Baptism | Chrismation | Eucharist | Confession | Unction | Marriage | Priesthood

The Anointing of the Sick (Holy Unction)

"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, he will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15)

The Holy Unction (Efchelaion in Greek) is the Sacrament by which divine grace is imparted to those afflicted, through the prayers of the priests and anointing with oil, bringing healing of both body and soul.

Sickness and physical death are among the direct consequences of sin. Illness is a reminder imprinted in our bodies that we are dependent on God’s mercy and His redemption. As the Holy Fathers of the Church see it, it is also a test of our faith and spiritual endurance. The most classical example is that of Job who, although was a righteous man, was tempted by the Devil through sickness and great pain.

On many occasions, our Lord Jesus Christ healed the sick He encountered only requiring from them to have faith in God and repent their sins:

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people" (Matthew 4:23)

The Church has practiced from its beginnings ceremonies of healing including Gospel Readings, prayers and anointing with Holy Oil. Holy Unction should not be confused with the Sacrament of Holy Chrism. Also, it is not meant only for those on the deathbed, but may be administrated during the entire lifetime of a Christian.

This sacrament is not a magic ceremony and therefore its recipients should be aware and understand that it is God's will whether or not they will be cured immediately or after a period of time, or maybe never in this life;

The tradition of the Church, as mentioned at James 5: 14, is to bring together more than one priest (usually seven) to celebrate the Holy Unction.

For more information and video of the Holy Unction, please click here.