Dear parishioners,
On April 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Sacrament of Holy Unction will be celebrated in the church of our parish.
We kindly invite you to familiarize yourselves with the requirements of the Church Typikon and the rector’s guidance regarding preparation for and participation in this Sacrament.
Holy Unction
Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Orthodox Church.
Holy Unction is performed for the healing of spiritual and bodily infirmities and also grants the remission of those sins which a person has forgotten.
It is performed by the cross-shaped anointing of the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, lips, chest, and hands of the faithful with consecrated oil, accompanied by the reading of prayers, the Apostle, and the Gospel.
The Sacrament of Holy Unction is a sacred rite in which, through consecrated oil, the grace of God is bestowed upon a person for the healing of both soul and body. In church books, Holy Unction is more often called the Consecration of Oil (Holy Oil). The term “Soborovanie” derives from the practice of performing this Sacrament by several priests acting together (in council).
In cases of serious illness, Holy Unction may be administered throughout the year, and during Great Lent every faithful Christian seeks to receive this Sacrament.
In the prayers read during the Sacrament, repeated petitions are made to God for the forgiveness of the sufferer’s sins and for his healing. Bodily healing, as expressed in these prayers, is dependent upon spiritual healing, which requires repentance—that is, the forgiveness of sins united with a firm resolve to amend one’s life according to the commandments of God.
Thus, the purpose of the Sacrament of Holy Unction is the complete healing of the person.
For the celebration of the Sacrament, oil—olive oil—is used. From ancient times, oil has been not only a food product but also a medicinal remedy; it was used for lighting lamps and as a cosmetic substance. The abundance of oil was regarded as a sign of God’s blessing. Oil was used to anoint the body, to anoint the hair, and to consecrate prophets, priests, and kings.
Even the holy Apostles anointed the sick with oil, praying for their healing. The Apostle James writes:
“Is anyone among you sick? 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, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” (James 5:14–15).
From this text it is evident that already in apostolic times there existed the practice of anointing the sick with oil; however, it is important to note that the healing power is attributed not to the oil itself, but to the “prayer of faith.” According to the Apostle, the result of this sacred action is both bodily healing and the forgiveness of sins.
In the Sacrament of Holy Oil, we ask not only for the forgiveness of forgotten sins, but also for the forgiveness of all sins, which may in part be the cause of bodily infirmities. Sin is a sickness of the soul, and in the Sacrament of Holy Unction we ask God for the grace that heals both soul and body.
We may partake of Holy Unction several times during the year (especially in cases of serious illness), but to receive it repeatedly during the same Great Lent demonstrates a misunderstanding of the meaning of this Sacrament, bordering on superstition.
Traditionally, this Sacrament is celebrated by several priests, though not necessarily seven; in exceptional cases, it may be performed by a single priest.
Before receiving Holy Unction, the faithful should confess and partake of Holy Communion.
Instructions for those approaching the Sacrament of Holy Unction
Every faithful person wishing to participate in the Sacrament should observe the following:
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When the priest approaches, the candle should be handed to a nearby person;
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One should not bow the head; one should look straight ahead;
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The hands should be extended before oneself and held together, not apart;
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Since the chest is anointed, clothing should allow access and not hinder the anointing; garments that cover the chest and neck (such as sweaters) should be avoided;
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Women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf tied at the back, so that it does not interfere with the anointing or become stained with oil;
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Jewelry, bracelets, and watches should be removed beforehand.
The priest anoints the hands on both sides near the wrists; sleeves should not touch the anointed areas.
The oil from the face, chest, and hands may be gently removed with cotton, which should be placed in a bag and taken home. The cotton soaked with consecrated oil may be used while it retains oil; afterward it should be burned.
After returning home, one may need to attend to daily matters; therefore, the priest anoints the upper part of the hands so that they may be carefully washed if necessary. The oil should be allowed to absorb; thus, one should avoid washing the anointed areas with water.
Women should take special care with cosmetics, as washing the face after the Sacrament is not recommended in order not to remove the consecrated oil.
For this reason, it is not recommended to rub the oil over the face, chest, neck, or other parts of the body. Excess oil should be carefully removed with cotton.
Those who approach Holy Communion after Holy Unction are not required to make a prior confession.