Елеосвящение

Blessing of oil is a Sacrament in which, through anointing with oil, consecrated by the priest’s prayer, the sick are given remission of sins, salvation of the soul and health of the body... Question. What must be observed in this Sacrament? 1. When performing this Sacrament, according to the church rite, there should be seven clergy; for the sake of need there may be less. 2. The weak must first confess his sins, then accept this Sacrament, and then partake of the Divine Mysteries. 3. The oil must be pure, without any admixture. 4. Each of the priests performing the Sacrament of Anointing must read the prescribed prayer during the anointing: “Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies,” since at this time the Sacrament is performed. Q: Can anyone receive this Sacrament? A: Not everyone, but only those who are weak with a serious illness and near death, according to the words of the holy Apostle James: Is any of you sick, let him call 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 heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they will forgive him (James 5:14–15).