Sacraments, rituals and traditions are not the same. An Orthodox person understands all the subtleties, but an unchurched person cannot always distinguish one from the other. Nevertheless, even if you have nothing to do with the church, you are still required to know general information. Let's talk about it.
The difference between sacraments and rituals
Let's start with the fact that the Orthodox rites are fundamentally different from other forms of priesthood. Often the sacraments and rituals are confused.
The Almighty gave people seven sacraments, including baptism, chrismation, repentance, communion, marriage, priesthood and unction. During them, God's Grace is shed on the believers.
The Orthodox rite includes actions that are aimed at elevating the human spirit to the sacrament and elevating consciousness to faith. It is important to understand that all church rites are considered sacred only if accompanied by prayer. It is because of prayer that an ordinary action becomes a sacrament, and an external process becomes an Orthodox rite.
Types of rituals
Every believer knows that church ceremonies are divided into several categories:
- Liturgical rites. They enter into the regular order of church liturgical life. This includes the removal of the holy shroud during Good Friday, the lighting of bread kvass (arthos) during the Easter week, year-round lighting of water, the church rite of anointing with oil, which is performed at matins, and others.
- Worldly rituals. These Orthodox rites are used during the lighting of the home, various products such as seedlings and seeds. They are also used to consecrate good undertakings such as traveling, starting a fast, or building a house. By the way, this category includes rituals for the deceased, which include a lot of ritual and ritual actions.
- Symbolic rites. This includes Orthodox religious rites that express certain ideas and are a symbol of the unity of God and man. A prime example is the sign of the cross. What's this? This is the name of the Orthodox religious rite, which symbolizes the memory of the suffering endured by the Savior, it also serves as a good protection against the action of demonic forces.
Anointing of the Unction
To make it clearer what we are talking about, let's look at the most popular rituals. Anyone who has ever been to church at a morning service in a church has seen him or even participated in this ceremony. The priest during the ceremony makes cruciform movements on the forehead of the believer with oil (consecrated oil). This action is called anointing with oil. It means God's mercy, which is poured out on a person. Some Orthodox holidays and rituals have come to us since the Old Testament times, and anointing with oil is one of them. Even Moses bequeathed to perform the anointing with oil of Aaron and his descendants, the servants of the Jerusalem temple. In the New Testament, the Apostle James, in his conciliar epistle, mentions the healing effect of oil and says that this rite is very important.
Unction
Orthodox holidays and rites are often confused with each other, it happened with the sacrament of unction. Not only are these concepts confused with each other, but people are also misled by the fact that oil is used in both cases. The difference is that during the unction, God's grace is invoked, but in the second, the rite has only a symbolic character.
By the way, the sacrament of unction has always been considered the most difficult action, because according to church canons, seven priests must perform it. Only in extreme cases is a situation allowed when the sacrament is performed by one priest. The anointing is done seven times, during which passages from the Gospel are read. In particular, there are chapters from the Epistle of the Apostles and special prayers that are intended specifically for this occasion. But the rite of chrismation consists only in the fact that the priest blesses and puts a cross on the forehead of a believer.
Rites associated with the end of life
No less important are the Orthodox burial rites and others related to this action. In Orthodoxy, this moment is given special significance, because the soul parted with the flesh and passes into eternity. We will not go deeplet's focus on the most important points.
Among the rites of the Orthodox Church, a funeral takes a special place. This is the name of the funeral service, which is performed over the dead only once. For example, the same memorial service or commemoration can be held several times. The meaning of the funeral is in the singing (reading) of certain liturgical texts. It is important to understand that the order in the Orthodox rite of burial or funeral varies depending on who the rite takes place in relation to: a monk, a lay person, an infant or a priest. The funeral service is held so that the Lord forgives the sins of the deceased person and gives peace to the soul that has already left the body.
Among the Orthodox sacraments and rituals, there is also a requiem service. It differs from the funeral service in that it is much shorter. As a rule, a memorial service is held on the third, ninth and fortieth day after death. A memorial service is a prayerful singing, which is why it is confused with a funeral service. You can also hold a memorial service in the year of death, the birthday of the deceased, name day.
The next rite of Orthodox Christians, which few people know about, is lithium. This is also one of the types of funeral services. The rite is much shorter than the memorial service, but it also takes place in accordance with the rules.
The consecration of food, dwellings and good undertakings
We have already talked about the rite of unction in the Orthodox Church, but there are also rites called illumination. They are held so that God's blessing descends on a person. If we recall the teaching of the church, then it says thatuntil the second coming of Christ, the devil will do invisibly black deeds. People are doomed to see the fruits of his activities everywhere. A person cannot resist the devil without the help of Heavenly powers.
For this reason, it is important to conduct rituals in the Orthodox religion. Thus, the dwelling is cleansed of the presence of dark forces, food is cleansed of the devilish influence, and good undertakings are carried out without interference. But all this works only if a person unshakably believes in God. If you doubt that the rite will help you, then you should not even start. The ceremony in this case is considered not only empty, but also a sinful act, which is pushed by the same devil.
Blessing of waters
This is the name of the rite of consecration of water. According to tradition, blessing of water can be great and small. In the first version, the ceremony is performed once a year, and in the second, it is performed many times in twelve months. This is done during Baptism or when performing prayer services.
The ceremony is held in honor of the great event - the immersion of Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan. This moment is described in the Gospel. It was then that Jesus became a type of the washing away of all human sins. The ablution takes place in the holy font, which opens the way for people inside the Church of Christ.
Sacraments
We have already figured out what rituals are, it's time to decide on the sacraments. They are somewhat different from the rites, but many still consider them as such. Consider the most popular sacraments.
Baptism
Among the Orthodox sacraments and rites, baptism is very popular. Even secular people want to baptize their children. A child can be baptized after forty days have passed from birth. To conduct the ceremony, the presence of godparents is enough. As a rule, they are chosen from the closest people. Godparents must be chosen very carefully, because they are obliged to spiritually educate the godson and support him through life. Now the rules are not so severe, if before it was impossible for the mother to be present at the baptism, now this rule is valid only forty days from the birth of the child.
During baptism, the child must be dressed in a new christening shirt and be in the arms of one of the godparents. The latter during the ceremony pray and are baptized together with the priest. God's servant carries the baby around the font three times, and also dips him into the font three times. During baptism, a strand of hair is cut from the child's head, which symbolizes obedience to God. At the end of the ceremony, the boys are brought behind the altar, but the girls are leaned against the face of the Virgin.
People believe that if a person has passed the rite of baptism, then he will be provided with God's help in all endeavors. The Savior will protect from sins and troubles, and will also give a second birth.
Communion
There is an opinion that the rite of communion in the Orthodox Church saves a person from previously committed sins and gives the forgiveness of the Lord. Communion is held before the wedding, but this does not mean that preparation for this ceremony is not needed.
You need to start going to church every day at least a week before communion. On the day when the sacrament will be performed, a person must defend the entire morning service. By the way, preparing for communion is not only about attending church, but also about following certain rules. They are exactly the same as during fasting. You can not eat animal food, have fun, drink alcoholic beverages and idle talk.
As you can see, the rite of communion in the Orthodox Church is not so complicated, but a person can get rid of all sins. Recall that you need to take communion only if you believe. An unbelieving person cannot receive the long-awaited forgiveness, he, having received communion, will commit a sin. How does the ceremony go?
So, the rite of communion in the Orthodox faith begins with the fact that a person confesses to a priest. This must be done on the day of the ceremony, just before the start of the Divine Liturgy. The actual communion is held at the end of the service. Everyone who wants to take communion comes in turn to the pulpit, where the clergyman holds the chalice. The cup must be kissed and stepped aside, where everyone will receive a sip of holy water and wine.
By the way, during the procedure, hands must be folded on the chest with a cross. On the day of the rite of communion in the Orthodox Church, you must keep your thoughts clean, refrain from sinful food and entertainment.
Wedding
Even an unchurched person knows that rituals differ not only in meaning, but also in the rules of conduct, the requirements for believers. As for the wedding ceremony in the Orthodox Church, the rules here are different. For example, only people who have registered their relationship with the registry office can get married. All because the priest has nothe right to perform the ceremony without presenting a marriage certificate.
There are also some obstacles that do not allow a wedding ceremony in the Orthodox Church. It is forbidden by the rules to marry people with different religions if one of the couple is not yet divorced. People who are blood relatives or who have previously taken a vow of celibacy will never be married.
By the way, the wedding cannot be held on great church holidays, during strict fasts and weeks, on some days of the week.
During the ceremony, the best men stand behind the couple, holding crowns over the couple. All women who are present at the wedding must be covered with a head covering. During the ceremony, the groom must touch the face of the Savior, and the bride - the face of the Virgin.
Since ancient times, it has been believed that a wedding can save a marriage from external destruction, gives the family the blessing of God and his help in difficult life moments. Getting married also helps to maintain respect and love in a couple.
The rite is certainly beautiful and solemn, which is not surprising, because all church rites catch the eye. The sacrament of the wedding gives the couple peace of mind, relieves them of inner anguish and feelings of loneliness. With the help of the rite, a person can look inside himself, gain life values or clear his mind of bad thoughts.
There is also a rite of dethronement in the Orthodox Church, but we'll talk about it another time.
Funeral
Besides cheerful and pleasant rituals, there are also those associated with death. The funeral riteOrthodox is distinguished by its rules that you need to know. So, the burial of believers takes place on the third day after death. Orthodox traditions teach people to respect the lifeless body. After all, even after death, a person continues to be a member of the Jesus Church, while the body is considered a temple in which the Holy Spirit used to live. By the way, the Orthodox believe that after a certain time the body will come to life and acquire the qualities of immortality and incorruption.
How do they prepare for a funeral?
- The body of a believer is washed immediately after death. This rite symbolizes the purity of the spirit and the absolute purity of a person who will appear before the eyes of the Lord. According to the rules of the rites of the Russian Orthodox Church, ablution is performed with soap, warm water and a soft rag or sponge.
- During the ablution it is necessary to read the Trisagion and light the lamp. The latter burns as long as there is a body in the room. Wudu can only be done by clean women who have taken a bath themselves, or by elderly people.
- After washing, the deceased is dressed in washed new clothes. This is done in order to show the immortality and incorruptibility of the soul. Christians believe that after death a person will appear at the Judgment of God and give an account for the life he has passed.
- An Orthodox cross must be put on the body, and hands and feet are bound. Moreover, the hands must be folded in a certain way: the right one should be on top. A small icon is placed in the left hand, which is different for men and women. So, women are given an icon of the Virgin Mary, and men - Christ. With her helpshow that the deceased believed in the Son of God and gave his own soul to him. Now he moves on to the most pure, eternal and reverent vision of the Holy Trinity.
How do Orthodox people bury? Traditions and rituals govern the order of burial. So, what is it about?
- At the death of a Christian, a canon of eight songs is read, which is compiled according to church rules. This must be done because every person experiences a feeling of fear before death. Orthodox servants confirm that the soul succumbs to passion after being separated from the physical shell.
- Human consciousness is very difficult in the first three days after death. At this time, people see the Guardian Angels who accompanied them throughout their lives after baptism. In addition, along with the Angels, evil spirits also appear before your eyes, which already cause horror with their vile appearance.
- The canon is read in order for the soul of the deceased to find peace in the afterlife. Relatives and loved ones must muster the courage needed to say goodbye to a deceased relative. They must fulfill a prayer request before Heavenly Father.
- Before burying the body, the coffin and the deceased are sprinkled with holy water. A whisk is placed on the forehead of the deceased, which the priest gives out before the funeral. The whisk symbolizes that a Christian passed away with honor, defeated a frightening death. On the rim itself is the face of the Mother of God, the Son of God, as well as John the Baptist. The rim is decorated with the inscription "Trisagion".
- Under the shoulders and head of the deceased alwaysput a cotton pad, the body is covered with a white sheet. The coffin is placed in the middle of the room facing the home iconostasis, that is, in such a way that the face of the deceased is facing the icons. Candles are lit all around to warn that the deceased Christian is moving into an area of calm and light.
By the way, according to tradition, priests and monks are not washed after death. Priests are dressed in church clothes, a cover is placed on their heads, which says that the deceased was involved in the Mysteries of the Lord. But the monks are dressed in specific clothes and wrapped in a cruciform mantle. The face of a monk is always covered, because he was far from worldly passions during his life.
Orthodox church rites also apply if the body is brought to the temple. How does this happen? Now let's figure it out. Before taking the body out of the house, it is necessary to read the canon about the exodus of the soul. By the way, this is done no later than an hour. The deceased is always carried out feet first. At the time when the body is taken out, a prayer is sung in honor of the Most Holy Trinity. It symbolizes that the deceased has sincerely confessed to God and is moving into the Kingdom of Heaven. There he will be an Ethereal Spirit who sings praises and surrounds the throne.
After the body was brought to the temple, it is placed so that the face of the deceased was turned to the altar. Lamps are lit on four sides of the deceased. The Church believes that on the third day after death, the soul of the deceased begins to experience terrible suffering, although the body is lifeless and dead. In such a difficult period, the deceased is in great need of help.priests, and therefore the Ps alter and canons are read over the coffin. Helps relieve suffering and funerals, which include liturgical chants that tell about a person's life.
During farewell, relatives kiss the deceased, and touching stichera are sung over the deathbed. They say that the deceased leaves vanity, frailty, they find peace through the Lord's mercy. Relatives calmly go around the coffin and apologize for all the wrongs inflicted in vain. Relatives for the last time kiss the whisk on the forehead or the icon, which is located on the chest.
At the end of the ceremony, the deceased is covered with a sheet, at this time the priest sprinkles the body of the deceased with earth in a cross-shaped movement. After that, the coffin is sealed and it can no longer be opened. While the deceased is being carried out of the temple, the relatives sing the Trisagion.
By the way, if the church is too far from the house of the deceased, then an absentee funeral is performed. It should be ordered by relatives in the nearest monastery.
When the ritual is over, before closing the coffin, a distinctive prayer book is put into the hands of the deceased, more precisely, into the right hand. A paper whisk is placed on the forehead. The farewell is already carried out with the body wrapped in sheets.
Since everything is clear with the burial rites, let's explain the moment of the church schism. Of course, this question was studied back in school, but most likely you have already forgotten everything you knew.
Church schism
The unification of the rites of the Russian Orthodox Church occurred after the split of the church. Why did it happen?Let's figure it out.
So far, the Russian Orthodox Church has not been touched by the reform. The last changes took place in the seventeenth century, but whether there will be new ones is still unknown. Let's talk about previous experiences.
As far back as 1640, there were talks about the need for church reform. Representatives of the clergy even then wanted to unify the rules of worship and church texts. But they could not achieve unity in the choice of a model to follow. Someone wanted to use Greek church books as a model, while others wanted to use ancient Russian books.
As a result, those who wanted to bring church rites and books in accordance with Byzantine canons won. There are several explanations for this:
- The Russian state sought to stabilize its own position among other Orthodox countries. In government circles, Moscow was often spoken of as the third Rome; this theory was put forward by Filofey, an old man from Pskov, who lived in the fifteenth century. The church schism that occurred in 1054 led to the fact that Constantinople was considered the Orthodox center. Philotheus believed that after the fall of Byzantium, it was the capital of the Russian state that would become the stronghold of the true Orthodox faith. In order for Moscow to receive this status, the Russian Tsar needed to enlist the support of the Greek Church. And in order to receive it, it was necessary to hold a service in accordance with local rules.
- In 1654, the Pereyaslav Rada decided that the territory of Polish Ukraine should join Russia. On the newterritory, the Orthodox liturgy was held according to Greek rules, and therefore the unification of rites and rules would contribute to the unification of Little Russia and Russia.
- Not so long ago, the Time of Troubles passed, and people's unrest still took place across the country. If uniform rules of church life were established, then the process of national unity would be much faster and more fruitful.
- Russian worship did not correspond to the Byzantine canons. Making changes to the liturgical rules is considered secondary in carrying out church reform. By the way, the church schism was caused by these changes.
Under whom did the split of the church occur? It was under the sovereign Alexei Mikhailovich, who reigned from 1645 to 1676. He never ignored the problems that concerned the Russian people. The tsar considered himself Orthodox, and therefore devoted much attention and time to the affairs of the church.
Church schism in our country is strongly associated with the name of Patriarch Nikon. In the world his name was Nikita Minin, he became a clergyman at the request of his parents and was very successful. Once Nikon was introduced to the young Alexei Mikhailovich, it was in 1646. Then Minin came to Moscow in order to settle the monastic affairs. The seventeen-year-old sovereign appreciated Nikon's efforts and left him in Moscow. Nikon had a very strong influence on the sovereign and actively participated in solving state issues. In 1652, Nikon became patriarch and began preparations for a church reform that had been long overdue.
First of all, the patriarch began to edit all the books of the Orthodox religion and rituals. itwas made to comply with Greek laws. Despite this, the beginning of the church schism is considered to be 1653, because the changes at that time affected the liturgical rules, which led to Nikon's confrontation with supporters and adherents of the old rites and rules.
So, what did Patriarch Nikon do?
- Replaced the two-fingered sign with the three-fingered one. It was this innovation that caused the most unrest among the Old Believers. The new sign of the cross was considered disrespectful to God, because three fingers made a figure.
- Patriarch introduced a new spelling of the name of God. Now it was necessary to write "Jesus", and not as before the reform - "Jesus".
- The number of prosphora for the liturgy has been reduced.
- Changes also affected bows. Now there is no need to beat the earth bows, instead of them there are waist ones.
- From the moment of the reform, one should move during the procession against the sun.
- Church singing now says "Hallelujah" three times instead of two.
So, what are the reasons for the split? Before answering this question, it is necessary to understand what is called a church schism. So, they call the separation of some of the believers from the Orthodox Church, the Old Believers opposed the transformations that Nikon wanted to introduce.
The reasons for the split, of course, greatly influenced the further history of the Russian state and they were caused by the short-sighted policy of church and secular authorities.
Church schism can be defined as confrontation or cooling off, andThis means that all this had a bad effect on the relationship between the church and the authorities. Patriarch Nikon is to blame for this, or rather, his harsh methods. This led to the fact that in 1660 the patriarch lost his dignity. As time passed, he was completely deprived of the priesthood and exiled to the Belozersky Feropont Monastery.
But this does not mean that reforms ended with the resignation of the patriarch. In 1666, new church books and rituals were approved, which had to be accepted by the entire Orthodox Church. The Church Council decided that those people who were supporters of the old faith were not only excommunicated and even equated with heretics.
Conclusion
As you can see, you need to know all the sacraments and rituals of the Orthodox Church if you really want to commune with God. Churched people, of course, are aware of everything, but this does not mean that they were born with this knowledge. Everyone who comes to church can count on a detailed explanation. It is never too late to come to the church, the doors of the temple are always open for every person.
There is no specific time to turn to God. Some come to this at the end of life, while others - at the very beginning. The Lord loves all people equally and does not divide them into good and bad. A person who comes to the temple is ready not only to repent, but also to work on his soul.
Don't judge believers, because they care not only about the body, but also about the soul. Sometimes only through God you can realize all your mistakes and sins and atone for them. Of course, there are fanatics, but they are stillminority. It is also important to accustom children to the church from an early age. So the kids will have the right idea about God, and the church will not be some special place for them. A lot of Sunday schools are being built now, which promises to spread the faith among the population.
We do not live under the Soviets, and therefore it is worth thinking broader, not stereotyped. It was then that everyone was told that faith is an opium for the people, forgetting about the ending of the saying. But you should remember about it.
