#holy orders

it’s July, we just finished watching the Lucy trailer and it’s peak

then, it fades to black.

we see the field from the very first trailer appear.

then we hear THIS theme quietly and slowly start playing as a figure walks into the area.

and we get the surprise reveal of the first character for Guilty Gear -Strive- Season 5: Order-Sol.

Saint Dumitru Stăniloae’s The Experience of God: Volume 5 - The Sanctifying Mysteries [FREE PDF]

The Sanctifying Mysteries, is especially important for English speakers because it constitutes the first comprehensive treatment in the English language of the holy mysteries from an Orthodox doctrinal perspective. The book will doubtlessly prove to be a valuable resource for all people of faith, Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike, who wish to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the holy mysteries…By highlighting the essential role of the sacred mysteries in the life of the Church and in the life of her individual members, Fr. Staniloae stirs the heart and mind of his readers, helping them discern the awesome truth that through the sacraments Christ becomes everyone’s contemporary. Through them Christ touches, purifies, illumines, redeems, sanctifies, and deifies every person who comes to Him in faith. Hence Fr. Staniloae counsels that participation in the sacraments demands not only faith but also effort if their powers are to be perfected and their recipients to undergo a real transformation into the image of Christ.

Chapter titles:

Chapter one: Christ’s Saving Mysteries: Creation Unified and Made New in the Church

The Sacraments and Creation

The Christological and Ecclesiological Basis of the Mysteries

Visible and Invisible Operations: The Body, Soul, and Grace of Christ

Christ, the Unseen Celebrant of the Mysteries

The Christological and Ecclesial Character of the Mysteries

The Priest as Visible Celebrant of the Mysteries

Chapter two: Baptism: The Mystery of Rebirth through Water and the Spirit

The Unity between Water and the Holy Spirit as Womb of the New Man

The Multiple Efficacy of the Act of Baptism and of the Priest’s Declaration

Baptism as the Death of the Old Man and as Rebirth

Baptism as the Power of Continuous Spiritual Growth

Baptism as the Restoration of Christ’s Image in Man

Baptism as the Gate of Entrance into the Church

The Absolute Necessity of Baptism for Salvation

Chapter three: Chrismation “The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Link between Baptism and Chrismation

The Special Activity of the Holy Spirit in the Mystery of Chrismation

The Meaning of the Visible Act of Chrismation

Chapter four: The Divine Eucharist: The Mystery of the Lord’s Body and Blood

The Relationship between the Three Mysteries of Initiation

The Real Presence of the Lord’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist

The Presence of the Lord’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist and the Transformation of the Bread and Wine

The Eucharist as Sacrifice and Mystery

The Priest as Celebrant of the Eucharist

Chapter five: Repentance: The Mystery of Forgiveness

The Institution of the Mystery and Its Practice from the Beginning of the Church

The Constitutive Elements or Stages of the Mystery

The Confession of Sins and Its Spiritual Value

The Epitimia (Penances) Recommended by the Priest

The Absolution Given by the Priest to the Penitent

Chapter six: Ordination: Priesthood as the Living Image of Christ

The Distinction between Ordination and the Other Mysteries

The Invisible Priesthood of Christ, Source of the Visible Priesthood of the Church

Priesthood and the Unity of the Church

The Institution of the Priesthood: The Three Ranks of Priesthood from the Beginning of the Church

The Spiritual Character of the Christian Liturgical Priesthood and the Priesthood of the Faithful

Apostolic Succession

The Visible Aspects of Ordination and the Invisible Power It Bestows

Chapter seven: Marriage: The Mystery of Human Love Crowned in Glory and Honor

The Place of Marriage among the Other Mysteries

Marriage as a Natural, Lifelong Bond between a Man and a Woman

The Strengthening and Ennobling of Marriage by Christ

The Mystery’s Constitutive Aspects and Their Significance for the Spiritual Power Bestowed by the Mystery

Chapter eight: Holy Unction: The Mystery of Divine Healing

Definition and Main Purpose

Secondary Purpose

If you are a citizen of the United States or Canada or your future religious institute is based in the United States or Canada (more information about eligibility here) and the thing that is holding you back from entering religious life is student loan debt. Then https://fundforvocations.org/ may be able to support you.

While we wait for our final four to come down to the last two, here's another fun poll! Choose your favorite sacrament.