There are seven sacraments in the Orthodox Church, one of which is unification. In this sacrament, believers are asked for divine grace that heals various bodily and mental ailments. It is also believed that forgotten sins are forgiven in the sacrament of unification.
The Sacrament of Unction is otherwise referred to as Blessing. The very name of unholy indicates that a person is sanctified from a special oil (vegetable oil). The anointing of a person with holy oil is the main component of the sacrament.
Most often, unification is performed in temples during fasting, however, the time for the completion of unholy may be different - the performer of the sacrament (priest) himself can choose the time. Historically, the sacrament of congregation was performed by a family or several priests - a conciliar ministry took place. Hence the name of the sacrament.
Unction begins in the usual order - the prayer "King of Heaven", trisagy according to our Father, "Come worship the Tsar our God." Then read psalm 142, followed by a small litany. Sometimes psalms and litanies are reduced.
After this, certain troparia are sung, the 50th psalm is read, after which the canon is read about the sick priest. After the canon, special stichera and troparia of the sick are performed by the choir. Then a great litany with special petitions for the sick, a priest's prayer for the sick and troparia to holy healers. Further, passages from the New Testament scripture (from the Apostle and the Gospel) are read. After reading the sacred texts, the clergyman reads certain two prayers for the sick. At the unification, it is customary to read scripture passages seven times. After the proclamation of the texts of the Apostle and the Gospel, anointing occurs.
After the seventh anointing, the priest pronounces a profound litany, sisters the clergy, and sins.
It can also be noted that there is a widespread practice of performing the sacrament of unction before the bed of the sick. It can be at home or in a hospital. In this case, the priest can reduce the sacrament (fear for the sake of the mortal). The canon and one set of scripture passages are deducted. After this, a single anointing occurs.
