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Holy Unction
The sacrament of healing — anointing of the sick with oil and prayer; offered to all the faithful at Holy Wednesday each year.
Holy Unction (euchelaion, from euche, prayer, and elaion, oil) is the sacrament administered to the sick for healing of body and soul, based on James 5:14-15. Seven priests ideally administer it; one priest suffices. In the Orthodox Church, Holy Unction is offered to all the faithful — not only the dying — at the Great Unction service on Holy Wednesday evening during Holy Week. It forgives sins, heals afflictions, and prepares the soul for whatever lies ahead.