Sealed in the Spirit After Baptism
Holy Chrismation in Waianae for those completing initiation into the Orthodox Church and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit
St Michael the Archangel Church of the East administers Holy Chrismation as the sacrament that follows baptism, sealing you with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The priest anoints your forehead, eyes, nostrils, ears, mouth, chest, hands, and feet with holy chrism oil, saying the words, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." This anointing is not symbolic; it is the means by which the Holy Spirit is believed to be imparted to the newly baptized, completing your entrance into the fullness of the Church's sacramental life.
Chrismation addresses the need for spiritual strengthening and confirmation in the faith. In the Orthodox tradition, it is administered immediately after baptism, even to infants, rather than being delayed until an age of personal decision. For adults converting from other Christian traditions, chrismation marks the moment of full reception into the Orthodox Church. The sacrament is rooted in the apostolic practice described in the Book of Acts, where the apostles laid hands on the newly baptized so that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
If you are preparing for baptism or are being received into the Orthodox Church from another tradition, chrismation will be part of your initiation, and clergy will guide you through its meaning and significance.
What the Anointing Involves
You stand before the priest, who holds a vessel of holy chrism, a fragrant oil consecrated by the bishop for this sacred purpose. The priest applies the oil to specific parts of your body, each anointing accompanied by the invocation of the Holy Spirit. The oil is warm and leaves a visible mark on your skin, a tangible sign of the invisible grace being given. The sequence of anointings follows a pattern that reflects the sanctification of the whole person, body and soul, for life in Christ.
After chrismation, you are considered a full member of the Orthodox Church, entitled to receive the Holy Eucharist and participate in all the sacraments. St Michael the Archangel Church of the East maintains the apostolic tradition by performing chrismation in conjunction with baptism, ensuring that new members are not only cleansed of sin but also filled with the Holy Spirit and united to the body of Christ without delay.
The sacrament is not repeated. Once you are chrismated, you carry that seal for life. The holy chrism itself is prepared according to ancient formulas and blessed by bishops who stand in apostolic succession, ensuring that the sacrament is valid and connected to the continuous practice of the Church. If you are being received from a tradition that already practices baptism by immersion in the name of the Trinity, the priest may determine that only chrismation is necessary for your reception into Orthodoxy.
People preparing for chrismation often want to know how it differs from confirmation, when it is performed, and what it means for their participation in the Church.
Questions About Chrismation and Membership
What is the difference between chrismation and confirmation?
Chrismation is administered immediately after baptism in the Orthodox Church, rather than being delayed until adolescence as in some Western traditions, and it is performed by a priest using holy chrism consecrated by the bishop.
How soon after baptism is chrismation performed?
In the Aramaic Orthodox tradition practiced at St Michael the Archangel Church of the East, chrismation is performed immediately after baptism, often within the same service.
When can I receive the Eucharist after chrismation?
You may receive the Eucharist during the Divine Liturgy immediately following your chrismation, as you are then a full member of the Church.
Why is oil used in this sacrament?
The anointing with oil recalls the anointing of priests, prophets, and kings in the Old Testament and signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit, as described in the writings of the apostles.
What should I expect during the anointing in Waianae?
The priest will anoint you with holy chrism on several parts of your body while invoking the Holy Spirit, completing your initiation into the Orthodox Christian faith.
St Michael the Archangel Church of the East welcomes those who are ready to be sealed in the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Holy Chrismation. Speak with clergy to learn more about your preparation for this ancient rite and your life as a member of the Orthodox Church.