Word Magazine February
1962 Page 5
WHAT IS
HOLY CHRISMATION?
Father Michael J. Buben
“Holy
Chrismation is a Sacrament in which the baptized believer, being anointed with
Holy Chrism on certain parts of the body, in the name of the Holy Spirit,
receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit for growth and strength in spiritual
life.” (Philaret’s Catechism)
This
sacrament is administered immediately after baptism and like baptism cannot be
administered twice to the same soul. Baptism cleans us from the pollution of
original sin and makes us a member of the grace-giving living Orthodox Church of
Christ. Chrismation nourishes and strengthens the baptised in the spiritual
life. Just as a child needs the guidance of its parents, so a newly baptised
soul receives the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the
reasons why Chrismation has never been performed separately in the Orthodox
Church.
Our Lord
and Savior instituted this Sacrament when at the Jerusalem Temple He said: “If
any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth in me, as the
Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters etc.,
etc.” (John 7, 37-38). St. John explains this text as forecasting the
Holy Spirit which believers would receive.
After the
Apostles were strengthened with the “power from above”, they transferred
gifts of this power to all who were baptized and “put on Christ.” As an
example let us read the following texts from the book of Acts. “Now when the
apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of
God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who when they were come down, prayed
for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet He was fallen upon
none of them: only they were baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid
they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (8, 14-17)
When the
Apostles could not be at all places to “lay hands” on the growing number of
Christians as thousands began to accept Christianity, they instituted the use of
Holy Chrism. Holy Chrism could easily be distributed to the bishops and priests
in the settlements where they served. Only bishops received the power to make
Chrism as it was needed, and priests used it only in the absence of the bishop,
but always in the bishop’s name as centuries passed. “But ye have an unction
from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” (I John 2, 20). St. John in
his first epistle further explains the inward grace which anointing with Chrism
brings; and the anointing which you have received of Him abideth in you, and ye
need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you of all
things, and is truth, and is no lie: and event it hath taught you, abide
therein.” (27)
St. Paul
also wrote about Holy Chrismation when he said: “Now He which establisheth us
with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God: Who hath also sealed us,
and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Cor.1,21-22).
St. Paul
in this text says anointing with Holy Chrism establishes us in Christ,
and it is from here that the Church takes its formula for this Sacrament: The
Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
The
anointing of the forehead signifies the sanctification of the mind, or
thoughts.
The
anointing of the chest signifies the sanctification of the heart, or
desires.
The
anointing of the eyes, ears, lips signifies the sanctification of the
senses.
The
anointing of the hands and feet signifies their sanctification to
good works and the walk in the way of His commandments.
Orthodox
brothers and sisters Through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation you were
Confirmed in the Orthodox Faith. You received the Holy Spirit and grace-giving
gifts, without which it would have been impossible for you to have spiritual
growth.
Does the
Sacrament glow in your heart or has it dimmed like the last ember in the
fireplace? “Stir up the Gift of God!” Do not dim the gifts of the Holy
Spirit nor contradict their influence by vain thoughts and desires. Help thy
neighbor. Make use of prayer and fasting. Follow His commandments.
Specific
parts of your body were sealed with Chrism, that all your strength and abilities
might he given to the service of God. “For ye were bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor. 6,
20)
