Credo Series
I believe in One Spirit
Sealed by the Grace of the Holy Spirit in the Oil of Salvation
THE MYSTERY OF HOLY CHRISMATION
WHAT IS HOLY CRISMATION?
Holy Crismation is the Mystery which imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the believer via the sacred oil which is prepared by the Patriarch or Metropolitan – (head bishop of a diocese) in the Divine Liturgy on Maundy Thursday; “You shall make a sacred anointing oil!” (Ex 30: 22-38) Thus, Chrismation simply means to anoint and by this the Newly Illumined is sealed in the faith by the anointing and confirmed in the Body of Christ the Church!
WHY IS ONE CRISMATED?
Earlier on, we discussed the importance to be registered in order to claim membership. Crismation validates that membership by acquiping the new member with the necessary materials as it were to vouch safe their spiritual journey in the world! Thus, the Spirit of Truth and Treasure of Blessings imparts on us the gifts of discernment that we who were spiritually blind, deaf, and mute may see, hear, and speak in circumstances where faith is tested; giving witness to Christ in the world.(2Thes 2: 13-17)
HOW IS ONE CRISMATED?
Immediately after Holy Baptism, the Christian is anointed with the Chrism (perfumed sanctified oil) over the bodily senses in order that these may be activated-sanctified made ready for the work to come; the giving witness to Christ in the everyday situation! This does not require a radical evangelical affair; rather, in the words of the Prophet Micah we are called: “To live justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly before the Lord!” (Mic 6: 6-8)
WHO IS CRISMATED?
As this is the Mystery that follows Holy Baptism, the new Christian is once again accompanied by his sponsor to the presbyter in order that their entry in ecclesial society may now be certified by the Mystery of Holy Crismation. Furthermore, those who have come (converts) from mainstream Christian denominations; Must be Baptized – NOT SIMPLY CHRISMATED!!!! There is Only ONE CHURCH, ONE FAITH, and ONE BAPTISM! We can’t say we are one or the same, if that were the case there would be no divisions or differ of creed! Thus ONLY ONE FAITH AND ONE EXPRESSION! Expression in God only differs when we begin to make it up according to our imagination thus – Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever according to the teaching of our Apostolic Heritage! (Heb 13:8)
WHERE IS CRISMATION ADMINISTERED?
Holy Crismation takes place in the middle of the Temple near the central icon stand which honors the celebration/saint of the day! This position also allows the whole church (community of faith) to join in the festive event and pray for the newly illumined; supporting them in their journey of faith. Furthermore, due to pastoral reasons by discretion of the presbyter, the Mystery may be served outside the Temple according to circumstance.
WHEN IS CRISMATION ADMINISTERED?
The Mystery of Holy Crismation normally follows the Mystery of Baptism and thus occurs traditionally for adults on Holy Saturday morning, or when ever the need arises. Furthermore, in the case of conversion, the Mystery may be administered after a period of time when the candidate has settled into the rhythm of Orthodox Worship and hopefully has developed a mindset that will compliment their journey of faith in the Sacred and cultural Tradition of the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church they embraced.