In the Christian tradition, there are several sacraments during which the Lord sends divine grace to a person. The number of sacraments varies in three areas of Christianity. Anointing is one of the seven Orthodox priests. In the Catholic and Protestant churches, the attitude to anointing is somewhat different from the Orthodox tradition.
Anointing is the anointing of certain parts of the human body with the holy world. In the Orthodox tradition, anointing is performed along with baptism, when a priest with the words "Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit" puts the holy world on his forehead, eyelids, ears, chest, arms, legs and mouth. According to the Orthodox doctrine in this sacrament, divine grace descends upon a person, which helps the baptized to perfect himself in spiritual life. This sacrament is performed on all who embark on holy baptism. Any priest who is not in the prohibition of ministry can be the performer of anointing.
Among Catholics, anointing is called confirmation. The practical side of the sacrament is distinguished by the fact that it is performed by a bishop (only in rare cases can a priest be anointed) and only over people who have reached a certain age (usually 13 years and older). Only the forehead is anointed. In confirmation, a person also receives the grace that makes the Catholic warrior of Christ.
In the Protestant tradition, the concept of anointing as a sacrament is absent. This is nothing more than a pious custom, which means a conscious confession of faith. According to the teachings of Protestants, a person should begin anointing in adulthood. From that moment on, the Protestant can consider himself a full member of the Church.
