>>13534737

https://www.goarch.org/holyunction

Greek Orthodox Holy Wednesday (Holy Unction) Religious Service Overview.

Holy Wednesday service occurs during Holy Week in the Orthodox Christian church.

It is a celebration of Christ's Holy Unction.

This sacrament encompasses healing and the celebration of the victory of Christ over sin and death.

On the afternoon or evening of Great and Holy Wednesday, the Sacrament or Mystery of Holy Unction is conducted in Orthodox parishes.

The Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for the forgiveness of sins.

At the conclusion of the service of the Sacrament, the body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of soul and body, is called down upon each person.

The Sacrament is performed by a gathering of priests, ideally seven in number, however, it can be performed by a lesser number and even by a single priest.

>>13535171

https://youtu.be/KGF_HUrCOog

Holy Unction - 4/28/2021 - Evening

Order of the Service

Introductory Prayers and Psalms 143 & 51

In these Psalms we confess our sinfulness before God and ask Him to cleanse us and make a "new and right spirit within us" (Psalm 51:10).

Canon

In this series of verses that are read or sung, we ask God to show mercy upon us and cleanse our souls, to drive away all evil powers, to grant salvation to those who are sick or suffering, and to grant us the healing of our souls and bodies. At the end of several sets of verses, we ask God to renew our lives so that we may bless, thank and glorify Him forever.

Short Prayers or Troparia to the Saints

We pray to the saints - especially those who have helped the sick and suffering, and to those who have been martyred for the glory of God - and to the Mother of God to intercede for us for the salvation of our souls.

Epistle and Gospel Lessons and Prayers

There are seven sets of Epistle and Gospel readings and prayers.

a. James 5:10-16; Luke: 10:25-37

b. Romans 15:1-7; Luke 19:1-10

c. I Corinthians 12:27-31;13:1-8; Matthew 10:1,5-8

d. II Corinthians 6:16-18, 7:1; Matthew 8:14-23

e. II Corinthians 1:8-11; Matthew 25:1-13

f. Galatians 5:22-6:2; Matthew 15:21-28

g. I Thessalonians 5:14-23; Matthew 9:9-13

Each of the seven prayers asks for the remission of the our sins, for the healing of our souls and bodies and for life everlasting.