The Holy Mysteries
Holy Chrismation
The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, given immediately after Baptism: the personal Pentecost of every Orthodox Christian.
“The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
A personal Pentecost
Chrismation immediately follows Baptism and completes the newly baptized person’s entrance into the Church. The priest anoints the forehead, eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, chest, hands, and feet with Holy Chrism, proclaiming, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Chrismation is a personal Pentecost: the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the Christian, sanctifying the whole person and bestowing the grace needed for growth, witness, prayer, and service. Through this anointing, Cabasilas teaches, we become partakers of Christ Himself, the Anointed One, who is the source of every spiritual gift.
Practical guidance
Chrismation in practice
The anointing
Sealed in every member
Forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands and feet are each anointed with the words: The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. The whole person is claimed, not a part.
Holy Chrism
Consecrated by the Patriarch
The myron is a fragrant oil consecrated by the Patriarch and distributed to the churches. This Cathedral receives its Chrism from the Patriarchate of Antioch.
Receiving converts
A path into the Church
Those already baptized in the name of the Trinity are commonly received by Chrismation. Preparation is made with the pastor and the reception is blessed by the bishop.
Ask about Chrismation
Whether for a child to be baptized or for an adult seeking to be received into the Orthodox Church, the first step is a conversation with the pastor.
