Definition: Initiation rite into Christianity, performed via affusion (pouring water on the head) or immersion (full-body submersion).
Significance: Cleanses “original sin” and grants membership in the Church. Unbaptized individuals are not considered formal believers.
Confirmation
Process: A bishop lays hands on baptized members to invoke the Holy Spirit, reinforcing faith and spiritual strength.
Purpose: Deepens commitment to Christian teachings.
Confession (Penance)
Practice: Believers confess sins to a priest, who offers absolution and guidance for repentance.
Rule: Priests must maintain strict confidentiality.
Holy Communion (Eucharist)
Origin: Commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper, where bread and wine symbolize his body and blood.
Denominational Differences:
Catholicism: Uses unleavened bread; laity receives only the bread.
Orthodoxy: Uses leavened bread.
Protestantism: Allows both bread and wine for all congregants.
Anointing of the Sick
Ritual: A priest anoints the gravely ill with consecrated oil on the senses (eyes, ears, etc.).
Belief: Eases suffering, forgives sins, and prepares the soul for eternal life.
Holy Orders
Ceremony: Ordination of clergy through prayer and laying on of hands, signifying divine authority to administer sacraments.
Matrimony
Theology: A lifelong, monogamous union elevated to sacramental status for baptized couples. Divorce is discouraged except in cases of adultery or abandonment.
Other Christian Practices
Sunday Worship
Structure: Includes prayers, scripture readings, hymns, and sermons. Observed on Sundays (the Lord’s Day) to honor Christ’s resurrection.
Abstinence (Small Fast)
Tradition: Catholics and Orthodox avoid meat on Fridays; Protestants have no fixed rules.
Fasting (Great Fast)
Observance: One full meal per day on solemn occasions (e.g., Good Friday). Strictly followed in Catholicism/Orthodoxy.
Key Taboos and Beliefs
Exclusive Worship of God
Avoid gifting items depicting other religious deities or idols.
Never mock Christian teachings or use God’s name frivolously.
Marriage Ethics
Marriage is sacred and lifelong. Divorce is permitted only for infidelity or abandonment.
Dietary Restrictions
Blood Prohibition: Blood symbolizes life and Christ’s sacrifice; consuming blood-based foods is forbidden.
Fasting Days: Meat avoidance on Fridays (Catholic/Orthodox) and specific fasting periods.
Rejection of Occult Practices
Astrology, fortune-telling, and idolatry conflict with Christian free-will theology.
Aversion to 13 and Friday
Considered unlucky due to associations with betrayal (Last Supper’s 13 attendees) and Christ’s crucifixion (Good Friday).
Guidelines for Interacting with Christians
Respect Core Beliefs
Avoid disparaging remarks about God or Jesus. Clarify denominational differences (e.g., “priest” vs. “pastor”).
Understand Evangelistic Zeal
Some believers may enthusiastically share their faith; respond graciously even if uninterested.
Acknowledge Human Imperfection
Christians, like all people, may err. Avoid conflating individual actions with the faith itself.
Meal Etiquette
Pause for prayer before eating. Respect fasting practices during Lent or Advent.
