Efchelaion or Holy Unction is a Mystery (Sacrament) of the anointing of the sick for the healing of both physical and spiritual maladies. In Byzantium, this rite was called heptapapadon akolouthia, since it was a service to be celebrated, ideally, by seven priests. These blessings of oil, having been foreshadowed in the Epistle of Saint Iakovos (James 5:14). They came to be utilized for the forgiveness of sins, therapeutic healing, burial anointing, and exorcism.
Healing and forgiveness are connected. The ministry of healing the sick began with the early Church. Spreading the Gospel, the primary concern of the Orthodox Church, was often attended with the care of orphans and widows, collection of alms, and caring for one’s neighbour.
The most common celebration of the Mystery of Anointing in Greek practise is during Great Wednesday of Holy Week – either in the afternoon or in the evening. One will see all the faithful are anointed – not only those who are bodily ailing – since everyone is in need of either physical or spiritual healing.
Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church, Triodion. Holy Apostles Convent, Buena Vista, Colorado
