Category Archives: Mysteries/Sacraments

Customs of a Christian Death The Sacrament of the Sick An anointing with holy oil that is recommended for any baptized person who is seriously ill. This ritual invites God to bless the individual, forgive his or her sins, purify … Continue reading →

Funerals and Memorials A pastoral letter by Melkite Bp. Nicholas (Samra) Prayers for the Sick and for the Dying Our Church has a number of prayers and services interceding for the needs of the sick. Whenever a person is sick … Continue reading →

Resurrection of the Dead As we experience the grief associated with death, we may be overwhelmed by a variety of emotions, thoughts, and questions. In these difficult moments of life, Christians are encouraged to embrace the principals of faith, namely: … Continue reading →

Prayer for the Dead 2 Maccabees 12:44-45 For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the … Continue reading →

When Eastern Catholics Commune at a Roman Catholic Mass This pamphlet is primarily intended to be a teaching document for seminaries and formation houses. It is secondarily designed to be easily printed and carried with traveling Eastern Catholics. With that … Continue reading →

Frequency of Confession for Eastern Catholics The following should help Eastern Catholics determine when they should seek sacramental confession, that is, the Mystery of Repentance. The Scriptures teach that there is a basic undercurrent of sin in everyone’s life, “for … Continue reading →

Confessing in the Ukrainian Church It is presumed that a penitent will have properly prepared for the Confession by prayer, fasting, and an examination of conscience. Pre-Confession prayers usually include Psalm 50 (Have mercy upon me, O God…) and a … Continue reading →

An Examination of Conscience and Catechetical Summary The Sacrament of Repentance requires a sincere review of our life in the form of an examination of conscience. The following is intended to help us make such an examination, which should be … Continue reading →

A Proper Confession Source: St. Elias parish in Brampton, ON All faithful are expected to approach Holy Confession before Pascha. The following tips will help you prepare. Before confession, each person must attempt to recall all of his/her sins, both … Continue reading →