Prayer and reading guides · English

The Seven Sacraments

The Coptic Church calls them the holy mysteries. In each one, God gives His unseen grace through something we can see: water, oil, bread and wine, a word, the laying on of hands. They are how Christ meets us at every stage of life.

Baptism

The door into the Church. We are buried with Christ in the water and rise with Him to new life (Romans 6:4). The Coptic Church baptizes by full immersion, three times, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and baptizes infants as well as adults.

Chrismation (the Holy Myron)

Straight after baptism, the priest anoints the newly baptized with the holy Myron oil, and they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the apostles laid hands on the baptized (Acts 8:17).

The Eucharist (Holy Communion)

The sacrament of sacraments. In the Divine Liturgy, the bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ, and we receive Him for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life (John 6:54).

Repentance and Confession

When we fall after baptism, the Lord gives us the way back. We confess our sins before God in the presence of a priest, our father of confession, and receive the absolution (John 20:22-23).

Unction of the Sick

The priests pray over the sick and anoint them with oil, for healing of body and soul, as St. James teaches (James 5:14-15).

Matrimony

A man and a woman are joined by God in the Church, and become one (Matthew 19:6). Their home becomes a little church.

The Priesthood

Through the laying on of hands, God gives grace to bishops, priests and deacons to serve His people and offer the sacraments (2 Timothy 1:6).

Tip: Ask your parents about the day of your baptism, and keep it as a feast.

Quick questions

Which are received only once?

Baptism and Chrismation are received once, and so is ordination to each order of the priesthood. The Eucharist, Confession and Unction are received again and again, and Matrimony is for life.

Where do I start?

If you are not baptized, speak with a priest. If you are, begin with regular Confession and Communion, with your father of confession guiding you.