession some days before with prayer and fasting, though during Lent, and for major feast days, such preparation may take longer. The church welcomes contributions of bread and wine for Communion from the community. Women usually bake the bread (prosforo), which is taken to church early Sunday morning to be blessed by the priest.
Marriage
In the marriage ceremony, the couple commits to each another and to raising a Christian family. The service is conducted around a small table, with several essential items: wedding crowns (stefana), two wedding rings, the book of Gospels, a cup of wine and two candles. During the service the rings are blessed and the wedding crowns are exchanged three times. Designated scriptures are read and the bride and groom share a common cup of wine. Finally, led by the priest, the couple circles the small table in the ‘Dance of Isaiah’ before they are proclaimed husband and wife.
Holy Unction
The physical and mental healing of the sick is the focus of Holy Unction. During this service the priest anoints the faithful with holy oil. The service is conducted once a year on Holy Wednesday of Holy Week, but it can also be administered privately at the request of those who are very ill. It can take place in a person’s home, at church, or in hospital or residential facility. The person receiving Holy Unction should prepare with confession and fasting, if health permits.
Ordination
Through ordination the church confers power on certain of its members to undertake the ceremonies and services associated with the various sacraments. Only men can be ordained in the Orthodox Church. Importantly, priests and deacons may be married, but must marry before being ordained.
