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Holy Unction

23 bytes added, 14:10, October 10, 2006
Liturgical service
==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 less fewer than seven priests are available (which is often the case), it will be served by at least one.
At the end of the sericeservice, the [[priest]] puts holy oil on the forehead, checkseyes, chinears, 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.
[[Category:Sacraments]]
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