Sacraments and Rites

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the gateway into the life of the Church, through which a person is born anew "of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5) and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. So that this gift may bear full fruit, our parish offers catechesis both for those preparing for Baptism and for the parents and godparents of children, helping them to understand the depth of the Sacrament and to live the Christian faith consciously.

Holy Baptism is arranged directly with the parish priest.

The Sacrament of Marriage is God's blessing upon the union of a man and a woman, through which two become "one flesh" (Matthew 19:6) and set out together on the path of life, forming the little church that is the Christian family. Our parish accompanies the couple with spiritual preparation and pre-marital catechesis, so that this Sacrament may be the beginning of a life of sacrificial love, strong faith, and growth together in Christ.

Holy Matrimony is arranged directly with the parish priest.

The Sacrament of Confession is a "second baptism" through tears, in which the faithful, confessing their sins before the priest, receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God, regaining peace of soul and spiritual freedom. The parish's spiritual father is available to the faithful with patience and discretion, accompanying them on the path of repentance, inner healing, and preparation for Holy Communion.

Confession is arranged directly with the parish priest.

Holy Communion is the Sacrament of Sacraments, in which the faithful receive the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ "for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting" — the fullest union of the human person with God. Our parish prepares the faithful for this holy encounter through confession, fasting and prayer; Holy Communion is offered both at the Divine Liturgy and at home, to the sick and housebound, on request.

Holy Communion is arranged directly with the parish priest.

The blessing of a home is the service in which the priest, through prayer and the sprinkling of holy water, calls down God's blessing upon the dwelling and upon those who live in it, driving away every influence of evil and making the house a "little church" in which the family lives in peace, faith and harmony. This service is usually held when moving into a new home, during the Theophany season, or whenever a family feels the need for the spiritual renewal of their household.

The blessing of a home is arranged directly with the parish priest.

The Parastas is the special service of commemoration for the departed, in which the Church raises prayers for the forgiveness of their sins and the repose of their souls in the never-fading light of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is served especially on the third, ninth and fortieth days after their passing to the Lord, at six months, at one year and annually thereafter, as well as on the Saturdays of the Dead appointed by the Church — a work of love by the living for the departed, who still stand in need of our prayers.

Agiasma is water sanctified through the prayer of the Church and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, becoming a bearer of grace, healing and blessing for those who receive it in faith. In our parish both the Great Blessing of Water at the Feast of Theophany and the Lesser Blessing, at the request of the faithful, are served. This service is held only on site, in the church, after which the blessed water may be taken home for the spiritual benefit of the family.