THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY CHRISMATION

Following the Sacrament of Holy Baptism comes the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation. It is administered immediately after Baptism and corresponds to the "laying of the hands" or "chrism with oil" of the New Testament times. Through this sacrament the newly baptized receives the seal and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38).

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY CHRISMATION, which is put in different parts of the body of the newly illumined person.

Every time the priest makes the sign of the Cross in different parts of the body with the Holy Chrismation says: "The Seal of the Holy Spirit".

Holy Chrismation Links:

• The Sanctification of the Holy Chrism by Pavlos Menevishoglou

Chrismation

The Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. As the ministry of Christ was enlivened by the Spirit, and the preaching of the Apostles strengthened by the Spirit, so is the life of each Orthodox Christian sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Chrismation, which is often referred to as one's personal Pentecost, is the Sacrament which imparts the Spirit in a special way.

In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil saying: "The seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Oil, which is blessed by the bishop, is a sign of consecration and strength. The Sacrament emphasizes the truths that not only is each person a valuable member of the Church, but also each one is blessed by the Spirit with certain gifts and talents. The anointing also reminds us that our bodies are valuable and are involved in the process of salvation.

The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. Ideally, this takes place within the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. This practice reveals that Orthodoxy views children from their infancy as important members of the Church. There is never time when the young are not part of God's people.

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