The Holy Mysteries - Chrismation. Called “confirmation” in the Western traditions, Chrismation is where you are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit through anointing with Chrism (from the Greek word for “ointment”) - the holy oil made yearly by the Synod of Bishops in a special rite during Holy Week. Just as your Baptism brings you into personal participation with the Resurrection of Christ, so your Chrismation brings you into personal participation with the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Specifically, you will be brushed by the priest with a cross on your forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands, and feet, with the statement “the seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit,” to which the congregation will enthusiastically reply, “sealed!” It is at this very moment that you become a fully Orthodox layperson - a citizen of the City of God.
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