Oil of catechumens
The Oil of Catechumens, also known as the Oil of Exorcism, is the oil used in some traditional Christian churches during baptism; it is believed to strengthen the one being baptized to turn away from evil, temptation and sin.
The Oil of Exorcism was mentioned in the ancient Christian Apostolic Tradition as being "used before baptisms to put to flight any contagions that might obstruct the impending baptismal graces."[1] The Egyptian Church Order teaches that it is blessed during the Easter Vigil, the first liturgy of Eastertide.[1]
The
The Oil of Catechumens is intended to help strengthen the person about to be baptized, and prepare them for the struggle (
Eastern Orthodoxy
In the
- O Master, Lord God of our fathers, Who didst send unto them that were in the holy Mysteries; Who thereby fillest them that were under the Law with Thy Holy Spirit, and perfectest them that are under grace: Do Thou Thyself bless also this holy oil with the power, and operation, and indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, that it may be an anointing unto incorruption, an armour of righteousness, to the renewing of soul and body, to the averting of every assault of the devil, to deliverance from all evil of those who shall be anointedwith it in faith, or who are partakers thereof; unto Thy glory, and the glory of Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The priest then pours a portion of the oil into the
This anointing before baptism should not be confused with
Roman Catholicism
In the
During the baptismal rite, the priest or deacon says the following words as he anoints with the oil in the shape of a cross, "We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savior; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever."
See also
References
- ^ a b "Chrism Mass", Catholic Review, Archdiocese of Baltimore, March 27, 2008 Archived 13 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine
External links
- "Anointing with Oil". Columbus, OH: Saint James Episcopal Church. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011.