|
The Sacrament of Chrismation, which is also known as Confirmation, was administered in the apostolic era by two methods; 1) the laying on of hands and 2) through anointing (Acts 19:1-7 and 1 John 2:20). In the Orthodox Church the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered immediately following baptism as in the early church, and is considered the fulfillment of baptism. Other Churches, for example the Roman Catholic Church, administer this Sacrament at a later time. When the early Christian church spread throughout the world and the number of the baptized was greatly increased, it was not possible to continue the first method in the way the Apostles first started. Therefore, the Apostles introduced the use of sanctified Chrism similar to the way it was done in Old Testament times. The Holy Chrism was sanctified by the Apostles and continued thereafter by the bishops through the Apostolic Succession to this day. Ultimately, the “laying on of hands” was completely replaced by the Holy Chrism to transmit the gifts of the Holy Spirit. During the early centuries of Christianity, a firm tradition existed in the Church in which the Holy Chrism was sanctified only by the bishops of the Church and not by the presbyters (priests). As mentioned above, the use of Holy Chrism finds its roots from the existing Old Testament practice, and the “recipe” can be found in the Holy Bible (Exodus 30:22-25). Today, some 57 different elements may be used to create and sanctify Holy Chrism depending on the particular church. Like many other commonly accepted practices of the Apostles, there is little documented about the act of sanctifying Holy Chrism. Churches that continue to uphold apostolic traditions continue this practice based on what has been handed down through the centuries via what is often called Holy Tradition. Despite the different ways that different churches continue this practice today, there is a very deep meaning in this ancient practice of Confirmation. Perhaps one of the best short descriptions of Chrismation comes to us from Father Schmemann: “Confirmation is thus the personal Pentecost of man, his entrance into the life of the Holy Spirit…his ordination as truly and fully man…His whole body is anointed, sealed, sanctified, dedicated to the new life: ‘the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit,’ says the priest as he anoints the newly baptized ‘on the brow, and on the eyes, and the nostrils, and the lips, and on both arms, and the breast and on the hands, and the feet’…The whole man is now made the temple of God…” May the peace and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you now and unto the endless ages. Amen. Author: Fr. Anthony |
