Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (Unction) - Lazarus Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 AM
On April 4, Lazarus Saturday, our church will hold the SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK (UNCTION).
We invite everyone to take part in this holy Sacrament!
Important information for those wishing to participate:
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (Unction):
- One should not be late for the beginning of the Sacrament;
- Only Orthodox Christians may receive unction;
- A person not suffering from serious ailments is allowed to receive unction once a year, no more often;
- Children under 7 years old do not receive unction;
- Women during their menstrual period may approach the Sacrament;
- Please do not wear makeup;
- One should come to the Sacrament in clothing with an open collar; women should have their heads covered;
- The holy oil is not distributed after Unction;
- Everyone must have a large candle in their hands at the beginning of the Sacrament.
About the Sacrament:
Anointing of the Sick (Unction) is one of the seven Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. It is called Anointing of the Sick, meaning the consecration of oil.
This Sacrament of healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, in which believers are anointed with consecrated oil, and the Church offers prayers for the health of soul and body. Since this Sacrament is associated with repentance and healing, believers are recommended to first approach Confession and Holy Communion.
The foundation of the Sacrament is contained in the Epistle of 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 Sacrament, the Church asks God for:
- healing from bodily illnesses;
- forgiveness of forgotten and unconscious sins;
- strengthening and consolation in suffering;
- spiritual renewal and inner peace.
Anointing of the Sick is not only about bodily health. Its deeper meaning is the healing of the whole person: soul, body, and spirit.
The Sacrament is performed both over the sick (at home or in the hospital) and corporately, especially during Great Lent, when it is offered to all believers as part of preparation for Pascha.
The rite of the Sacrament itself is distinguished by its special fullness and depth. According to tradition, if possible, it is performed by seven priests. Seven apostolic readings, seven gospel readings, seven prayers are read, and seven anointings with consecrated oil are performed.
At the end of the Sacrament, the Holy Gospel is placed on the heads of the believers and prayers are read for the forgiveness of sins. This reveals the true meaning of Unction: it is not a guarantee of physical healing, but a living encounter with Christ, who, according to His will, grants man peace, strengthening, and salvation.
Only baptized Orthodox Christians are admitted to the Sacrament.
When and Where:
Saturday, April 4
Divine Liturgy begins at 8:30 AM
Unction at 11:00 AM (after the Liturgy)
Location:
Paideia Classical Academy
2370 Hammock Blvd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063
