The inward life of the Church is mystical (or sacramental). The word "mysteries" (Greek mysteria) is the term used in the Orthodox East; "sacraments" (Latin sacramenta) is the term used in the Latin West (Roman Catholic). Since the latter term was used in the West before the schism of the Roman Church, there is nothing wrong with its usage by Orthodox Christians of the West, especially since few people around them are familiar with the word "mysteries"; but Orthodox Christians often prefer to use the Greek term.

Each has his personal feast day in the month of January; St. Basil on the 1st, St. Gregory on the 25th, and St. John Chrysostom on the 27th. The common feast we celebrate on the 30th was instituted in the 11th century, in the time of the Emperor Alexius Comnenus. At one time there was a quarrel among the people about who was the greatest of the three.

In accordance with this sacred teaching, the Council of Carthage in the 3rd century decreed: "Whosoever should say that the Grace of God, by which a man is justified through Jesus Christ our Lord, avails only for the remission of past sins, and not for assistance against committing sins in the future, let him be anathema. For the Grace of Christ not only gives the knowledge of our duty but also inspires us with a desire that we may be able to accomplish what we know" (Canons 125, also 126 and 127)

The celebrations of Apokries (Greece's Carnival) culminate on Forgiveness or Cheesefare Sunday. It is the last day that Orthodox Christians traditionally eat dairy products and celebrated before the first day of Lent. In Greece, this day is redolent of traditions, customs, and, of course, delicious recipes that bring community and family together.

Sometimes it signifies, in general, the mercy of God; God is the God "of all Grace" (I Peter 5:10). In this, its broadest meaning, Grace is God's goodwill to men of worthy life in all ages of humanity, and particularly to the righteous ones of the Old Testament like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, the Prophet Moses, and the later Prophets.

Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick..." (St. Matthew 9:12).

The Church is a Hospital

Orthodox Christians understand the Holy Church as a spiritual hospital and a place where the believer's spiritual and physical health is restored by the grace of God. The Orthodox Christian seeks to find the necessary spiritual treatment, cure, and healing of all his infirmities.