THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX METROPOLITAN OF THE TWO AMERICAS
ST. NICHOLAS AND ST. GEORGE CHURCH
NEW YORK
HOLY UNCTION
THE HOLY UNCTION
Where is the service of Saint Unction held?
In the church or in the home of the sick person for whom is made the Holy Unction.
Who can perform the service of Holy Unction
According to the old tradition of the Church, seven priests are needed for the service of Holy Unction representing the seven gifts of the Spirit, counted by the prophet Isaiah (11, 2-3). This symbolic number also recalls some facts from the Holy Scriptures of the Old Law, from which God's mercy and grace can be seen. Thus seven times the prophet Elisha bowed over a dead child whom he resurrected (IV Kings 4, 34-35). Also, there were seven priests who sounded the trumpets and the city of Jericho was surrounded seven times, when it was conquered by the Israelites, upon their entry into the Promised Land (Joshua 6, 13-16). And again, the prophet Elijah prayed seven times on Mount Carmel, until God gave rain to the land scorched by drought (III Kings 18, 42-45).
If necessary, however, at the Holy Unction fewer priests can serve: three (for the number of the Trinity) or at least two. In any case, only one priest cannot perform the Holy Unction, because the Holy Apostle tells us to call "priests of the Church..." (Jacob 5, 14), and not a priest.
When can butter be made?
There are no specific days or times for the celebration of Holy Unction. It is done whenever needed. among the people it is used to be done especially on fasting days.
In the week of the Passion, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are customary, but especially on Holy Wednesday, before the Hours, in memory of the Anointing of the Savior with myrrh by the sinful woman (Luke 7, 37-38). Then it is done in churches the Holy Unction, that is, for many sick people, with a council of many priests. The person for whom Holy Unction is performed must first go to confession, in order to be given, through Holy Unction soul cleansing, that is, the forgiveness of sins and the healing of the body from illness.
Can Sfantul Maslu be made for the healthy?
Since through the Sacrament of Saint Maslu one obtains not only healing from body diseases, but also the forgiveness of sins, one can make unction not only for the sick, but also for the healthy and not only once, but several times. Saint Simeon of Thessalonica exhorts every Christian to try to become Holy Unction.
What things are needed for the celebration of Holy Unction?
The service of Holy Unction is done in front of a table on which the Holy Gospel is placed, candles (usually seven), a bowl with wheat or flour and one with oil, as well as seven sticks of basil wrapped in wool, with which the priests will anoint the sick.
What are the most important parts of the service of Holy Unction?
First, the prayer for the consecration of the oil, which the priests say in turn until it is fulfilled seven times. The second, the seven Apostles and Gospels, each followed by the triple litany and a prayer each for the consecration of the oil and for the healing of the sick. The third, the anointing of the sick seven times with holy oil, saying the prayer each time: "Holy Father, Doctor of souls and bodies... heal also this Your servant (name) of the physical and spiritual impotence that has contained..." and so on, as written in Molitfelnic.
What do we need to know about the oil from Holy Unction?
Being blessed by priests with the call of God, this oil is sanctified and filled with the divine gift of the Holy Spirit, like the water of Baptism. He has the power to sanctify the soul and heal the body, drive away diseases, heal wounds, cleanse the taint of sin and share God's mercy and grace.
That is why the oil left over from Holy Unction, like the blessed flour at that time, must be kept with honor in a chosen place. It can only be used for pure and pious purposes. It is customary to make a pastry from the flour and oil from Holy Unction, which is given to the sick person to eat. In some parts, this flour is used to make bread for the Liturgy. The oil can be put in the candle, either at home or at the church.
