Anointing the Sick

The power of healing (on God’s terms) are an inherent part of the Orthodox faith. We are reminded in the Scriptures: “Are any among you suffering? They should pray…They should call the presbyters [priests] of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of Faith will save the sick, and the Lord raise them up… The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” James 5:13-16

Special church services are periodically held to pray for the health of one or more of our parishioners. Sometimes such service is held in conjunction with the other Orthodox Churches in the Chicago area. This service is similar to the one that takes place during Wednesday of Holy Week.

In addition, our priests make it a priority to visit the sick, be it at home or in hospitals. Please notify the church office if you know of someone who may be in need of prayer service and the anointing with the Holy Oil.

Additional Holy Oil, that was blessed and mixed with the Tears of the Icon of the Miraculous Lady of Cicero, is also available anytime.

The sacrament of anointing (sometimes known as “Unction”) is intended for spiritual, physical or even mental illness, and regardless of the nature or gravity of the illness. And since it is a sacrament, it is reserved only for Orthodox Christians.