|
 The
life of an Orthodox Christian can be seen as being composed of five cycles.
There is, first of all, the great cycle of life, which embraces the whole
life of a man from birth to death, and which  consists
in liturgical actions which are not repeated, occuring only once in a
person's lifetime. These are Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and the Burial
Service. In addition, there also belongs in this great cycle the Sacraments
or Sacramental Blessings which bestow special grace for a particular office
or vocation with the community. These are Holy Matrimony, the Monastic
Tonsure and Holy Orders. |
