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Unction of the sick is the sacrament through which the priest anoints the body of the sick, asking for divine grace to cure both body and soul.
The difference between this sacrament and that of penance is that the latter is administered (a) for all Christians (b) and for healing spiritual diseases; while the first is administered (a) only for the sick (b) and for healing bodily and spiritual diseases.
There are some who think that St. James mentioned this unction as an ordinary means of healing diseases. In reply we state the following.

Had it been an ordinary means of healing diseases it would have been said that anyone could anoint with oil. But St. James says that it is the priests who should anoint.
And the healing power is not attributed to the oil but to the prayer: “Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick.”
Moreover, it is said, directly after that: “And if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” This forgiveness can never be granted through mere oil.
Others say that it was a healing gift given only to the Apostles, in answer it is sufficient to say that St. James speaks of this unction not as a special privilege given to the Apostles but as a sacrameut to be always administered by the priests.
The church of Rome calls this sacrament “Extreme (or last) Unction” on the basis that it is administered to the sick only when they are at the point of death. This is utterly wrong because the Bible speaks of it as a means of healing, and not as helping the sick at the point of death.

It is of course to be understood that they, having been sent by the Lord for that first mission, were instructed by Him to do the same.

And St. James, in his Epistle, says (5:14, 15)” is any sick man among you? Let him call for the elders (priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be for given him.”

It should be taken for granted that the Apostles did not preach a gospel of their own, but that which they received from the Lord Himself. “But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal. 1:11,12) Therefore, St. James must have received that teaching directly from the Lord Himself.

Moreover, the Disciples did not pretend to have instituted the church sacraments (mysteries) but they merely called themselves “stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1Cor. 4:1) And if it was not clearly and definitely mentioned in the Bible that Christ instituted this sacrament or some other sacraments, it was because many things were done by Him and were not written. (John 21:25)
The Fathers said that it was used as a church sacrament since the first centuries.
Even the protestant historians stated that “When the early Christians were seriously sick, they used to call the priests of the church, and after confessing their sins they were anointed with oil by them.”

The oil with which the sick person is anointed. Before using it for anointing the sick, it should be consecrated through certain prayers.
The prayers which are offered to God for healing the sick. There are certain prayers, seven in number, prepared by the church for this sacrament. In addition to these prayers, certain portions of the Bible are also read.

IV. The Invisible Grace
The invisible grace which is granted through this sacrament is the healing of body and soul.
V. who has the Right to Celebrate the Sacrament. the bishops can celebrate the sacrament if they like. But it was given to priests because they are in direct contact with the congregation.

The Sacrament of matrimony is the holy service through which the bridegroom and the bride are united together and given the divine grace which sanctifies their matrimonial union, makes it perfect and spiritual like the unity of Christ and the church.

This sacrament is of a very great importance. In it not only the lives of two persons, but the home the state, the Church, and the kingdom of God are deeply involved. It is not a sacrament to be regarded lightly or performed thoughtlessly and in discriminately.

When speaking of the creation of Eve, the Bible reports that God brought her unto the man. (Gen. 2:22)

In the new testament Christ confirmed this sacrament.

By attending the marriage feast at Cana of Galilee (John 2)
By his teaching. When answering the questions of the Pharisees who came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him “is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” His answer was: “Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and females, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they twain shall be one flesh? wherefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:4-6)
Some church fathers were of the opinion that Christ instituted this sacrament in the 40 days during which He used to appear to His disciples, after His resurrection and speak of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Act 1:3)

Mutual help between husband and wife. “And the Lord said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Gen. 21:18)
After the fall of man and the entering of sin to the world there arose another end, i.e. that marriage might help to keep man and woman from the temptation of carnal lusts. “Now concerning the things where of you wrote unto me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. I say therefore to the unmarried and windows, it is good for them if they abide even as I But if they cannot, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.” (1Cor. 7:1-9)

The declaration of the bridegroom and the bride in front of the church that they wish-by their own free will-to be married to each other, and that each will be loyal to the other till the end of life.
The matrimonial service which the priest performs, and through which he asks for the divinc grace for the bridegroom and the bride.
The oil with which the bridegroom and the bride are anointed at the time of matrimonial service.

“Matrimony is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.” (Heb. 13:4) “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one ef you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.” (1Thess. 4:3)

Both should be Christians, because Christ’s grace cannot be give to nonchristians, whether in this sacrament or other sacraments.
Both should belong to the Orthodox Church, if any of them does not, he or she should first join that church.
They should not be connected together with a carnal or sprititual affinity which prevents their marriage.
Each should be willing to get married with the other. The desire of parents is not sufficient. The priest should ask each of them privately and openly whether he or she agrees to be married to the other.

(2) At marriage
Since matrimony is one of the church sacraments, marriage should be through the church. it is the duty of the priests to teach their congregation that every marriage should be in the church, and that the church does no allow any marriage performed outside it.

The husband should have only one wife, and the wife should have only one husband. “And he answered and said unto them, have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female and said, For this cause shall a man them male and female and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh.” (Matt. 19:4,5)
If either of them dies, the other can marry. “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives. but if her husband be dead, she is at librty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” (1Cor. 7:39)
They can never separate but for one reason, i.e. fornication “They are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matt. 19:6,9)

VII. Who has the Right to Celebrate the Sacrament?
This right is given to priests. Bishops can also celebrate the sacrament.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY ORDERS

“Holy orders” is the sacrament through which the clergy are ordaired to celebrate the various church services.
Some protestants say that Christ did not distinguish any one in His church, and that there is no need for separating special persons as ministers. This is utterly wrong, because of the following reasons:

Christ set apart special persons as Apostles, and spent a whole night before choosing them. “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out in to a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day He called unto Him disciples: and of them he chose twelve whom also He named Apostles.” (Luke 6:12,13)
He gave them special privileges which were not given to others e.g. He said to them “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heave: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt, 18:18)
When sending them before His ascencion He promised them to be with them “even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20) This promise is of course taken to be valid for their successors also.
When Judas droped out of the number of the Apostles, they met together, spent some time in discussion and prayer, and chose another to fill this vacancy. (Acts 1:15:26)

Had it not been necessary that the should be certain persons set apart for God’s service, they would not have taken the trouble of appointing another one instead of Judas.

Were all Christians of the same degree, they could perform the same services in the church. But a careful study of the Bible specially the “Acts”, shows that the clergy had its own duties which could not be performed by another category. For instance when Philip preached in Samaria, he, being a deacon, had not the right to lay on his hands for granting the gift of the Holy Ghost. For this reason the Church of Jerusalem “Sent unto them peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Then laid they the hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:5-17)
The Bible appointed certain conditions which should be observed when choosing the bishops, and other conditions when choosing the deacons. (1Tim. 3: Tit. 1)
And the Bible also appointed procedures for the ordination of the clergy the laying on of hands. (1 Tim. 4:14)
All historians agree that there have been certain ministers in the church since the first century. All the churches that were instituted at the first century keep lists of their bishops since their beginning.

II. Institution of the Sacrament

Christ Himself

It was he who appointed the twelve Apostles and the seventy disciples,
It was he who sent the Apostles in to the world before his ascension. “Go yet therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son and of the holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:19,20)
St Paul says that it was Christ Himself who appointed some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers. (Eph. 4:11)
And when giving advice to the ministers of the Church of Ephesus, he said to them, Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” (Acts 20:28)
And according to the power given to them by the Lord those apostles appointed bishops, priests and deacons in the church which they established as will be seen afterwards.

III. The visible sign

IV. The Invisible Grace

The ordained minister is given a divine gift appropriate to the service to which he is called. “Neglect not the gift that in the thee; which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” (1 Tim. 4:14)

“Wheefore I put thee in that thou stirrup the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hauds.” (2 Tim. 1:6) This gift is given by the Holy Ghost who alone can help the minister to perform his duties.

V. Degrees of the holy Orders

(1) The Bishop.
This is the highest degree. In 1 Tim.3; Tit. 1 and other places the Bible gives detailed instructions for the choice of bishops.
The bishop is given the following rights:

Ordination of the clergy. It was the Apostles who consecrated bishops (2 Tim. 1:16), and ordained priests (Acts 14:23) and deacons (Acts 6:36). And the bishops, whom the Apostles consecrated, were given that right of ordination. St. Paul, writing of Titus, said: “For this cause left 1 thee in crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are waiting, and ordain elders (priests) in every city, as I had appointed thee. (Tit. 1:5)

And, whom writing to Timothy, he said; “I hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins.” (1 Tim 5:22)

Trial of the clergy and rebuking them. “Against an elder (priest) receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Tim. 5:19:20)
Consecration of the holy oil used for the sacrament of confirmation.
Consecration of the altar and the holy vessels in the case of building a new church, or getting new vessels.
They also have the right to celebrate all the church sacraments and rites if they like.
Management of the general affairs of the church.

            Priests are mentioned in many places of the Bible. “They ordained them elders (Priests) in every church.” (Acts 14:23)
            “Let the elders (priests) that rule well be counted worthy of duble honour.” (1 Tim 5:17) “For this cause left I thee in crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are waiting, and ordain elders priests in every city, as I had appointed thee. (Tit. 1:5) “Is any sick man among you? let him call for the elders (priests) of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)
            The priest has the right to celebrate the six sacraments mentioned above, and all church rites. He has also right to teach and preach.

(3). The Deacon
Deacons are mentioned in the Bible in Acts 6:3-6, Phil, 1, 1: Tim. 3
A deacon has not the right to celebrate any of the church sacraments, but only to help the priest and bishop in celebrating them, keep good order in the church, read the various portions of the Bible in the church, teach, preach and perform any service which the bishop or the priest may ask him to do.

            It was said in the “Orders of the Apostles” that “the deacon is the bishop`s eyes and ears”.
            In the former times there was a degree of “deaconess.” Her function was to serve the women in the Church, keep good order in the place allotted for them in the church, and anoint the bodies of women at the sacrament of confirmation after being anointed by the priest only on their forheads. (Didaskalia 34)

      “No woman is allowed to come to the bishop to ask for anything unless she is accompanied by a deaconess.” (Didaskalia 6)
      “If there is any need for the bishop to send anyone to the women’s houses, he should send a deasconess, because it is not fit to send a deacon.” (Didaskalia 34)
      It seems that this degree existed in the church at the Apostolic time. St paul, writing to the Romans, said “I commend unto you phebe our sister, which is a servant (or “deaconess” as in other copies and other versions) of the church which is at
Church which is at Canchrea”.(Romans 16:1)
      And when writing to Timothy he said, “Let not a widow be taken in to the number (in to the list) under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.” (1Tim. 5:9) some think that the Apostle mans here the list of those who were deaconesses in the church.

VI. Ordination of the Clergy

A blshop is consecrated by the laying on of the hands of least three bishops, because one bishop alone cannot consecrate a bishop.
A priest or a deacon is ordained by the laying on of hands of only one bishop.
Ordination can never be repeated for the same degree if the bishop, priest or deacon was previously ordained in a legal way.

In the Apostolic Canons (68) it is stated that “if any bishop, priest or deacon is reordained for the same degree, he will become worthy of excommunication together with him who ordained him.”

The church teaches that every ordination performed against any payment is illegal, and that the bishop who accepts any money should be excommunicated.

VIII. Obligations of the Clergy

Sure that the call came to them from God. “No man taketh this hounour (of the holy orders) unto himself. but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (Heb. 5:4)
Blameless, in order to be good examples to the congregation. St. Paul wrote to Timothy sayings: “Bethou an example of the believers, in word conversation in charity, in sprit, in falth, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12)

In 1 Tim. 3, and Tit, 1 St. Paul mentioned many conditions which should be taken in to consideration when choosing bishops and deacons.

“He that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” (John 10:12)

But they should be good shepherds, full of deep feeling that the sheep are theirs, and that they are responsible for keeping them from beasts, and for feeding them. They should also know that the good shepherd must be ready to offer any sacrifice-that may be needed-for the sake of the sheep. “The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)