The Byzantine Catholic Church calls mysterion (mystery) what the Latin Church calls sacramentum (sacraments). The holy mysteries are neither the end nor the essence of spiritual life. They are the means through which God bestows grace on his people. The mysteries are not mere symbols of divine things, but the gift of a spiritual reality attached to signs perceptible to the senses.

The mysteries of the Byzantine Catholic Church are given by the presbyter (priest) or bishop on the following occasions:

The Mysteries of Christian Initiation are administered to a person coming into the church, the mystical body of Christ. Whether the initiate is an infant or adult, he receives all of the following: Baptism by immersion in water, thus becoming a new life in Jesus Christ; Chrismation (confirmation) by the anointing with holy chrism, signifying the acquiring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and Eucharist by the reception of the Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.

The Mystery of Repentance or confession, giving the person the gift of Christ’s forgiveness of sins. This mystery is administered by the priest while he and the penitent are standing in front of the icon of Jesus Christ.

The Mystery of Anointing with holy chrism, bestowed at times of physical or spiritual sickness or need.

The Mystery of Holy Crowning (Matrimony), the joining together of a man, a woman, and Jesus Christ into the covenant of marriage.

The Mystery of Holy Orders the consecration of a man to the service of Christ’s Holy Church as an ordained Deacon, Priest, or Bishop by the laying on of hands.