In church practice, there are many different rites and sacraments that have their own special purpose. One of them is Convocation. What it is, how the ceremony takes place, how to prepare for it and what you need to know - all this will be discussed in this article.
What is this?
Before you figure out how to prepare for Unction, it is worth understanding what it is. So, the Consecration of the Unction (or Unction) is a special church sacrament, which is intended for the mentally ill or people with serious illnesses for their healing. Everything happens through the sevenfold anointing with oil, as well as the reading of special prayers. Why does this sacrament bear such a name - Unction? Because this requires several priests, i.e. a cathedral.
Why is this needed?
It is worth saying that the diseases themselves, according to the religious version, are the result of the sinful life of a person. This rite is intended primarily to forgive sins and through this to heal the patient from an illness. However, the question may arise: is there a sacrament of confession for the remission of sins? But there issins that the person has forgotten or not mentioned, or does not even consider their action to be sinful. These are all the nuances that are taken into account at the sacrament of Unction.
Who is it available to?
Who can take unction? So, this is any baptized Orthodox person. However, children under 7 years of age are not subjected to this sacrament. It is worth saying that most people have the wrong opinion that only the dying are subject to Unction, who need to have their sins forgiven (variation: after the Unction, a person will die in a short time). This is not at all the case, this sacrament is intended to cleanse from sins and return to life, and not send a person to another world.
Preparation
So, how to prepare for Unction correctly? What do you need to know?
- It is very important to receive the priest's blessing for such an important ordinance.
- We need to know when it will be held. You will also need to sign up for the queue.
- Purchase a candle at the candle shop at the church.
- Bring a bottle of vegetable oil and a napkin with you to the temple (to wipe off the remaining oil).
- Better confess first.
Time Frame
So, Unction. When is this ordinance performed? It is worth saying that during Great Lent it can be held several times. However, situations are possible when this rule is deviated from, and the sacrament is performed when a person absolutely needs it.
Location
Howto prepare for the Unction? So, you need to know where this sacrament can take place. During Lent, the priest conducts all actions in the temple. If a person does not have the opportunity to reach the church, then the Unction can be held at home, at the bedside of the sick or dying.
How does the sacrament itself take place?
Having figured out how to prepare for the Unction, it will also be important for many to know how exactly the sacrament itself takes place. Thus, the clergyman will read seven texts from the Gospel and the Apostolic Epistles. After each reading, the priest must necessarily anoint the forehead, cheeks, hands and chest of the person being unctioned with sacred oil - oil. After reading the last verse, the priest puts the opened Gospel on the patient’s head and prays for the forgiveness of all his sins.
Nuances
People may also have other questions about this ordinance. So, how else should the preparation for the Unction go?
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unction in 2014 Do I need to fast for this? According to the clergy, there is no special post before this sacrament. However, since this rite is most often performed during Great Lent, every honest Christian is supposed to fast.
- The next question that may arise is: is it necessary to confess? Naturally, there is no such rule, but church leaders recommend doing this before the sacrament of Unction. If this did not happen, it will be necessary to confess after the Unction.
- Is it possible to anoint undivine places with oil? It's possible, becauseGod created man, and there is nothing shameful in his body. You can smear sacred oil on all diseased areas.
- Is it possible to unction a person who is unconscious? Undesirable. After all, this sacrament should be carried out on a person who yearns for it, his decision should be conscious and voluntary. It is believed that a person who does not understand what is happening to him will not be able to know grace and thus be healed.
- Is it possible to unction small children? Until the age of seven, this sacrament is not performed on children. It is believed that only after this milestone a person is able to realize and accept the sins that he has committed.
About oil
If Unction was held in 2014, what should be done with the oil left over? How long can it be used? It is believed that it does not have an expiration date. From time to time, a person himself can cross-smear his sore spots with it. You can also add it to food. Priests say that if oil is used with faith and reverence, then the grace of God will descend on each such person.
