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{{spirituality}}The [[Holy Mysteries|mystery]] of '''holy unction''' (or '''Anointing of the Sick''') provides both physical and spiritual healing with [[chrism|holy oil]] blessed by the [[Holy Spirit]]. It In Greek, the mystery is called Εὐχέλαιον (''Euchelaion'', from εὐχή, ‘prayer’, and ἔλαιον, ‘oil’) and in Russian соборование (''soborovanie''), because it is traditionally celebrated by a ''sobor'' (assembly) of priests. In Greek and Antiochian parishes, it is most commonly celebrated during [[Holy Week]] on Holy Wednesday evening. However, but private services are also neither the [[Typikon]] of the Great Church (which Greeks and Antiochians follow) nor the [[Typikon]] of St Savas (which Slavic traditions follow) provides for its celebration during Holy Week. Celebrations on other days is common. Everyone in the [[parish]] in good ecclesiastical standing may be anointed with the holy oil for the healing of spiritual and bodily ills. As this is one of the [[sacraments]] of the [[Orthodox Church]], it may be administered only to Orthodox Christians.
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 [[New Testament]]: "...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" ([[Book of James|James]] 5:14-15).
==Liturgical service==
{{services}}
The full service is composed of [[psalms]] from the [[Old Testament]], hymns of direct supplication to God, and prayers to the [[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. [[Apostle Paul|Paul]] and St. [[Apostle James the Just|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. Traditionally, the service is celebrated by seven [[priest]]s, but where fewer than seven priests are available (which is often the case), it will be served by at least one.
==Publications==
One of the earliest written records of Holy Unction is recorded in the [[Euchologion of Serapion of Thmuis]], a contemporary of St. [[Athanasius the Great|Athanasius]] (ca. 293-373). This document forms the basis for the [[Alexandrian Rite]] which differs to the [[Byzantine Rite]] and is extant at the Great Lavra of [[Mount Athos]].
==Resources==
* Paul Meyendorff, ''The Anointing of the Sick''. St Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2009.
* Paul Meyendorff, ''The Service of the Anointing of the Sick''. St Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2009. A new translation of the rite with an abbreviated version suitable for use in a hospital or home setting.
[[Category:Sacraments]]
[[el:Ευχέλαιο]]
[[fr:Sainte Onction]]
[[ro:Maslu]]