Holy Unction - Lazarus Saturday, April 4 @ 11AM
On April 4, Lazarus Saturday, our parish will celebrate the HOLY MYSTERY OF ANOINTING (HOLY UNCTION).
We warmly invite everyone to participate in this holy Mystery.
Important information for those who wish to participate
Holy Unction:
- Please do not be late for the beginning of the service;
- Only Orthodox Christians may receive Holy Unction;
- Those who are not suffering from serious illness may receive this Mystery once a year, no more;
- Children under the age of 7 do not receive Holy Unction;
- Women may receive the Mystery during their monthly cycle;
- Please do not wear cosmetics;
- Please come dressed in clothing with an open collar; women should have their heads covered;
- Holy oil is not distributed after the service;
- Everyone should have a large candle at the beginning of the service.
About the Mystery:
Holy Unction is one of the seven Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Orthodox Church. The term “Holy Unction” means the sanctification of oil.
It is a Mystery of healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, in which the faithful are anointed with blessed oil while the Church offers prayers for the healing of both soul and body. Because this Mystery is connected with repentance and healing, the faithful are encouraged to prepare by receiving Confession and Holy Communion beforehand.
The foundation of this Mystery is found in the Epistle of the Apostle James:
“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).
Through this Mystery, the Church asks God to grant:
- healing from physical illness;
- forgiveness of forgotten and unconfessed sins;
- strength and consolation in suffering;
- spiritual renewal and inner peace.
Holy Unction is not only about physical healing. Its deeper meaning is the healing of the whole person—body, soul, and spirit.
This Mystery is performed both for the sick (at home or in hospitals) and communally, especially during Great Lent, when it is offered to the faithful as part of their preparation for Pascha.
The service itself is rich and profound. Traditionally, when possible, it is celebrated by seven priests. It includes seven Epistle readings, seven Gospel readings, seven prayers, and seven anointings with blessed oil.
At the conclusion of the Mystery, the Holy Gospel is placed upon the heads of the faithful, and prayers for the forgiveness of sins are offered. This reveals the true meaning of Holy Unction: it is not a guarantee of physical healing, but a real encounter with Christ, who, according to His will, grants peace, strength, and salvation.
Only baptized Orthodox Christians may receive this Mystery.
When and where:
Saturday, April 4
Divine Liturgy begins at 8:30 AM
Holy Unction at 11:00 AM (following the Liturgy)
Location:
Paideia Classical Academy
2370 Hammock Blvd
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
