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To: sinkspur

This is from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website:

"The Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. As the ministry of Christ was enlivened by the Spirit, and the preaching of the Apostles strengthened by the Spirit, so is the life of each Orthodox Christian sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Chrismation, which is often referred to as one's personal Pentecost, is the Sacrament which imparts the Spirit in a special way.

In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil saying: "The seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Oil, which is blessed by the bishop, is a sign of consecration and strength. The Sacrament emphasizes the truths that not only is each person a valuable member of the Church, but also each one is blessed by the Spirit with certain gifts and talents. The anointing also reminds us that our bodies are valuable and are involved in the process of salvation.

The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. Ideally, this takes place within the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. This practice reveals that Orthodoxy views children from their infancy as important members of the Church. There is never time when the young are not part of God's people."


18 posted on 03/15/2005 9:47:20 AM PST by Kolokotronis (Nuke the Cube!)
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To: Kolokotronis

Thanks for that. We Catholics have some doctrinal development to work on when it comes to the Sacraments of Initiation. Orthodoxy continues the practice of the Early Church.


19 posted on 03/15/2005 9:49:20 AM PST by sinkspur ("Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.")
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