Throughout Great Lent, the question of Unction or the Anointing of the Sick was raised more than once among our parishioners, and, most importantly, the question of when this sacrament would be performed in our church this year. These questions are not surprising, because we firmly believe that through this rite, i.e. through attentively listening to the Еpistle and Gospel lessons, through prayers and subsequent anointing with oil, we can receive healing of both our physical and spiritual ailments.

As you know, this sacrament is usually performed in homes or hospitals over those who are seriously ill and cannot come to church. Since bygone times, there has also been a practice of performing general unction. This rite was led by a bishop in a cathedral or a large monastery, once a year, during Holy Week. Until recently, the Russian Church Abroad preserved the practice of performing general unction during Lent only in the presence of a bishop. This year, our bishop was unable to come to Ottawa, and therefore this rite will not be performed in our church. Those wishing to participate in this sacrament can visit the Church of St. Xenia in Kanata on Friday evening (April 11), where the rite of general unction, according to the modern practice of the Russian Church (without a bishop), will be performed. Those wishing to be anointed at the unction service are required to fast, confess, and prepare for communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ on the coming weekend.

Unlike baptism, repentance, and communion, unction is not a mandatory sacrament for Orthodox Christian believers, and is not the only way to receive healing from our spiritual and physical ailments. Church services (especially those of the coming Holy Week), prayer at home, fasting, any abstinence for the sake of Christ, almsgiving, and most of all confession and communion are by no means less effectual spiritual medicines.

priest Alexis