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The [[Holy Mysteries|mystery]] of '''holy unction''' provides both physical and spiritual healing with [[chrism|holy oil]] blessed by the [[Holy Spirit]]. It is most commonly celebrated during [[Holy Week]] on Holy Wednesday evening, but private services are also common. Everyone in the [[parish]] in good ecclesiastical standing may be anointed with the holy oil for the healing of spiritual and bodily ills. As this is one of the [[sacraments]] of the [[Orthodox Church]], it may be administered only to Orthodox Christians.

==Liturgical service==

The full service is composed of [[psalms]] from the [[Old Testament]], hymns of direct supplication to God, and prayers to the [[saints]] to intercede for the petitioner. In addition, there are seven readings from the [[Gospels]] preceded by seven other New Testament writings, notably the [[epistles]] of St. [[Apostle Paul|Paul]] and St. [[Apostle James the Just|James]]. After each set of scriptural readings, a prayer is offered on behalf of the penitent by the [[priest]] asking for forgiveness and the sanctification of the oil. Traditionally, the service is celebrated by seven [[priest]]s, but where fewer than seven priests are available (which is often the case), it will be served by at least one.

When the unction is received privately, the full service is often not performed, but simply the anointing itself is done along with a few prayers.

[[Category:Sacraments]]