---
title: "The Sacraments — Church history"
description: "Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance, Priesthood, Marriage, Holy Unction."
url: "https://spas.life/en/orthodoxy/history/basics-sacraments"
language: "en"
---

Basics of the faith

# The Sacraments

Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance, Priesthood, Marriage, Holy Unction.

## Seven sacraments

Seven sacraments are traditionally listed, although the number is not a dogmatic definition. Baptism and Chrismation bring one into the Church; the Eucharist (Communion) is the centre of church life; Repentance (confession) reconciles with God and the Church; Priesthood, Marriage and Holy Unction sanctify ministry, family and illness.

## Preparation for Communion

The practice of preparation (fasting, rule of prayer, confession) is determined by parish tradition and the advice of one's confessor; the ROC document “On the Participation of the Faithful in the Eucharist” (2015) sets general guidelines.