If you have a question, "What is extreme unction, and how it is carried out?", We recommend to spend a little time and read our article: Here you can find the full answer.You will also learn what is said in the Gospel of the Anointing of the Sick is to prepare for it, and that after the meeting to do with oil and grain.
rite of extreme unction.Its purpose
In the Christian tradition, there are some ordinances, which are very important for believers.One of these can be regarded as extreme unction, or extreme unction.The origins of this ritual dates back to the times of the Gospel, but the ritual in today's interpretation has changed significantly.
To understand what unction and how it is conducted, should be to find out what his destiny.The main purpose of the sacrament - it is healing.And the healing is not only physical ailments, but also mental.Also, during the rite of absolution occurs, which people could not forget and do not confess.It is even considered that the unction in something akin to a confession.
This sacrament is called differently.Initially, it was extreme unction, for the rite used by the oil that anointed man.Later it became known not only as the sacrament of extreme unction.And the thing is that some of the priests performed the rite (seven), t. E. The cathedral.
Gospel and historical mention of the rite occurs
What is the essence of Extreme Unction?To understand, you need to delve into the history.As already mentioned, the origins of the sacrament should be sought in evangelievskom time in particular we are talking about the period when Jesus lived.His actions on the healing of the sick, and were reflected in the rite of Holy Unction or Anointing of the Sick.In the future, such wondrous deeds continued his apostles.
first rites of healing by laying on of hands took place, but after a while in the letter that the Apostle James wrote, one could read that aching can call priests, so they prayed and anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord.If the suffering man has faith, he will be healed, and all sins will be forgiven him (referring to those of which he forgot).In the modern version of the sacrament of laying on of hands replaced by anointing with oil, and in the memory of the old rite to the forehead of the patient put the Gospel.
first procedure Unction in Russia were not difficult, just read a few psalms and prayers.Besides rites conducted mainly at home.Only with the sixth century this mystery began to acquire the form that it has now.
When is the unction
What else you need to know about this rite as Extreme Unction?How to get it.When it is carried out.For patients with parishioners, who are unable to visit the temple and stand service, are allowed to conduct the ritual at home in any of the specified days with the clergy.
There are also the traditional days of extreme unction.It falls on Lent and Christmas.This is usually more than one day, and some as many wanting to heal the soul.All this should be found in the chosen church, as yet not all hold similar ordinances.By the way, learn in advance and that the unction not carried out before the proofreading obsessed as it is not welcome.
Who can receive extreme unction?
In order to understand what unction and how it is carried out, it should also deal with the question of who can go through this ritual.Extreme unction can every Christian who has reached the age of seven.Younger this ritual is not allowed to pass.However, some priests believe that in exceptional cases, when a child is sick, it is quite appropriate.
also can not take unction women during the critical days.Therefore, if everything is so wrong, it is best to refrain from this rite.
Many people believe that this sacrament resorted to when a person is lying on his deathbed.In fact it is not.The rite is carried out not only on the person who is ill, or will soon leave this mortal coil.After all, what unction (how to pass this rite - discussed below)?This is not the last confession and absolution before going into another world, and certainly not a funeral, God forbid!Yes, first of all this sacrament are aching, but during the ritual at home with the holy oil anointed not only to those in special need, and all households, blessing them.Therefore, you should not expose yourself to the fear of impending death.Too many aching after Unction got better or they get much better.Deaths have already Christians and those who are unconscious, to the sacrament are not allowed.
So, as already mentioned, extreme unction can completely healthy people, but no more frequently than once a year (usually in Lent).This ordinance exempts from the forgotten sins and treats mental illness.But we should remember that the very unction is no substitute for confession and communion.
Preparing for
rite Some believers question before pass unction: how to prepare for this rite?No special preparation is required.However, believing the mystery of communion, and must confess.The same should be done and after the ceremony.As we can see, confession is an essential procedure.If you suddenly decide that all sins will be forgiven, we need only to pass extreme unction, it is not so.In fact, one should sincerely repent that he ever anything unwittingly committed.
Also before unction priests prepare special items that will be needed during the sacrament.But the man who came to the temple, you must purchase a candle.Fasting is not necessary (except in cases where the Cathedral during Lent).
What is necessary for the rite
usually for ritual at home and in the church, the following items:
- covered with a clean cloth (cloth) table (using the lectern in the church);
- wheat (and other cereals are permitted), placed on a platter (symbolize life itself, as well as updating, both physical and spiritual);
- vessel for the consecration of oil;
- seven candles;
- seven sticks that you need to wrap a cotton swab;
- vegetable oil (usually olive oil, which for the ancients had special value);
- little red wine (symbolizing the blood of the Lord).
In addition, the priest uses the Gospel and the cross.As you can see, it is still necessary to prepare some items to spend unction.How to prepare for the man who wants to pass this ordinance, written above.
Conducting the ceremony in the church sacrament of extreme unction
traditionally performed in the temple (the exception - the infirm believers who can not come because of illness).Rite perform seven clerics, however, permitted, and one in special cases.Why seven?The whole point is that during the ceremony so much time to read the text of the Apostle of the Gospel and prayer.Seven times the cathedral anointed with the holy oil.
Before you begin the ritual, all the congregation shall light the candles.Unction in the temple itself is divided into three parts (conditional):
- singing praises;
- consecrated oil;
- anointing with oil.
In the first part are chants and prayers, as well as those listed by name, who came to the extreme unction.It begins with the words of the sacrament "Blessed is our God ...", then the process is shortened morning service, which make at the time when the last post.By the way, modern Breviary are nothing like the old, and some prayers are significantly different (and indeed the ritual, too).Perhaps that's why there were some persistent prejudices.
The second part of consecrated oil for anointing.To this should be mixed wine and vegetable oil in a separate container.Wine is a mandatory component since it symbolizes the blood of the Lord shed for the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ.Then comes to light seven candles, and the priest shall recite a special prayer for the sanctification of the oil.
And finally happening anointing Cathedral.At the same time, read the Apostles, the Gospel, short Litany, and a special prayer which speaks of forgiveness and healing.
last part is done seven times, but every time I read a completely different passages from the Gospel and apostles.At the very end, after the seven-time anointing, all the parishioners surrounded by priests.Recent pray and put on each open Gospel.Then there is the kiss of the holy book, and after - Litany and bows parishioners.This sacrament is completed.
Conducting the ceremony at home
Typically the sacrament of Extreme Unction is performed in the church, even on aching.However, if you can not come to the temple and there perform the ceremony, the priest can visit the patient at home.A rite of passage is almost the same as in the temple.When the sacrament may be all relatives during the ritual they also anointed with the holy oil.
What to do after Unction
after Unction believer should partake, and it can take home the grains that were used during the sacrament, and the holy oil.Houses can all be added in small amounts in food.Anointed with oil as a cross sore spots.
Note!If Extreme Unction next to you was oil, and cereals, they must be burned and the ashes buried in the place where almost nobody goes.You can also give the remains of the temple to be burned there (some have special furnaces for destruction of worn ritual objects).It should be noted that in the past all that remained of the Unction, are not given to the congregation, and burn.Even now, some churches oil, and wheat can give only if specifically requested by the person who's Cathedral.
Parishioners who underwent the rite
Those parishioners who knowingly, with a deep faith and repentance passed the sacrament of extreme unction, a significant spiritual relief.As for physical healing, we note that it does not necessarily happen immediately after the ceremony.However, in the future, according to the words of the parishioners, who have witnessed a miracle, people could be healed, especially if you regularly pray.The main thing - do not forget the Lord, for his sins, which led to a physical infirmity.
After sacrament by many people, especially those who are mentally ill, feeling calm and the intercession of the Most High.If someone were to after the ceremony to leave this world, they have time to bless the family (except for very severe cases) and a peaceful soul depart.
difference between anointing and unction (Anointing)
Hopefully now you understand how the unction.However, there is very similar to the sacrament of Anointing - anointing.The essence of both ceremonies is anointed with the holy oil, but accomplishes most of unction aching believers (spiritually or physically).Confirmation also make once in your life, right after the baptism of a person or if he converted to Orthodoxy from other denominations.
also anointed worshipers with holy oil during the Vigil, but is not considered a separate sacrament, but only a part of the service.
Myths unction
If you already understand how the unction, let's discuss some aspects of this sacrament, which might get the wrong impression.For example, as already mentioned, some people think that this ceremony is performed only on the dying, so he somehow accelerates the demise of the suffering.Of course, this is not so in reality.
This is not the last sacrament, but a healthy person should not extreme unction more than once a year.For being on his deathbed necessarily need to go through three sacraments - confession (if able), the sacrament and receiving.Perhaps that is why this myth originated, but one also does not say that the confession only for the dying?Therefore Extreme Unction should not be afraid, because in addition to physical illness is also the soul, which are also healed.And also comes the remission of sins that are not told, or forgotten.
Conclusion So now you know what unction and how it is conducted.In conclusion we can say that this is a very important rite for the faithful, as is the full remission of sins forgotten, as well as spiritual and physical healing.Of course, this is possible only if the presence of sincere repentance and faith in the power and omnipotence of God.
As for the actual remission of sins, there is a reservation.If you have concealed something in the confessional (and only the cathedral after it), the forgiveness of such acts or thoughts will be.Sins must be truly forgotten man - voluntarily or involuntarily.Those who regularly confesses, takes the sacrament of extreme unction (and not only), can help not only themselves but also other people who are made to him related.Thus, turning to the Lord in prayer and hope for His mercy, going to church and the analysis of his life and deeds will be saved and cleansed from sin.
