IN THIS LESSON

#1 The Church as the Body of Christ

Scripture Reading (RSV):

  • "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ... Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27)

  • "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her... that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Key Themes:

The Church is the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the New Covenant People of God, and the Community of God's Kingdom. The Church is "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic"—unified in faith, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, universal in scope, and founded on the apostles. There is no salvation outside the Church because the Church is where Christ dwells and imparts His life.

Church Fathers' Wisdom:

St. Cyprian of Carthage (200-258): "No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother. If anyone could escape who was outside the ark of Noah, then he also may escape who shall be outside of the Church".

St. Ignatius of Antioch: "Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church".

Church Structure:

The Orthodox Church is hierarchically organized with bishops, presbyters (priests), and deacons, following the pattern of the apostolic Church. Each bishop presides over a local church (diocese), and bishops are united in councils to preserve the faith. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds primacy of honor among Orthodox bishops, but does not possess universal jurisdiction.

Discussion Points:

  • Why is the visible, institutional Church necessary for salvation?

  • What is the role of bishops, priests, and deacons in the Church?

  • How does the Orthodox Church understand its relationship to other Christian communities?

#2 The Seven Sacraments (Mysteries)

Scripture Reading (RSV):

  • "And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, 'Take; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many'" (Mark 14:22-24)

  • "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God'" (John 3:5)

Key Themes:

The Orthodox Church celebrates seven sacraments (holy mysteries): Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Eucharist, Confession, Holy Unction, Marriage, and Ordination. These are "not merely symbols but effective actions of the Holy Spirit, imparting divine grace and uniting us to Christ". The sacraments are the primary means by which God's grace is communicated to believers.

Church Fathers' Wisdom:

St. John Chrysostom: "The mysteries of the Church are sublime and awesome. What is in the chalice and the paten is the same as that which the angels see in heaven, trembling with fear".

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386): "After these things, you hear the chanter inviting you with a sacred melody to the communion of the holy mysteries, and saying, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good.' Do not entrust the judgment to your bodily palate, no, but to faith unfaltering".

Overview of the Seven Sacraments:

1.     Baptism - New birth into Christ and the Church

2.     Chrismation - Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit

3.     Eucharist - Partaking of Christ's Body and Blood

4.     Confession - Reconciliation with God and the Church

5.     Holy Unction - Healing of soul and body

6.     Marriage - Union of man and woman in Christ

7.     Holy Orders - Ordination to ministry

#3 Baptism and Chrismation

Scripture Reading (RSV):

  • "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38)

  • "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27)

Key Themes:

Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Church, involving triple immersion in water "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". Through baptism, the believer dies to sin and is raised to new life in Christ, becoming a member of His Body. Chrismation immediately follows baptism, sealing the newly baptized with the gift of the Holy Spirit through anointing with holy chrism.

The Baptismal Service:

The service includes:

  • Exorcisms and renunciation of Satan

  • Profession of faith (reciting the Creed)

  • Blessing of the baptismal water

  • Triple immersion in the water

  • Clothing in a white garment

  • Anointing with holy chrism (Chrismation)

  • Procession around the baptismal font

  • First reception of Holy Communion

Church Fathers' Wisdom:

St. Cyril of Jerusalem: "As Christ was truly crucified, buried, and raised, and you by baptism have been deemed worthy of being crucified, buried, and raised together with Him in a likeness".

St. John Chrysostom: "Baptism is a burial and resurrection... The old man is buried in the water, and the new man rises simultaneously".

Practical Application:

Orthodox Christians wear a baptismal cross throughout life as a reminder of their baptism and identity in Christ. The baptismal date is celebrated annually as one's "spiritual birthday."