The Five Pillars Of Mystery
​In the Holy Tewahedo Church, just as pillars support a house, there are pillars that uphold the Orthodox Tewahedo faith. According to church scholars, anyone who carefully understands the Five Pillars of Mystery will not be swept away by the waves of heresy or shaken in faith. Even in times of hardship, such a person is strengthened by these teachings.
However, one who does not know these pillars cannot truly say that he believes in the Orthodox Tewahedo faith with all his heart. Therefore, it is necessary to know them well.
What does “A’mad” mean?
The word A’mad comes from the Ge’ez word Amd. Amd is singular, while A’mad is plural.
Its meanings are as follows:
• Literally, it means a pillar of a house. Just as a pillar supports and holds a house upright, the Five Pillars are so called because they uphold and sustain the Orthodox Tewahedo faith.
• A column is also used in writing, serving as a guide for reading by dividing the width of a page. In this sense, the term suggests order and clarity, helping us avoid overanalyzing divine mysteries such as the Holy Trinity.
Why are they called “Mysteries”?
The Holy Church refers to these teachings as mysteries (doctrines).
A mystery literally means something hidden or concealed. The Church calls these five foundational teachings mysteries because:
• They are revealed and taught to believers.
• They speak of the subtle and hidden nature of God.
• They cannot be fully understood through human reasoning or physical wisdom alone.
What are the Five Pillars of Mystery?
The Holy Church presents the Five Pillars of Mystery in the following order:
1. The Mystery of the Holy Trinity
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
2. The Mystery of the Incarnation
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)
3. The Mystery of Baptism
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16)
4. The Mystery of the Holy Communion
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” (John 6:54)
5. The Mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even though he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
The Five Pillars and the Creed
The Five Pillars of Mystery, which form the foundation of the Orthodox Tewahedo faith, are closely connected to the Creed. Their naming and structure are rooted in the confession of faith declared by the 318 Fathers at the Council of Nicaea, where the teachings of Arius were condemned.
The Creed
When we say Amen, we affirm our faith:
• In God the Father
• In Jesus Christ
• In the Holy Spirit
Each “Amen” is a declaration of belief in the Holy Trinity and a confirmation of our faith in the teachings of the Church.
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The Seven Mysteries Of The Church
The Seven Mysteries of the Church are sacred, invisible, and ineffable works through which the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon the faithful. These mysteries are not physical in nature, yet their spiritual effects are real and powerful in the life of a believer.
They are:
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​​ 1. The Mystery of Baptism
2. The Mystery of Myron (Meron)
3. The Mystery of the Eucharist
4. The Mystery of Repentance (Penance)
5. The Mystery of Priesthood
6. The Mystery of the Crown (Marriage)
7. The Mystery of the Kendele (Anointing of the Sick)
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Mysteries That Are Not Repeated
Among these seven mysteries, the following are performed only once and are not repeated:
1. The Mystery of Baptism
2. The Mystery of Myron (Meron)
3. The Mystery of Priesthood
4.Mystery of the Crown (Marriage)
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The Seven Mysteries Of The Church
​1. The Mystery of Baptism
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Baptism means immersion—submerging the whole body in water. It is the sacrament instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ Himself set the example of baptism. Though He was conceived by the Virgin Mary and born without sin, He was baptized by John in the Jordan River at about thirty years of age (Luke 3:21–23). Through baptism, a believer is spiritually reborn and enters into the life of the Church.
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2. The Mystery of Myron (Meron)
​Myron is a holy anointing oil. The word Myron comes from Greek and means “anointing.”
This sacrament is administered immediately after baptism. The newly baptized person is anointed with Myron as a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. Through this anointing, the believer is confirmed in the faith and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
The practice of holy anointing dates back to the Old Testament. It was first instituted during the time of Moses, when sacred oil was prepared for consecration and service to God (Exodus 30:22–25).
3. The Mystery of the Eucharist (Holy Communion)
The Eucharist is a sacred offering presented to God. It is the Body and Blood of Christ, given for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Anything offered to God as thanksgiving or for atonement is considered a sacrifice, but the Holy Communion is the greatest and most perfect offering, instituted by Christ Himself.
4. The Mystery of Repentance (Penance)
Repentance means turning away from sin and feeling deep sorrow for having offended God and broken His commandments.
It involves confessing one’s sins and seeking forgiveness, saying from the heart, “I have sinned and done wrong.” Through repentance, a believer is restored and reconciled with God.
5. The Mystery of Priesthood
Priesthood is a sacred service dedicated to God. Its origin is heavenly, where angels continually worship and glorify God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.”
On earth, the first priest of the Most High God was Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Genesis 14:18). He is a symbol of Christ, the eternal High Priest.
Scripture declares:
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20; 7:1–3).
After the giving of the Law, Aaron was appointed as the first priest among the people of Israel. The true and perfect priesthood, however, was established by our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:26–28).
“The priest is the messenger of the Lord of hosts… and people should seek the law from his mouth.”
6. The Mystery of the Crown (Marriage)
The Mystery of the Crown is the holy sacrament of marriage between one man and one woman, performed by the Church.
It requires the full consent of both families and must be between Orthodox Tewahedo believers. It is observed with spiritual discipline, including purity and proper kinship distance (traditionally up to seven generations).
This sacrament is performed only once and symbolizes a holy and lifelong union.
7. The Mystery of the Kendele (Anointing of the Sick)
The Mystery of the Kendele refers to the healing work of the Holy Spirit through anointing with oil.
This sacrament was practiced by the apostles, who anointed the sick and healed them according to the command of our Lord (Mark 6:12–13).
The Apostle James also teaches: