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
You can find all of the books in the series for free here
