Difference between revisions of "Holy Unction"

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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.
 
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.
  
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==Liturgical service==
 
==Liturgical service==
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{{services}}
 
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.
 
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.
  
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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.
 
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.
  
==Sources==
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==Publications==
One of the earliest written records of Holy Unction is recorded in the [[Euchologion of Serapion of Thmuis]]. This is extand at the Great Lavra of [[Mount Athos]].
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One of the earliest written records of Holy Unction is recorded in the [[Euchologion of Serapion of Thmuis]], a contemporary of St. [[Athanasius the Great|Athanasius]] (ca. 293-373). This document forms the basis for the [[Alexandrian Rite]] which differs to the [[Byzantine Rite]] and is extant at the Great Lavra of [[Mount Athos]].
  
 
[[Category:Sacraments]]
 
[[Category:Sacraments]]
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[[el:Ευχέλαιο]]
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[[fr:Sainte Onction]]
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[[ro:Maslu]]

Revision as of 04:29, June 13, 2014

This article forms part of the series
Orthodox Spirituality
Holy Mysteries
Baptism - Chrismation
Confession - Eucharist
Marriage - Ordination
Holy Unction
Three Stages
Catharsis/Purification
Theoria/Illumination
Theosis/Divinization
Hesychasm
Nepsis - Metanoia
Hesychia - Phronema
Mysticism - Nous
Asceticism
Chastity - Obedience
Stability - Fasting
Poverty - Monasticism
Virtues
Humility - Generosity
Chastity - Meekness
Temperance - Contentment
Diligence
Prayer
Worship - Veneration
Prayer Rule - Jesus Prayer
Relics - Sign of the Cross
Church Fathers
Apostolic Fathers
Desert Fathers
Cappadocians
The Philokalia
The Ladder of Divine Ascent
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The mystery of holy unction provides both physical and spiritual healing with 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.

The oil carries God's grace both to renew the body and to cleanse the spirit. The service follows the apostolic tradition mentioned in the New Testament: "...let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15).

Holy unction is a mystery of great comfort to the faithful. It provides uplifting and asks for patience to accept the will of God whatever the physical outcome.

Liturgical service

Services of the Orthodox Church
Eucharist: Divine Liturgy | When the Eucharist cannot be served: Typika
Daily Cycle (Divine Office)
Vespers | Compline | Midnight Office | Matins
Little Hours (Prime,Terce,Sext,None) | Royal Hours | Mesorion
Other Services
Akathist Hymn | Paraklesis | Moleben
Great Blessing of Water | Artoklasia
Baptism-Chrismation Service | Holy Unction
Ordination Service | Marriage Service
Funeral Service | Memorial 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. Paul and St. 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 priests, but where fewer than seven priests are available (which is often the case), it will be served by at least one.

At the end of the service, the priest puts holy oil on the forehead, eyes, ears, nostrils, lips, chest, and hands of the parishioners in the form of the cross, saying: "O Holy Father, physician of our souls and bodies, heal Thy servant [name] from every physical and emotional affliction" (Russian tradition) or "The blessing of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ: for the healing of the soul and body of the servant of God, [name], always: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen" (Greek tradition). The exact wording varies according to tradition and translation.

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.

Publications

One of the earliest written records of Holy Unction is recorded in the Euchologion of Serapion of Thmuis, a contemporary of St. Athanasius (ca. 293-373). This document forms the basis for the Alexandrian Rite which differs to the Byzantine Rite and is extant at the Great Lavra of Mount Athos.