How do Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox lists of sacraments compare?
Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church recognize seven sacraments, or mystēria, though their approaches to this classification differ significantly.12
Roman Catholic Perspective
The Roman Catholic Church formally fixed the number of sacraments at seven during the Council of Trent. These are:2
* Baptism
* Confirmation
* Eucharist
* Reconciliation (confession)
* Marriage
* Anointing of the sick
* Holy orders
The Church maintains a strict theological distinction between these seven sacraments and other "holy acts" known as sacramentals.2
Eastern Orthodox Perspective
While contemporary Orthodox catechisms affirm seven sacraments, the Church has never formally limited the number through an ecumenical council. The number seven was adopted primarily in the 17th century as a response to Protestant theology.1
Unlike Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy does not make a strict distinction between the seven sacraments and other liturgical acts, such as the burial service or the blessing of water. The Church views the entire ecclesiastical community as the primary mystērion, with the seven sacraments serving as its normal expressions.12