ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for the sick and suffering. The sacrament bestows a special grace to a Christian experiencing illness. Administered by a priest, the anointing is carried out using Oil of the Sick, a pure olive oil that has been blessed by the bishop.

The sacrament dates back to Biblical days and is described in the Epistle of St. James:

"Is any one among you sick? He should summon the presbyters [priests] of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him." –James 5:14-15

The sacrament confers grace and enables the sick to accept God’s will without fear or apprehension, strengthens them against doubt or despair, and cleanses the soul from sin.

“They drove out many demons and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.”

–Mark 6:13