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PreviewAdvancedSpecial charactersHelpHeadingLevel 2Level 3Level 4Level 5FormatInsertLatinLatin extendedIPASymbolsGreekGreek extendedCyrillicArabicArabic extendedHebrewBanglaTamilTeluguSinhalaDevanagariGujaratiThaiLaoKhmerCanadian AboriginalRunesÁáÀàÂâÄäÃãǍǎĀāĂ㥹ÅåĆćĈĉÇçČčĊċĐđĎďÉéÈèÊêËëĚěĒēĔĕĖėĘęĜĝĢģĞğĠġĤĥĦħÍíÌìÎîÏïĨĩǏǐĪīĬĭİıĮįĴĵĶķĹĺĻļĽľŁłŃńÑñŅņŇňÓóÒòÔôÖöÕõǑǒŌōŎŏǪǫŐőŔŕŖŗŘřŚśŜŝŞşŠšȘșȚțŤťÚúÙùÛûÜüŨũŮůǓǔŪūǖǘǚǜŬŭŲųŰűŴŵÝýŶŷŸÿȲȳŹźŽžŻżÆæǢǣØøŒœßÐðÞþƏəFormattingLinksHeadingsListsFilesDiscussionReferencesDescriptionWhat you typeWhat you getItalic''Italic text''Italic textBold'''Bold text'''Bold textBold & italic'''''Bold & italic text'''''Bold & italic textDescriptionWhat you typeWhat you getReferencePage text.<ref>[https://www.example.org/ Link text], additional text.</ref>Page text.[1]Named referencePage text.<ref name="test">[https://www.example.org/ Link text]</ref>Page text.[2]Additional use of the same referencePage text.<ref name="test" />Page text.[2]Display references<references />↑ Link text, additional text.↑ Link text====Christianity==== [[File:Anointing william hole.jpg|thumb|''The Anointing of Jesus'', by William Hole, 1906]] {{main|Chrism}} {{Further|Baptism of Jesus|Anointing of Jesus}} [[Christianity]] developed from the association of [[Jesus of Nazareth]] with the Jewish prophecies of an "Anointed One".{{refn|group=n|The claim is explicit in [[Book of John|John]]<ref>{{bibleverse||John|1:41|KJV}}</ref> and the [[Book of Acts]].<ref>{{bibleverse||Acts|9:22|KJV}}</ref><ref>{{bibleverse-nb||Acts|17:2-3|KJV}}</ref><ref>{{bibleverse-nb||Acts|18:5|KJV}}</ref><ref>{{bibleverse-nb||Acts|18:28|KJV}}</ref>}} His epithet "[[Christ]]" is a form of the [[Greek language|Greek]] equivalent of the Hebrew title. He was not anointed by the High Priest in accordance with the ceremony described in Exodus, but he was considered to have been anointed by the [[Holy Spirit]] during [[Baptism of Jesus|his baptism]].{{refn|group=n|A [[Isaiah 61|passage in Isaiah]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Isaiah|61:1|KJV}}</ref> is understood by Christians as saying that the [[Messiah]] will be baptized by the Holy Spirit rather than in a formal ceremony at the [[Temple of Solomon|Temple]].{{sfnp|Easton|1897}}}} A literal [[anointing of Jesus]] also occurs when he was lavishly oiled by [[Mary of Bethany]].<ref>{{bibleverse|John|12:1–12:11}}; also {{bibleverse|Matthew|26:6–26:13}}, {{bibleverse|Mark|14:1–14:11}}, and {{bibleverse|Luke|7:36–7:50}}.</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Fleming|first=Daniel|title=The Biblical Tradition of Anointing Priests|journal=Journal of Biblical Literature|year=1998|volume=117|issue=3|pages=401–414|doi=10.2307/3266438|jstor=3266438}}</ref> Performed out of affection, the anointment is said by Jesus to have been preparation for [[Death of Jesus|his burial]]. In the [[New Testament]], John describes "anointing from the Holy One"<ref>{{bibleverse|1|John|2:20|KJV}}</ref> and "from Him abides in you".<ref>{{bibleverse|1|John|2:27|KJV}}</ref> Both this spiritual anointment{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} and literal anointment with oil are usually associated with the [[Holy Spirit]]. [[#Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] churches in particular attach great importance to the oil said to have been originally blessed by the [[Twelve Apostles]].{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} The practice of "[[chrismation]]" ([[baptism]] with oil) appears to have developed in the [[early Christian church|early church]] during the later 2nd century as a symbol of Christ, rebirth, and inspiration.<ref name=fergy/> The earliest surviving account of such an act seems to be the letter written "To Autolycus" by [[Theophilus of Antioch|Theophilus]], [[bishop of Antioch]]. In it, he calls the act "sweet and useful", punning on ''khristós'' ({{lang-grc-gre|χριστóς}}, "anointed") and ''khrēstós'' ({{lang|grc|χρηστóς}}, "useful"). He seems to go on to say "wherefore we are called Christians on this account, because we are anointed with the oil of God",<ref>[[Theophilus of Antioch]], "To Autolycus", 1.12.</ref>{{refn|group=n|The passage is somewhat uncertain as the earliest surviving manuscript has "mercy" ({{lang|grc|ἔλεoς}}, ''éleos'') instead of "oil" ({{lang|grc|ἔλαιoν}}, ''élaion''), but a corrector has emended this to "oil" in agreement with the other two manuscripts.}} and "what person on entering into this life or being an [[Greek athletes|athlete]] is not anointed with oil?"<ref name="fergy">{{cite book|last=Ferguson|first=Everett|title=Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries|year=2009|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans|location=Kindle Locations 5142-5149|isbn=978-0802827487|page=269}}</ref> The practice is also defended by [[Hippolytus of Rome|Hippolytus]] in his "Commentary on the [[Song of Songs]]"<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Yancy|title=The Mystery of Anointing|year=2013|publisher=Gorgias|isbn=978-1463202187|page=30}}</ref> and by [[Origen]] in his "Commentary on [[Book of Romans|Romans]]". Origen opines that "all of us may be baptized in those visible waters and in a visible anointing, in accordance with the form handed down to the churches".<ref>[[Origen]], "Commentary on [[Book of Romans|Romans]]", 5.8.3.</ref> Anointing was particularly important among the [[Gnostic Christianity|Gnostics]]. Many early [[Apocrypha (Biblical)|apocryphal]] and Gnostic texts state that [[John the Baptist]]'s [[water baptism|baptism by water]] was incomplete and that anointment with oil is a necessary part of the baptismal process. The [[Gospel of Philip]] claims that <blockquote>chrism is superior to baptism, for it is from the word "chrism" that we have been called "Christians", certainly not from the word "baptism". And it is from the "chrism" that the "Christ" has his name. For the [[God the Father|Father]] anointed the [[God the Son|Son]], and the Son anointed the apostles, and the apostles anointed us. He who has been anointed possesses everything. He possesses the [[Resurrection]], the Light, the [[Cross]], the [[Holy Spirit]]. The Father gave him this in the bridal chamber; he merely accepted the gift. The Father was in the Son and the Son in the Father. This is the [[Kingdom of Heaven (Gospel of Matthew)|Kingdom of Heaven]].</blockquote> In the [[Acts of Thomas]], the anointing is the beginning of the baptismal ritual and essential to becoming a Christian, as it says God knows his own children by his seal and that the seal is received through the oil. Many such chrismations are described in detail through the work. In medieval and early modern Christianity, the oil from the lamps burnt before the [[altar]] of a [[church (building)|church]] was felt to have particular sanctity. New churches and altars were anointed at their four corners during their [[Dedication (ritual)|dedication]], as were tombs, [[gong]]s, and some other ritual instruments and utensils.{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}} In particular, James 5:14-15 illustrates that anointing oil, applied in faith, is a powerful weapon against a spiritual attack of the enemy, which can translate into a disease designed to destroy the body. =====Latin Catholicism===== [[File:Sacr Gelasianum 131v 132.jpg|thumb|The [[frontispiece (architecture)|frontispiece]] of the [[Vatican Library]]'s [[Gelasian Sacramentary]] manuscript<ref>[[Vatican Library]] {{abbr|MS|manuscript}} Reginensis 316.</ref>]] The [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], [[Anglican Church|Anglican]] and [[Lutheran|Lutheran Churches]] bless three types of [[Chrism|holy oils]] for anointing: "[[Oil of catechumens|Oil of the Catechumens]]" (abbreviated OS, from the [[Latin]] {{lang|la|oleum sanctum}}, meaning holy oil), "Oil of the Infirm" (OI), and "[[Chrism|Sacred Chrism]]" (SC). The first two are said to be [[blessing|blessed]], while the chrism is [[consecrated]]. The Oil of Catechumens is used to people immediately before [[baptism]], whether they are infants or adult [[catechumen]]s. In the early church converts seeking baptism, known as "catechumens", underwent a period of formation known as catechumenate, and during that period of instruction received one or more anointings with the oil of cathecumens for the purpose of expelling evil spirits.{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}} Before the 1968 revision of the rite of ordination the ordaining bishop anointed the hands of the new priest with the Oil of Catechumens,<ref>[https://sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/40-the-sacrament-of-holy-orders-rite-of-priestly-ordination.html ''Rituale Romanum: Rite for ordination of priests'']</ref> The older form is now used only in ordaining members of associations, such as the [[Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter]], dedicated to the preservation of the pre-[[Vatican II]] liturgy. In the later form, priests,<ref>[http://ordination.ceegee.org/rite.pdf Ordination of Priests, 133]</ref> like bishops,<ref>[http://courseweb.stthomas.edu/jmjoncas/LiturgicalStudiesInternetLinks/ChristianWorship/Texts/Centuries/Texts_1900_2000CE/RCWorshipTexts1900_2000CE/Rite_of_Ordination_of_a_Bishop.htm Rite of Ordination of a Bishop, 28]</ref> are anointed with chrism, the hands of a priest, the head of a bishop. (In the older form, a bishop's hands, as well as the head, are anointed with chrism. The traditional Roman Pontifical also has a rite of coronation of kings and queens including anointing with the Oil of Catechumens. In some countries, as in France, the oil used in that rite was chrism. Oil of the Infirm is used for administration of the sacrament of [[anointing of the sick]], the ritual treatment of the sick and infirm through what was usually called Extreme Unction in [[Western Christianity]] from the late 12th to the late 20th century.<ref>Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (Oxford University Press 2005 {{ISBN|978-0-19-280290-3}}), article "unction"</ref> Sacred Chrism is used in the sacraments of [[baptism]], [[confirmation (sacrament)|confirmation]], and holy orders. It is also used in the dedication of new churches, new altars, and in the consecration of new patens and chalices for use in Mass. In the case of the sacrament of baptism, the subject receives two distinct unctions: one with the oil of catechumens, prior to being baptized, and then, after baptism with water is performed, the subject receives an unction with chrism. In the case of the sacrament of confirmation, anointing with chrism is the essential part of the rite. Any [[bishop]] may consecrate the holy oils. They normally do so every [[Maundy Thursday|Holy Thursday]] at a special "Chrism Mass". In the [[Gelasian sacramentary]], the formula for doing so is:{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}} <blockquote>Send forth, O Lord, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit the [[Paraclete]] from heaven into this fatness of oil, which thou hast deigned to bring forth out of the green wood for the refreshing of mind and body; and through thy holy benediction may it be for all who anoint with it, taste it, touch it, a safeguard of mind and body, of soul and spirit, for the expulsion of all pains, of every infirmity, of every sickness of mind and body. For with the same thou hast anointed priests, kings, and prophets and martyrs with this thy chrism, perfected by thee, O Lord, blessed, abiding within our bowels in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</blockquote> {{anchor|Myrovannya}} =====Orthodoxy and Greek Catholicism=====<!--linked--> [[File:Alavastr (16-17 c, Kremlin museum) by shakko 02.jpg|thumb|right|A chrismarium used in [[Russian Empire|Russia]] before the [[Russian Revolution|revolution of 1917]]]] In the [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Eastern Catholic]] churches, confirmation is known as [[chrismation]]. The Mystery of Chrismation is performed immediately after the Mystery of [[Baptism]] as part of a single ceremony. The ritual employs the sacred ''{{vanchor|myron}}'' ({{lang|grc|μύρον}}, "[[chrism]]"), which is said to contain a remnant of oil blessed by the [[Twelve Apostles]]. In order to maintain the apostolic blessing unbroken, the container is never completely emptied{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}} but it is refilled as needed, usually at a ceremony held on [[Maundy Thursday|Holy Thursday]] at the [[Patriarchate of Constantinople]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8420.asp |title=The Sanctification of the Holy Chrism |author=Pavlos Menesoglou |publisher=Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America |access-date=2008-03-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030301104732/http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8420.asp |archive-date=2003-03-01 }}.</ref> or the patriarchal cathedrals of the [[autocephalous]] churches.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Consecration of Holy Christ |date=5 April 2004 |publisher=Orthodox Church in America |url=http://ocaphoto.oca.org/PhotoViewer.asp?EID=186 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927051129/http://ocaphoto.oca.org/PhotoViewer.asp?EID=186 |archive-date=2011-09-27}}</ref> At the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the process is under the care of the ''[[Archon]]tes Myrepsoi'', lay officials of the Patriarchate. Various members of the clergy may also participate in the preparation, but the Consecration itself is always performed by the Patriarch or a bishop deputed by him for that purpose. The new ''myron'' contains olive oil, [[myrrh]], and numerous spices and perfumes. This ''myron'' is normally kept on the [[Holy Table]] or on the [[Table of Oblation]]. During chrismation, the "newly illuminate" person is anointed by using the ''myron'' to make the [[sign of the cross]] on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, both ears, breast, hands, and feet. The priest uses a special brush for this purpose. Prior to the 20th century, the ''myron'' was also used for the anointing of Orthodox monarchs. The oil that is used to anoint the [[catechumen]]s before baptism is simple olive oil which is blessed by the priest immediately before he pours it into the [[baptismal font]]. Then, using his fingers, he takes some of the blessed oil floating on the surface of the baptismal water and anoints the catechumen on the forehead, breast, shoulders, ears, hands, and feet. He then immediately baptizes the catechumen with threefold immersion in the name of the [[Trinity]]. Anointing of the sick is called the "[[Sacred Mystery]] of [[Unction]]". The practice is used for spiritual ailments as well as physical ones, and the faithful may request unction any number of times at will. In some churches, it is normal for all of the faithful to receive unction during a service on [[Holy Wednesday]] of [[Holy Week]]. The holy oil used at unction is not stored in the church like the ''myron'', but consecrated anew for each individual service. When an Orthodox Christian dies, if he has received the Mystery of Unction and some of the consecrated oil remains, it is poured over his body just before burial. It is also common to bless using oils which have been blessed either with a simple blessing by a priest (or even a venerated [[monastic]]), or by contact with some sacred object, such as [[relic]]s of a saint, or which has been taken from an [[oil lamp]] burning in front of a [[wonderworking]] [[icon]] or some other [[shrine]].{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} In the [[Armenian Orthodox Church|Armenian Church]], [[cross]]es are traditionally not considered holy until they have been anointed and prayed over, thus introducing the Holy Spirit into them. The same ritual was formerly observed in the other Orthodox churches.{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}} =====Protestantism===== Owing to their particular focus upon the action of the [[Holy Spirit]], [[Pentecostal Christianity|Pentecostal churches]] sometimes continue to employ anointing for consecration and ordination of pastors and elders, as well as for healing the sick.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} The Pentecostal expression "the anointing breaks the yoke" derives from a passage in [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Isaiah|10:27|KJV}}</ref> which discusses the power given the prophet [[Hezekiah]] by the Holy Spirit over the tyrant [[Sennacherib]].{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} =====Latter-day Saints===== Members of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] practice anointing with pure, consecrated olive oil<ref>{{Cite web|title=When did the use of consecrated olive oil in priesthood blessings originate?|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1991/10/i-have-a-question/when-did-the-use-of-consecrated-olive-oil-in-priesthood-blessings-originate?lang=eng|access-date=2020-08-26|website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> in two ways: 1) as a priesthood [[Ordinance (Latter Day Saints)|ordinance]] in preparation for the administration of a [[priesthood blessing]], and 2) in conjunction with [[Washing and anointing|washing]] as part of the [[Endowment (Latter Day Saints)|endowment]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prophetic Teachings on Temples: Washing and Anointing - Initiatory|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/prophetic-teachings-on-temples?lang=eng|access-date=2020-08-26|website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> The [[Doctrine and Covenants]] contains numerous references to anointing<ref>{{Cite web|title=Anointing, Anoint|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/triple-index/anointing?lang=eng|access-date=2020-08-26|website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref> and administration to the sick<ref>{{Cite web|title=Administration to the Sick|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/triple-index/administration-to-the-sick?lang=eng|access-date=2020-08-26|website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref> by those with authority to perform the laying on of hands.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hands, Laying on of|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/triple-index/hands-laying-on-of?lang=eng|access-date=2020-08-26|website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref> On 21 January 1836, [[Joseph Smith]] instituted anointing during the rites of sanctification and consecration preparatory to the rites practiced in the [[Kirtland Temple]].<ref>{{citation |contribution-url=http://josephsmithpapers.org/topic?name=Anoint |contribution=Anoint |title=The Joseph Smith Papers |access-date=24 October 2012 |archive-date=September 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910171904/http://josephsmithpapers.org/topic?name=Anoint}}</ref> The anointing would prepare church members to receive the endowment of "power from on high" promised in an earlier 1831 revelation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Endowment of Power|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/endowment-of-power?lang=eng|access-date=2020-08-26|website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> At the present time, any holder of the [[Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Melchizedek priesthood]] may anoint the head of an individual by the laying on of hands. Olive oil must be used if available, and it must have been consecrated earlier in a short ordinance that any holder of the Melchizedek priesthood may perform.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consecrating Oil|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/18-priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#title_number39|access-date=2020-08-26|website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page