Holy Unction

holy UNCTION

The Mystery of Healing (Holy unction)

«ἀλείψαντες ἐλαίῳ πολλοὺς ἀρρώστους καὶ ἐθεράπευον.» —  Μᾶρκον 6:13
"And they anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them." — Mark 6:13

The Sacrament of Holy Unction is a sacred "Mystery of Healing" offered by the Church for the restoration of spiritual and physical health. Through the prayers of the priest and the anointing with Holy Oil, we ask God to grant us strength, the forgiveness of sins, and the healing of our infirmities.

While many associate anointing with the end of life, in the Orthodox tradition, it is a sacrament for the living—meant to provide comfort and grace during any period of illness, trial, or spiritual exhaustion.


Participation in the Sacrament

This Sacrament is celebrated for the entire community every year on Holy Wednesday during Holy Week. It may also be celebrated occasionally throughout the year, at which time all faithful members of the parish in good standing are invited to be anointed with the Holy Oil for the healing of spiritual and bodily ills.


For Those in Need of Healing

The Sacrament of Holy Unction may be celebrated at any time of the year in cases of serious illness or impending surgery.

  • Home or Hospital Visits: If you or a loved one is hospitalized or shut-in due to illness and wishes to receive Holy Unction, please contact the Church Office immediately to arrange a visit from the priest.
  • Preparation: Just as with Holy Communion, it is recommended that the faithful prepare themselves through prayer and, if possible, the Sacrament of Holy Confession before being anointed.


  • Is Holy Unction the same as "Last Rites"?

    No. While Holy Unction can be given to those near death, it is primarily a sacrament for the healing of soul and body. We pray for the person to recover and be restored to health. In the Orthodox Church, the "last rite" given to a dying person is actually Holy Communion.

  • Why do we celebrate it on Holy Wednesday?

    On Holy Wednesday, we remember the woman who anointed Christ with costly myrrh. We celebrate the sacrament then to prepare ourselves for the Passion and Resurrection of Christ, seeking the forgiveness of our sins and the healing of our spiritual wounds.

  • Does receiving Holy Unction replace Holy Confession?

    No. While the prayers for Holy Unction do ask for the forgiveness of sins, the Church teaches that they work together. Confession is our personal repentance before God, while Unction provides the "balm" and strength to overcome the spiritual and physical effects of sin.

  • Who is eligible to be anointed?

    Like all sacraments, Holy Unction is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians.

  • Can I take the Holy Oil home for later use?

    No. According to the Holy Tradition of the Church, the Holy Oil (Efchelaion) is sanctified for use by the Priest during the specific Service of Healing. The Sacrament is a liturgical act of the Church, and the anointing is performed by the Priest while he offers the prescribed prayers. If a loved one is unable to attend the service due to illness or infirmity, please contact the Church Office so that the Priest may visit them and properly administer the Sacrament to them in person.

"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."

— James 5:14

Holy Unction Form-Contact Us