Centennial Year Church Services

April 12, 2005 -   The Sacrament of Holy Unction was served at SS. Peter and Paul Church at 7:00 p.m. in the evening. The text "The Law of God" has the following to say about the origin of the Holy Unction service: "Holy Unction is the Mystery for the sick in which by anointing with Holy Oil, the Grace of God is invoked for physical and spiritual healing. St. James writes in his epistle about the Mystery of Holy Unction. From these letters we see that the Apostles reserved to the bishops the power to ordain presbyters through the laying on of hands, and to have jurisdiction over presbyters, deacons, and servers. The Mystery of Holy Unction is still called in Russian soborovaniye, "the gathering," because several clergymen are called to perform it, although if necessary, it can be done by one priest. The Mystery comes from the Apostles. Having received from the Lord Jesus Christ power in the time of preaching to heal all the sick and infirm, they anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them (Mark 6:13)."

The text goes on to say: "Especially detailed is the account of this Mystery by the Apostle James. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the presbyters of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him (James 5:14-15). The Apostles did not preach anything of their own but taught only that which was commanded them by the Lord and that which was inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul says, But I certify you brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). Holy Unction is not given to infants because infants cannot knowingly commit sins."

Rev. David Garretson came forth from the Sanctuary at 6:55 p.m. and explained the service of Holy Unction to the gathering of parishioners (above left). Note that the items necessary for the service are already in place on the Tetrapod in the center of the Church (above right). The golden vessel contains pure olive oil and this vessel sits upon a bed of wheat grains. Around the circumference of the bed of wheat are seven unlit candles and, behind them but much smaller are the wands with which the anointing is done. A small flask of red wine is immediately to the right of the wands.

Early in the service a small portion of red wine is poured into the olive oil in the golden vessel (above right and left). The entire service - though somewhat abbreviated - was ninety minutes in length during which time seven Epistles, seven Gospels, and many supplicatory prayers were read (three photos below).

Toward the conclusion of the service, Father David turned toward the parishioners, opened the Book of Gospels, and turning the opened book face down, he prayed over them with their heads bowed (above left and right). They then came forward to venerate the Book of Gospels and the Tetrapod icon before approaching Father David for anointing with Holy Oil.

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Father David then anointed each parishioner who approached, anointing the forehead, face, heart, and hands of all as well as portions of the body which may be afflicted individually (two photos above and two photos below). As he performed the anointing, Father David prayed the following for each parishioner: "The blessing of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ: for the healing of the soul and body of the servant/handmaid of God, (Name), always: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen."

Above left, Choirmaster Basil Kozak prayerfully sang the responses to the service. He was assisted in the extensive readings and the reading of seven Epistles by Church Missionary Gregory Sprogis. Below right, Father David gave a brief sermon at the conclusion of the service in which he commended those at the service for their faith in the Mystery of Healing and their acknowledgement (transparency) with regard to the infirmities which all share but which some are reluctant to recognize. Father David also noted that of the seven Epistles and seven Gospels which were read at this evening's service, less than half mentioned healing. Among the topics of the readings which did not discuss healing were Judgment, repentance, and reconciliation with one's neighbor.

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