The Sacraments Flashcards
Where do we get the word Sacraments from?
Latin sacrere, or “consecrate”. Greek “mysterion” or “mystery”.
What is a Sacrament?
A visible communication of Christ’s grace.
What are the sources of the Sacraments?
Patristic Traditions, Scripture, and the decisions of Councils.
What are the Sacraments of Initiation?
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Chrismation
What are the Sacraments of Healing?
Eucharist, Penance, Unction
What are the Sacraments of Vocation?
Marriage, Holy Orders
Explain Sacrament of Baptism
Sprinkling or submersion in water alongside formal acceptance of Christ as saviour, marks washing away of sins.
Explain Sacrament of Chrismation
Anointing of one’s head (for knowledge), mouth (for speech), hands (for action) with oil. Often done alongside other sacraments. Meant to “seal” the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Explain Sacrament of Confirmation
Often done for young adults who were baptized as babies. Formal welcoming into the community as an adult, preceded by one year of catechism.
Explain difference of Confession between Catholic and Orthodox Churches
Catholics require a priest, Orthodox allows confession in front of an icon.
Explain Sacrament of Penance
aka reconciliation or confession, required for mortal (but not venial or ‘lesser’) sins. Originally could only be done once but was quickly changed to be repeatable.
Explain Sacrament of Unction
Anointing of the Sick, for laypeople who feel ill or dis-eased, meant to ask for healing and calm the spirit.
Explain Sacrament of Holy Orders
Undertaken to appoint titles and responsibilities upon Clergy, such as priests or deacons.
Explain Sacrament of Eucharist
Honours Jesus’s Sacrifice & Deification, as well as considered an offering of the works of human hands. Imbibing of Bread & Wine.
How is the Sacrifice and Redemption expressed through the Eucharist?
Jesus’ death as payment of a debt; the Eucharist represents his body and blood.
How is Theosis and Deification expressed through the Eucharist?
It celebrates the Resurrection, in which Jesus is a new creation.
Explain Transubstantiation of Eucharist
The inner essence of the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ. Incorporation of Christ’s substance.
Explain Consubstantiation of Eucharist
The substance of the body and blood of Christ co-exists with the bread and wine.
Explain Spiritual Presence of Eucharist
Calvinist belief that there is no transformation; rather the Spirit comes into the food and drink.
Explain Memorial of Eucharist
Zwingli’s belief that the Eucharist was only done in memorial of the event; no Godly substance inhabits the bread and wine. “do this in remembrance of me.”
