“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 cleanses 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 baptized person in the spiritual life. Just as a child needs the guidance of its parents, so does a newly baptized soul receive 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.
The Institution of the Sacrament
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…” (John 7, 37-38). St. John explains this passage as referring to the Holy Spirit, which believers would receive.
After the Apostles were strengthened with “power from above,” they transferred this gift to all who were baptized and “put on Christ.” As an example, let’s look at 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 baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:14-17)
The Introduction of Holy Chrism
As the number of Christians grew and the Apostles could not be everywhere to “lay hands” on the new believers, they instituted the use of Holy Chrism. Holy Chrism could be distributed to bishops and priests in various settlements. Only bishops had the authority to make the Chrism, and priests used it in the absence of a bishop, always in the bishop’s name. St. John explains this inward grace: “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things” (1 John 2:20). He further says: “And the anointing which ye 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 even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him” (1 John 2:27).
St. Paul also wrote about Holy Chrismation, saying: “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 Corinthians 1:21-22).
The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit
St. Paul, in this text, speaks of the anointing with Holy Chrism, which establishes us in Christ. This is where the Church derives its formula for this sacrament: The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Meaning of the Anointing
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, and lips signifies the sanctification of the senses.
The anointing of the hands and feet signifies their sanctification to good works and walking in the way of His commandments.
Chrismation and Spiritual Growth
Through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation, you were confirmed in the Orthodox Faith. You received the Holy Spirit and grace-giving gifts, which are necessary for your spiritual growth.
Maintaining the Gift
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 allow the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fade nor contradict their influence by vain thoughts and desires. Help thy neighbor. Make use of prayer and fasting. Follow His commandments.
Sealing and Service to God
Specific parts of your body were sealed with Chrism, that all your strength and abilities might be dedicated 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 Corinthians 6:20).
