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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.

[[Category:Sacraments]]