The Mysteries (i.e.: Sacraments) are “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131). It is a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Christ, most usually through His ministers set apart in Holy Orders, so that the people may have the grace that is an unearned and undeserved gift from God (CCC 1084). Christ was present at the inception of all the sacraments during His ministry and passion, and He is present each time the mysteries are celebrated. These mysteries touch on all the important moments of the Christian life (CCC 1210).
**Please check calendar on main page for liturgy and other scheduled sacraments**
Mysteries of Initiation:
According to the tradition of the Byzantine Rite, these three mysteries – Baptism, Chrismation, and Eucharist – are ordinarily received together by a new Christian as an infant. However, new members seeking to become Byzantine Catholic as an adult should speak with the pastor or deacons to inquire on next steps, or email wacobyzantine@gmail.com.
The Mysteries of Initiation are Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist (i.e.: Communion). Through the Mystery of Baptism, a human being – man, woman, or child – is washed clean of sin, made a child of God by adoption, and capable of deification in God. The one being baptized becomes a member of the Church founded by Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world, and an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven. By means of this mystery, God comes to dwell in the heart of the believer (Luke 3:3; John 3:5; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2: 38, 41; Acts 8) . Through the Mystery of Chrismation – that is, by anointing with holy oil – a baptized Christian receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, the principal of movement and growth in the soul. (See: Acts 8:12-19). In the Mystery of the Eucharist, the Christian becomes intimately united with the very life of God, receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ as spiritual nourishment, in accordance with the words of Our Lord: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life everlasting” (John 6:54; 1st Cor 10:16-17 & 11:25-29; Luke 24.30-31).
Mysteries of Healing:
Currently, the Mysteries of Reconciliation is only available by appointment or an ad-hoc request before or after a liturgical service. The Mystery of Holy Oil will be posted on the main page when available.
The mysteries of healing are the Mystery of Reconciliation/Penance (a.k.a.: Confession) and Holy Oil/Anointing of the Sick. The Mystery of Reconciliation, by which, through the ministry of the Church, Christ provides counsel, healing, and forgiveness of sins (John 20.22-23; Matthew 6.15; Matthew 18.18; 2 Cor 5.17) . The Mystery of Holy Oil was instituted to provide healing, forgiveness, and comfort For those suffering from physical or emotional illness, or for those in danger of death (James 5.14-16).
Mysteries of Vocation:
If you are interested in receiving the Mystery of Holy Crowning in the Byzantine Church, or if you are man (married or unmarried) interested in discussing a vocation to the presbyterate (priests) or diaconate (deacons), please come to liturgy and ask the pastor or one of the deacons/deacon candidates. Or, email wacobyzantine@gmail.com.
The mysteries of vocation is Holy Crowning (Matrimony) and Holy Priesthood (Holy Orders). In the Mystery of Crowning, a man and woman are united in holy matrimony, forming a new “domestic church”, for their mutual support and for the building up of the Kingdom (Ephesians 5:32). The crowns which are worn during the wedding service symbolize the authority and honor they have as a married couple. In the Mystery of Priesthood, a man is set aside for service to the Church as a bishop, presbyter, or deacon (Acts 6; Acts 13.3; Acts 14.23; John 20; Matthew. 16; Matthew 18.18; Isaiah 22.22; Ephesians 2.20 & 4.11; 1st Corinthians 12.28; Acts 1.20-26; 1st Timothy 3 & 4.14 & 5.17-22; 2nd Timothy 1.6 & 2.2)