On Holy Wednesday evening, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea presided at the Service of the Sacrament of the Holy Unction at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene in Northbridge.
Prior to the faithful being anointed Bishop Elpidios stated: “The Sacrament of Holy Confession is closely connected to the Sacrament of Holy Unction as both have to do with the cleansing of our souls and the healing of our broken hearts. Saying this, the Sacrament of the Holy Unction is for physical healing as well as Christ is the physician of both our souls and bodies”.
Bishop Elpidios continued by saying: “The Church has decided that we conduct the Holy Unction Service on Holy Wednesday evening as an added spiritual preparation for the receiving of the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday, which is the day we commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and the day when He instituted the Sacrament of Holy Communion prior to His arrest and crucifixion.”
Once the Service of the Sacrament of the Holy Unction had finished the Matins of Holy Thursday then commenced with the icon of the Last Supper being carried around the church in procession as the Troparion, “While the glorious Disciples were being illumined” was being chanted.
Finally, Bishop Elpidios informed the faithful how he had conversed with Archbishop Makarios of Australia, prior to the commencement of the evening service, and how His Eminence passed onto all, His paternal love and blessings for a joyful Pascha.