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Orthodox Doctrine (Summary of Christian Divinity)
Metropolitan Platon of Moscow, tr. Pinkerton, 1814
32. Part 2, Section 32: Of the Chrism
The Chrism is a mystery in which, by the anointing of different parts of the body with ointment, there is communicated to the baptized person spiritual ointment, that is, the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This mystery is performed soon after baptism, by the servant of Christ, who, in anointing the chief parts of the body, pronounces these words: The seal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Through this holy ordinance, the Holy Ghost descendeth upon the person baptized, and confirmeth him in the grace which he received in his baptism, according to the example of his descending upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, and in imitation of the disciples themselves, who, after baptism, laid their hands upon the believers; by which laying on of the hands of the apostles, the Holy Ghost was visibly conferred. Acts viii. 17, 18.
Our church also uses the ordinance of the chrism when any Christian, who has had incorrect views of the faith, is received among the true believers, and by this visible ceremony he is admitted among the members of our pious and orthodox society.1
Notes
- The chrism, though a distinct mystery, is always administered immediately after baptism, and is properly the confirmation of the Greek church. This mystery is performed by the priest anointing the baptized person with holy ointment, with which he makes the sign of the cross on his forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands and feet, repeating these words at each sign: “The seal of the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This ointment is composed of upwards of twenty different ingredients, and is prepared and consecrated with great ceremony, once a year, at Moscow, by a bishop, on Thursday, in Passion week.