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The [[sacrament]] 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" ([[Book of James|James]] 5:14-15).
Holy unction is a [[sacrament]] of great comfort to the faithful. It provides uplifting and asks for patience to accept the will of God whatever the physical outcome.
