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Text Box: The Orthodox - Basilian Catechism Q. 608. Can we receive the Sacraments more than once? A. We can receive the Sacraments more than once, except Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and Holy Orders. Q. 609. Why can we not receive Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and Holy Orders more than once? A. We cannot receive Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and Holy Orders more than once, because they imprint a character in the soul. Q. 610. What is the character which these Sacraments imprint in the soul? A. The character which these Sacraments imprint in the soul is a spiritual mark which remains forever. Q. 611. Does this character remain in the soul even after death? A. This character remains in the soul even after death; for the honor and glory of those who are saved; for the shame and punishment of those who are lost. Q. 612. Can the Sacraments be given conditionally? A. The Sacraments can be given conditionally as often as we doubt whether they were properly given before, or whether they can be validly given now. Q. 613. What do we mean by giving a Sacrament conditionally? A. By giving a Sacrament conditionally we mean that the person administering the Sacrament intends to give it only in case it has not been given already or in case the person has the right dispositions for receiving it, though the dispositions cannot be discovered. Q. 614. Give an example of how a Sacrament is given conditionally. A. In giving Baptism, for instance, conditionally -- or what we call conditional Baptism -- the priest, instead of saying absolutely, as he does

Text Box: in ordinary Baptism: "I baptize thee," etc., says: "If you are not already baptized, or if you are capable of being baptized, I baptize thee," etc., thus stating the sole condition on which he intends to administer the Sacrament. Q. 615. Which of the Sacraments are most frequently given conditionally? A. The Sacraments most frequently given conditionally are Baptism, Penance and Extreme Unction; because in some cases it is difficult to ascertain whether these Sacraments have been given before or whether they have been validly given, or whether the person about to receive them has the right dispositions for them. Q. 616. Name some of the more common circumstances in which a priest is obliged to administer the Sacraments conditionally. A. Some of the more common circumstances in which a priest is obliged to administer the Sacraments conditionally are: 1. When he receives converts into the Church and is not certain of their previous baptism, he must baptize them conditionally. 2. When he is called -- as in cases of accident or sudden illness -- and doubts whether the person be alive or dead, or whether he should be given the Sacraments, he must give absolution and administer Extreme Unction conditionally. Q. 617. What is the use and effect of giving the Sacraments conditionally? A. The use of giving the Sacraments conditionally is that there may be no irreverence to the Sacraments in giving them to persons incapable or unworthy of receiving them; and yet that no one who is capable or worthy may be deprived of them. The effect is to supply the Sacrament where it is needed or can be given, and to withhold it where it is not needed or cannot be given. Q. 618. What is the difference between the powers of a bishop and of a priest with regard to the administration of the Sacraments?

Text Box: A. The difference between the powers of a bishop and of a priest with regard to the administration of the Sacraments is that a bishop can give all the Sacraments, while a priest cannot give Holy Orders and some priests can not give Chrismation (Confirmation). Q. 619. Can a person receive all the Sacraments? A. A person cannot, as a rule, receive all the Sacraments; for a woman cannot receive Holy Orders. LESSON FOURTEENTH: On Baptism Q. 620. When was baptism instituted? A. Baptism was instituted, very probably, about the time Our Lord was baptized by St. John, and its reception was commanded when after His resurrection Our Lord said to His Apostles: "All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth. Going, therefore, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Q. 621. What is Baptism? A. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. Q. 622. What were persons called in the first ages of the Church who were being instructed and prepared for baptism? A. Persons who were being instructed and prepared for baptism, in the first ages of the Church, were called catechumens, just as they are today, and they are frequently mentioned in Church history. Q. 623. What persons are called heirs? A. All persons who inherit or come lawfully into the possession of property or goods at the death of another, are called heirs. Q. 624. Why, then, are we the heirs of

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