The Sacraments

Question 1

Where do we get the word Sacraments from?

Answer 1

Latin sacrere, or “consecrate”. Greek “mysterion” or “mystery”.

Question 2

What is a Sacrament?

Answer 2

A visible communication of Christ’s grace.

Question 3

What are the sources of the Sacraments?

Answer 3

Patristic Traditions, Scripture, and the decisions of Councils.

Question 4

What are the Sacraments of Initiation?

Answer 4

Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Chrismation

Question 5

What are the Sacraments of Healing?

Answer 5

Eucharist, Penance, Unction

Question 6

What are the Sacraments of Vocation?

Answer 6

Marriage, Holy Orders

Question 7

Explain Sacrament of Baptism

Answer 7

Sprinkling or submersion in water alongside formal acceptance of Christ as saviour, marks washing away of sins.

Question 8

Explain Sacrament of Chrismation

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Explain Sacrament of Confirmation

Answer 9

Often done for young adults who were baptized as babies. Formal welcoming into the community as an adult, preceded by one year of catechism.

Question 10

Explain difference of Confession between Catholic and Orthodox Churches

Answer 10

Catholics require a priest, Orthodox allows confession in front of an icon.

Question 10

Explain Sacrament of Penance

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Explain Sacrament of Unction

Answer 11

Anointing of the Sick, for laypeople who feel ill or dis-eased, meant to ask for healing and calm the spirit.

Question 12

Explain Sacrament of Holy Orders

Answer 12

Undertaken to appoint titles and responsibilities upon Clergy, such as priests or deacons.

Question 13

Explain Sacrament of Eucharist

Answer 13

Honours Jesus’s Sacrifice & Deification, as well as considered an offering of the works of human hands. Imbibing of Bread & Wine.

Question 14

How is the Sacrifice and Redemption expressed through the Eucharist?

Answer 14

Jesus’ death as payment of a debt; the Eucharist represents his body and blood.

Question 15

How is Theosis and Deification expressed through the Eucharist?

Answer 15

It celebrates the Resurrection, in which Jesus is a new creation.

Question 16

Explain Transubstantiation of Eucharist

Answer 16

The inner essence of the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ. Incorporation of Christ’s substance.

Question 17

Explain Consubstantiation of Eucharist

Answer 17

The substance of the body and blood of Christ co-exists with the bread and wine.

Question 18

Explain Spiritual Presence of Eucharist

Answer 18

Calvinist belief that there is no transformation; rather the Spirit comes into the food and drink.

Question 19

Explain Memorial of Eucharist

Answer 19

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.”