The Holy Sacraments
Baptism & Confirmation
The Sacrament of Baptism is the door to a new and spiritual life that frees us from original sin, confers sanctifying grace, and makes us members in Christ and in His Church.
Solemn Communion
Although the official Solemn (First) Communion is usually given at baptism in the Melkite Tradition, the celebration of the first communion is still done when the child reaches seven years of age.
Confession & Reconciliation
“Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained” (John 20:23)
Marriage
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman pledge themselves to one another in an unbreakable alliance of total mutual self-giving.
Anointing of the Sick & Last Rites
Anointing of the Sick is given to anyone who is seriously ill or grown weak with age.
Other Parish Services
Blessing of the Home
When any of the faithful wish to mark their moving into a new home with a religious celebration, the parish priests will gladly cooperate.
Funeral Services
The byzantine-rite funeral typically consists of four elements: a Prayer Service (“panachyda”) is conducted on the eve of the funeral, usually at the funeral home, the Funeral (“pochoron”), Burial (or interment), and a Memorial Luncheon (“tryzna”)