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Longer Catechism

St Philaret of Moscow, in Blackmore, 1845

Part 1, 17. On Unction with Oil

Q. What is Unction with Oil?

A. Unction with Oil is a Sacrament, in which, while the body is anointed with oil, God’s grace is invoked on the sick, to heal him of spiritual and bodily infirmities.

Q. Whence is the origin of this Sacrament?

A. From the Apostles, who having received power from Jesus Christ, anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Mark vi. 13.

The Apostles left this Sacrament to the Priests of the Church, as is evident from the following words of the Apostle James: 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 have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James v. 14, 15.