God has given the Mystery of Holy Unction to the Church for the healing of the sick. You suffer from illness in your soul and, at times, your body may be weakened by illness, too. In this Mystery, faith in Jesus Christ, prayer for the touch of Life-Giving Grace, and anointing with holy oil by the Priest are joined together.
Ideally, seven Priests gather together for the Service of Holy Unction, although only one Priest is necessary. The Priest consecrates the olive oil, praying for the Divine Grace to be present in the oil, and then anoints the faithful with the blessed, Grace-filled oil for the healing of body and soul. The word unction refers to the Priest’s act of anointing with the oil rather than to the sacred oil itself.
Although the Mystery of Holy Unction is associated with healing of the body, the anointing also purifies the soul through the forgiveness of sins and provides spiritual strength. In preparation for this Mystery, one should participate in Holy Confession prior to receiving the anointing.
Note: Different kinds of holy oil are part of the life of the Church. A catechumen about to be baptized is anointed with newly-blessed holy oil before entering the baptismal font. Holy Chrism and the oil of Holy Unction, both Holy Mysteries, are consecrated for different purposes. Sacred oil miraculously flowing from a Saint’s relics or pouring as tears from an Icon of the Theotokos may also be used for anointing the faithful. Likewise, oil taken from an oil lamp that burns in front of an icon of a particular Saint may also be used. For example, a Priest might anoint someone with oil from a lamp that sits in front of an icon of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon. The anointing with this oil would be joined with a prayer asking for healing by the intercessions of that Saint. The same Divine Grace works in diverse ways for the salvation of the soul and body of those who approach God with true faith, humility, and repentance.
Read: James 5.13-18
Text copyright © 2018 by Fr. Symeon D. S. Kees / Image copyright © 2018 by Fr. Symeon D. S. Kees