Mysteries

The Office for Authorizations for the Celebration of the Holy Mysteries is responsible for supervising the administration of the Holy Mysteries within our Holy Metropolis, before, during, and after their celebration, ensuring that everything is carried out “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Likewise, this Office is responsible for ensuring the proper filing, registration, and follow-up of the documentation pertaining to each Mystery, both in the respective parishes and communities and at the Chancery of the Holy Metropolis, thus guaranteeing the proper recording and preservation of the ecclesiastical registers.

Marriage and Baptism require timely and appropriate preparation. The first step for the future spouses or for the parents of those who are to be baptized is to find a suitable date in accordance with the liturgical spirit of the Church. There are certain dates during which the celebration of Marriages, Baptisms, and Chrismations is not permitted. These are:

•⁠ ⁠January 5 and 6, the Eve and Feast of Theophany.
•⁠ ⁠Great Lent, from Clean Monday through Great and Holy Saturday, inclusive.
•⁠ ⁠Soul Saturdays (Τα Ψυχοσάββατα).
•⁠ ⁠Holy Spirit Monday.
•⁠ ⁠The Fast of the Holy Apostles, from All Saints Sunday through June 28.
•⁠ ⁠The Feast Day of the Patron Saint of the Church, including the feast day itself and its eve.
•⁠ ⁠August 1–15, during the Fast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God.
•⁠ ⁠August 29, the commemoration of the Beheading of the Venerable Head of the Forerunner.
•⁠ ⁠September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
•⁠ ⁠December 18–24, during the Fast of the Nativity of Christ.

Nevertheless, if there is a serious and/or justified reason requiring the celebration of any of these Holy Mysteries, special authorization must be granted by the Office of the Holy Mysteries.