Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick, also known as Holy Unction, is a Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of the Church, given for the healing of physical and spiritual illnesses. The service begins with hymns asking for healing and honoring the great healing saints, then continues with seven epistle readings, seven Gospel readings, and seven prayers asking God to bless the holy oil that it may be to our healing. The service lasts about an hour and forty-five minutes. As a Sacrament, it may be received only by Orthodox Christians. Other holy oils are available afterward for those (both Orthodox and non-Orthodox) who wish to be anointed with them as a blessing.