Holy Mysteries
What is chrismation or myron?
Chrismation, often called Myron, is the sacrament in which the newly baptized person is anointed with holy oil and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is closely joined to Baptism in Coptic practice.
Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why Oil Is Used
Oil in Scripture is associated with consecration, healing, kingship, priesthood, and the work of the Spirit. In Myron, the whole person is marked for Christ. The body is not ignored; it is brought into the life of the Spirit.
The anointings teach that the baptized person belongs to Christ completely. The senses, mind, heart, hands, feet, and whole life are sealed for a new way of living. Myron is therefore both a gift and a calling: the Holy Spirit strengthens the person to live the baptismal life.
Joined To Baptism
In the Coptic Orthodox Church, Baptism and Myron are closely joined. The person is born again through water and the Spirit, then sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is why the baptismal rite has a full sacramental shape rather than a bare washing.
After Baptism and Chrismation, the person belongs to the sacramental life of the Church and may receive Communion according to the priest's guidance. These mysteries form one path into the Church.
Myron In The Life Of The Church
The Holy Myron is prepared and consecrated by the Church's hierarchy, then used in parish sacramental life. That connection matters because the new Christian is not sealed into a private spirituality. He or she is sealed into the apostolic life of the Church, under her faith, worship, and pastoral care.
- The Sacrament of Baptism, CopticChurch.net. Ritual-theology explanation of Baptism, Myron after Baptism, infant Baptism, and the baptized person's entrance into sacramental life.
- The Holy Spirit in the Mysteries of the Church, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles. Diocesan article on the Holy Spirit in Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Matrimony, and the sacramental life of the Church.
- Rituals of the Sacraments, Servants Preparation Program, SUSCopts. Servants-prep lesson on the rites of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance and Confession, Unction, Matrimony, and Priesthood.
- The Seven Sacraments, Servants Preparation Program, SUSCopts. Doctrine lesson explaining the sacraments as visible mysteries through which the faithful receive grace.
- The Sacrament of Baptism, Part One, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Doctrine and theology article on baptism as new birth, washing, and union with Christ.
Chrismation: The anointing with holy Myron after Baptism, sealing the newly baptized with the gift and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Myron: The holy chrism oil used in Chrismation and other consecrations, associated with the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Church's sacramental life.
Sacrament: A visible mystery through which God gives grace to His people. In Coptic usage the sacraments belong to the whole healing life of the Church.
Baptism: The sacrament of new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, joining a person to Christ's death and resurrection and to the life of the Church.
Orthodox: Right worship and right belief, naming the Church's received apostolic faith and the life of worship that preserves it.
Holy Communion: The faithful receiving the true Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, after baptismal life, repentance, confession, fasting, reconciliation, and pastoral preparation.
Mysteries: The Orthodox name for the sacraments, calling attention to God's grace given through visible rites such as Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, and the Eucharist.