Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral 3400 Dawson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213  |  412-681-2988

The Sacramental Life

God has made it possible for us to come to know Him through His Revelation in the Bible, His Incarnation in Jesus Christ, and through reception of the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments). Through the Sacraments, we commune with God in a mystical way. The Sacraments are our means of experiencing salvation in this life and a taste of eternal life to come.

Baptism

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:18-20).

Baptism is the Sacrament by which those immersed into water in the name of the Holy Trinity are reborn. By this we are buried in the water and then rise to put on a new life in Christ. In Baptism, we are washed in Christ, received into a divine relationship, and we promise to devote our lives to the service of God.

Guidelines for the Sacrament of Baptism at St. George:

  1. Children presented for Baptism should be children of Orthodox parent(s) who practice the Orthodox Faith and are active in parish life.
  2. At least one sponsor (same sex as the one to be presented) is required as a guarantor that the child will be brought up in the Orthodox Faith. The Godparent must be a practicing Orthodox Christian.
  3. Parents and sponsors should meet with the priest prior to the celebration of the Sacrament to discuss its significance.
  4. Parents should discuss plans for the Baptism with the priest prior to making any commitments concerning naming a sponsor, date, and time.

Chrismation & Reception of Converts

Adults who wish to be received into communion with the Orthodox Church are provided a period of introduction and instruction. The candidate is formally received through the Sacrament of Baptism or by Chrismation (if previously baptized as a Christian in the name of the Holy Trinity with immersion of water). Through Chrismation, the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to confirm us in the Orthodox Faith. An Orthodox sponsor is required for the reception of converts.

Communion (Eucharist)

"The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him" (John 6:56).

We are spiritually fed by receiving the true body and blood of Christ, instituted at His Last Supper. The Eucharist is the central mystery of the Church. Orthodox believers should prepare to receive the Eucharist through prayer, fasting, and regular Confession.

Confession

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

This Sacrament of Penance allows us to be forgiven for those sins we commit after our Baptism. Consistent participation is essential for all Orthodox. Confession is offered Saturday night after Great Vespers, before Evening Liturgies, and by appointment.

Funeral Service

The service for the repose of the soul of the faithful departed is offered in the Church (or in a Funeral Home) by the priest and the community. In the event of a death, the priest should be informed immediately so that proper arrangements can be made.

Marriage

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they will be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).

Holy Matrimony is the Sacrament by which two Christians are united as one body in an image of Christ's union with His Church. The Sacrament is offered for those Orthodox Christians who actively participate in the life of the Church. All plans for the wedding should be discussed with the priest at least six months in advance. There are times during the Liturgical Year when marriage is prohibited.