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.

• 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.

• Communion

Orthodox faithful always receive both the consecrated bread and wine. The bread is a piece of a regular leavened loaf soaked in wine.

• 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.

• Ordination
• Unction (Last Rites)