Sacraments

The Church celebrates the mysteries (sacraments) as visible signs of God's grace, through which the Holy Spirit sanctifies the faithful. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church recognizes the same sacramental life as the one holy catholic and apostolic Church: Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Holy Qurbana (Eucharist), Repentance (Confession), Holy Orders, Marriage, and the Anointing of the Sick.

Baptism and Chrismation

By Baptism we are united to the death and resurrection of Christ and become members of His Body. Chrismation follows Baptism and bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit, sealing the baptized as members of the Church. Both are normally administered together, even for infants, in the Orthodox tradition.

Holy Qurbana and the Other Mysteries

The Holy Qurbana is the summit of the sacramental life. Repentance (Confession) restores the sinner to communion; Holy Orders perpetuate the apostolic ministry; Marriage sanctifies the union of husband and wife; and the Anointing of the Sick brings healing and forgiveness. Through the sacraments, the Church becomes the place where heaven and earth meet and where we receive the life of the Kingdom.