ANGLICAN SACRAMENTS Meaning and
Definition
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Anglican sacraments refer to the religious rituals and practices observed by the Anglican Church, which is a branch of Christianity that originated in England. Sacraments are considered sacred acts or ceremonies that are believed to bring participants closer to God and provide spiritual benefits. In the Anglican tradition, there are generally seven sacraments that are recognized, although their significance and interpretation may differ slightly within various Anglican denominations.
The seven sacraments in Anglicanism include baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation (confession), anointing of the sick, holy matrimony (marriage), and ordination. Each sacrament is regarded as an outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace, embodying the presence of God's divine love and offering a means of encountering and receiving that love.
Baptism is considered the foundational sacrament and is administered through the pouring or immersion of water to symbolize purification and rebirth into the Christian faith. Confirmation is a sacrament of reaffirming and strengthening one's baptismal vows by the laying on of hands by a bishop.
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper, is a sacrament in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. Reconciliation is the sacrament of confessing one's sins to a priest for absolution and receiving spiritual healing and forgiveness.
The anointing of the sick involves the anointing with oil and prayer for the healing and comfort of the sick or those preparing for surgery. Holy matrimony is the sacrament of marriage, wherein a union is consecrated and blessed with the presence of God. Lastly, ordination is a sacrament in which individuals are consecrated as deacons, priests, or
Etymology of ANGLICAN SACRAMENTS
The word "Anglican" refers to the Church of England, as well as the churches that are related to or have historical connections with it. It comes from the Latin term "Anglicanus", which means "English".
The term "sacraments" comes from the Latin word "sacramentum", which originally referred to a sacred oath or obligation. It later evolved to indicate a religious ritual or act that is considered to have a special divine presence or significance. This term was adopted by English-speaking Christians to describe certain religious rituals or practices that are believed to have been instituted by Jesus Christ and which convey divine grace.
Therefore, the phrase "Anglican sacraments" refers to the religious rituals and practices of the Anglican Church that are considered to impart divine grace, such as baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion). These are commonly accepted as sacraments within the Anglican tradition.
