Holy Unction
This article forms part of the series Orthodox Spirituality | |
Holy Mysteries | |
Baptism - Chrismation Eucharist - Confession 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 | |
Church Fathers | |
Desert Fathers Cappadocians The Philokalia The Ladder of Divine Ascent | |
Edit this box |
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 Gospels. "...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
The service is composed of Psalms from the Old Testament, hymns of direct supplication to God, and prayers to 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.
At the end of the serice, the priest puts holy oil on the forehead, checks, chin, and hands of the parishoners in the form of the cross, saying: "O Holy Father, pyhsician of our souls and bodies, heal your servant [name] from every physical and emotional afflication."
Holy unction is a sacrament of great comfort to the faithful. It provides uplift and asks for patience to accept the will of God whatever the physical outcome.