The word mystery is Greek and entered directly into Geez and Amharic. It means hidden, secret, concealed, subtle something not revealed except to those close. It is divided into two: the mystery of creation and the mystery of the Creator.
The mystery of creation contains two parts: the mystery of humans and the mystery of angels. The mystery present in the Church is the mystery of the Creator the grace-filled and blessed treasure God gives us. Saint Peter explains this beautifully: Though you do not see Him, you love Him; though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls. Thus he reveals that this hidden, subtle grace is the wealth God grants us. Based on this, the Church has established seven mysteries. Their authority is as firm as the seven heavens and the sevenfold gifts of God. The reason they are called mysteries is that through them different spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit are given gifts that cannot be seen or touched. The Fathers call them hidden mysteries because they are veiled to the physical eye. The seven mysteries of the Church are listed as follows:
This mystery is where we are freed from sin, delivered from the bondage of the devil, and born anew by the grace of God. As revealed through the prophet Ezekiel (Ezek. 36:25): I will sprinkle clean water upon you... you shall be clean... from all your idols I will cleanse you; I will give you a new heart.
The apostles also taught this: Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 6:11; John 3:5; Eph. 5:26; Gal. 3:27; Titus 3:5. Baptism is the mystery by which we are born again into the Kingdom of God. Scripture contains many symbols of baptism. For example, Saint Peter says that Noahs ark symbolizes baptism (1 Pet. 3:21). Saint Paul likens Israels crossing of the Red Sea to baptism (1 Cor. 10:1 - 2). In baptism, the old self dies and is buried, and a new life begins (Rom. 6:3 - 4; Col. 2:12).
This word comes from Syriac, meaning fragrant, sweet, pleasant oil with aroma. In Geez it is called qebe or qebea Miron. It is made from many plants. Kings and priests of Israel were anointed with it.
Gen. 20:23; 1 Sam. 10:1; Deut. 28:41; 1 Sam. 9:6; 1 Kings 1:34. Those who ministered in the Temple had to be anointed beforehand. The Fathers call the gift of the Holy Spirit the seal (2 Cor. 1:21; John 2:20; Eph. 1:13, 4:30). This seal is for service.
This word comes from Syriac meaning gift. The Body and Blood are given freely as grace. Among all mysteries, the Eucharist is the perfection. Sacrifice began from Adam; all the patriarchs offered sacrifices from their produce and animals.
These offerings symbolized the Body and Blood of Christ in the New Covenant. Melchizedeks bread and wine foreshadowed it. In the mystery, the bread becomes the Body of Christ and the cup becomes His Blood invisibly. One must prepare with repentance, fasting (18 hours), purity, and the counsel of a priest.
This is a Geez word derived from to serve. Priesthood began with Adam, who was made prophet and priest. The patriarchs were chosen by God and served as priests offering sacrifices.
After the Levitical priesthood, it continued until Christ. Christ, the Great High Priest, offered Himself. John 20:22; Matt. 18:18; 1 Cor. 4:1; Matt. 28:20.
This Geez word means to repent of sins committed, to regret wrongdoing, to decide never to return to sin, and to commit to live according to Gods law. A Christian, through baptism, is separated from the sinful world and dedicated to Christ (Rom. 12:1).
The ultimate purpose is the forgiveness of sins and the attainment of eternal life. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
This is a Latin word meaning perfect light. One of the seven mysteries, anointing of the sick. In the Old Testament, oil symbolized healing. The sick, bedridden, or injured were anointed and healed.
Isa. 1:6; Luke 10:34; Rev. 3:18; Mark 6:13. This anointing is different from Chrism; it is for healing of both body and soul. James 5:13 - 15; Rev. 1:17.
From the Geez word meaning to join or to unite. Christian marriage is performed through the rite of crowning, established by covenant and unity. The Church performs it through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Christian marriage is validated by the crowning. Gen. 1:27 - 28; Matt. 19:4. Understanding these mysteries helps us fulfill the purpose of our creation and safeguard our salvation. May the prayers of the Saints and the intercession of the Mother of God be with us. Amen!
Our fathers did great works, carrying the torch of faith with honor. Christianity, brought by the apostolic Ethiopian eunuch as recorded by Eusebius (Book 8), was planted in our land.Our Church received the apostolic faith, baptized in Jerusalem, and became the first to receive the Gospel teaching. From the Nine Saints, St. Yared, and our righteous King Caleb, many labored and handed the faith to their children. Our Fathers preserved doctrine, traditions, worship, and teachings. We must follow their example wherever we are, gathering in His name, remembering the saints,
and building the Church with the Ark of the Covenant. This apostolic continuity has existed from the beginning
