Holy Wednesday Unction Service - 04/08/15

"Is any sick among you?  Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."  (James 5:14-15)


The Unction Service, as celebrated on Wednesday of Holy Week, is an ancient service in the Orthodox Church, as recorded in the Epistle of James (5:14-15).  It is a service of healing and foregiveness that becomes a integral part of our lives as we grow in our relationship to God through Jesus Christ.  Seven gospels are read, prayers for healing are said, and finally, we are anointed, praying for healing both physically and spiritually.
Fr. Constantine & Chantor Zak do some last minute review for the service.
Ready for the service to begin. Take a look at our new icons.
The whole community kneels in prayer, asking for healing and forgiveness.
The Bible at St. John has been used in services for many, many years.
The faithful are anointed as part of the service.
Icons of Sts. Cosmas & Damian, the unmercenary physicians, and Christ, the Bridegroom.