“The inward life of the Church is the mystical cooperation of Christ as the Head, with the Church as His Body, in the Holy Spirit, by means of all mutually strengthening ties: ‘ This is a great mystery but I speak concerning Christ and the Church’, instructs the holy Apostle Paul (Eph. 5:32). Also in 1 Corinthians 4:1, the Apostles called themselves “stewards of the mysteries of God.”
The name of “mystery” has become well known in the Church as referring to seven rites or sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation, Communion (the Eucharist), Repentance, Priesthood, Matrimony, and Unction. “The Mysteries are ‘means which unfailingly act by Grace upon those who come to them,” as is said in the “Encyclical of the Eastern Patriarchs” (par. 15).
In the Holy Tradition of the Church, the believer’s mysteriaki zoe or sacramental life should mean a sanctified life or the new life in Christ God. It is, of course, understood the holy mysteries are the means of grace, and only the means. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Christian believer is constantly guided and inspired to live a righteous life, a life of holiness, a life of virtue, and a life of spiritual renewal.
We, as Orthodox Christians, believe that the Holy Spirit forms Christ within us and He is manifested in us. We also understand that the Holy Spirit does not serve as Christ’s substitute, but He prepares us for Him. We read in the Gospel of Saint John 16:13-14: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you”.
Let us now turn to the well familiar prayer to the Holy Spirit with love and humility:
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Thou are everywhere
and fill all things. Treasury of blessings and Giver of life come and
abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls,
O Good One! Amen.
A blessing offered to all of you:
The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God and Father, and the communion of
the Holy Spirit be with you all. (Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom)
“Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!
– Saint John Chrysostom
With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George
The Eastern Orthodox Christian Ethos 