Catholic-Orthodox Differences In Sacrament

• Baptism

Infants are baptised by full immersion, three times in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For an adult converting to Orthodoxy, baptism in another faith is usually recognized (Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, etc, need not be baptized again). In this case a convert is only Chrismated (see below).

• Chrismation (or Confirmation)

Chrismation occurs at baptism, even for infants. Thus, Orthodox children take communion even as babies. There is no special service when a child reaches adulthood. At Chrismation, adults brought into the Church take on a Christian name (the name of a Saint, who becomes their patron), which may or may not be the name they were born with.

• Communion

Orthodox faithful always receive both the consecrated bread and wine. The bread is a piece of a regular leavened loaf soaked in wine. The bread (or prosforo) is baked by members of the Church, usually in their own homes. There are specific rituals involved in the baking and preparation of the bread. It must be baked in a certain way, with a specific recipe. Bread which is not used for communion is cut into small pieces and blessed for general consumption. This blessed bread, or antidoron, may be consumed by anyone, even non-Orthodox guests.

• Marriage

The Orthodox marriage rite is different than most. There are no vows exchanged as in other Christian marriage ceremonies.

• Confession

Orthodox believers do not go to confession as often. Only once or twice a year for most. Confession is seen as a healing sacrament, and the Priest acts as a witness to the believer's confession, not as mediator. There is no such thing as penance handed out as punishment, rather, the Priest will prescribe spiritual exercises, or give out other advice to help the confessor to alleviate his or her sins. Priests are not the only ones who can hear confessions. Anyone who has been specifically blessed to hear confessions may do so. Thus many monks, nuns, and even elder members of the Church may hear confessions. They are referred to as spiritual fathers and mothers. Upon hearing a confession and giving spiritual advice, the believer is then directed to a priest who performs the prayers of forgiveness.

• Unction (Last Rites)

The Orthodox believe in annointing with oil those who are ill as well as those immediately departed. In fact, during Holy Week, there is a special healing service where the priest annoints all the faithful with holy oil. Where the holy oil comes from is an interesting story. Every few years, as needed, bishops from all over the Orthodox world gather together with the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople to bless the holy oil. This olive oil is mixed with ingredients (spices, etc) that the bishops bring from their respective countries. The precious oil is blessed, and then distributed globally for local priests to use. The supply usually lasts seven to ten years. The oil is quite pungent and has a pleasant aroma.

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