Sacraments · November 9, 2026

The Seven Sacraments of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church teaches seven sacraments, also called holy mysteries: Baptism, Chrismation, the Holy Eucharist, Confession, Holy Orders, Holy Matrimony and the Anointing of the Sick. The Church teaches that through these sacred rites, God gives His grace to believers in a visible way.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has seven sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation, the Holy Eucharist, Confession, Holy Orders, Holy Matrimony and the Anointing of the Sick. The Church also calls them “mysteries,” because in them God acts in a way that human reason cannot fully explain.

The Church teaches that these rites were instituted by Jesus Christ as visible means of invisible grace. For the Church’s own fuller teaching, see the library’s introduction to the Sacramental Mysteries.

The seven sacraments at a glance

Why are they called mysteries?

A mystery, in this sense, is not a puzzle to be solved. It is a real meeting with God that goes beyond what can be seen. The outward part of each sacrament can be observed: water is poured, oil is applied, prayers are sung. The inward part, the work of the Holy Spirit, is received by faith.

The use of water, oil, bread and wine also carries a lesson. The material world is God’s good creation, and He uses it to reach His people.

1. Baptism

Baptism is the door into the Christian life. The person is immersed three times in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. By long tradition, boys are baptized on the fortieth day after birth and girls on the eightieth, although the exact day can vary.

The library has a full page on Holy Baptism. The same word, Timkat, is used for the January feast of Christ’s baptism, which is a celebration and not the sacrament itself.

2. Chrismation

Chrismation follows immediately after Baptism. The priest anoints the newly baptized person with holy oil called Meron, and through this anointing the person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Western tradition, the closest equivalent is Confirmation, which usually comes years later. In the Ethiopian Church, even an infant receives it on the day of Baptism. Read more about Holy Chrismation.

3. The Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist, or Qurban, is the center of the Church’s worship. The Church teaches that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Divine Liturgy. This is why it is approached with such seriousness, including fasting and self-examination beforehand.

Newly baptized infants also receive Communion. To learn more, see the library’s pages on the Holy Eucharist and on how Holy Communion is received.

4. Confession

Christians sin after Baptism, and Confession is the path back. The believer repents and confesses to a priest, who pronounces absolution and may give a penance to help the person heal and grow.

Many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians have a priest who serves as their soul father, a personal spiritual guide who knows them over many years. The library has a page on Confession and Absolution.

5. Holy Orders

Holy Orders sets men apart for service in the Church through the laying on of hands. The three major orders are deacon, priest and bishop.

A married man may be ordained a deacon or priest, provided he married before ordination. Bishops are chosen from among monks and do not marry.

6. Holy Matrimony

In marriage, a man and a woman are joined together with God’s blessing. The rite is known for its crowning, and the Ge’ez name for it, Teklil, is linked with that crown. The crown is a sign of the honor and the calling that the couple receives. Read more on the page about Holy Matrimony.

7. The Anointing of the Sick

In this sacrament, priests pray over a sick person and anoint them with blessed oil, following the instruction in the Epistle of St. James (5:14-15). The prayer asks for healing of both body and soul, and for the forgiveness of sins. It is not only for those near death: anyone who is seriously ill may ask for it.

Which sacraments can be received more than once?

Baptism and Chrismation mark a permanent new beginning, so they are not repeated. Holy Orders, too, is given once for each order. The Eucharist and Confession, in contrast, are meant to accompany a Christian throughout life. The Anointing of the Sick can be received each time there is need.

Customs can differ from one parish or region to another. Anyone preparing for a sacrament should speak with their own priest, who can explain what is expected in their community.