On Holy Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the sacred Mystery of Holy Unction at the Church of Saint Spyridon in Kingsford, Sydney, assisted by parish clergy Fr. Stylianos Skoutas and Fr. Stavros Ivano.
The majestic and prayerful atmosphere of the service drew hundreds of faithful of all ages who filled the church to capacity. Addressing them at the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Makarios offered a deeply moving homily, exploring the profound meaning of the Holy Unction.
He explained that this sacrament offers healing for both soul and body and prepares believers for their encounter with Christ. “Although Holy Unction can be performed at any time during the year,” he noted, “its placement during Holy Week is meaningful and decisive for our spiritual readiness to receive Christ.”
The Archbishop emphasized the dual nature of the sacrament—both personal and collective. “It is personal because it addresses each individual, and at the same time, it is collective because our healing is part of the healing of the greater Body—the Body of the Church. God forgives us so that we may forgive others.”
He reminded the faithful that Holy Unction is a powerful sign of Christ’s presence, particularly in moments of suffering. “Christ is with us in our pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual,” he said. “He is among us through the ministry of His Church. He stands beside us in our trials, and even when we approach death, He is there, ready to lead us into the light of His glory.”
Archbishop Makarios underlined that the ultimate purpose of Holy Unction is to sanctify human suffering by uniting it with Christ’s Passion. “Through the sacred anointing of our ailing bodies, the wounds of the flesh become holy; they are elevated to a different spiritual dimension,” he said. “Pain and suffering are transformed—they no longer lead to spiritual death but, when united with Christ’s Passion, they open the path to participation in His Resurrection.”
“The Mystery of Holy Unction fills us with hope,” he continued. “It grants us the strength and courage to carry our personal cross as we stand at the threshold of the Lord’s supreme sacrifice.”
Concluding his homily, the Archbishop described the oil as a visible sign of God’s mercy and forgiveness. He clarified that physical healing should not be seen merely as a return to a former way of life, but rather as an opportunity for inner renewal. “Healing is the means through which God grants us His mercy and grace, so that we may begin anew—to live in deeper communion with Him, to remain united with our fellow human beings, and to serve their needs with humility and love, just as Christ Himself did.”
