Holy Mysteries
What is chrismation or myron?
The Seal Of The Holy Spirit
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.
Why Visitors Notice It
A baptismal service may involve many anointings, prayers, and movements. The Church is teaching that salvation touches the whole person. The Christian is not only forgiven from the outside, but sealed and strengthened to live as a member of Christ.
How It Connects To Communion
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.
- 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.
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.