In his Epistle, the Holy Apostle James teaches us that, when someone among us is sick, the faithful should call for the elders (i.e., presbyters) of the Church so that they may pray over the sick and anoint them with oil in the Name of the Lord. One of the seven sacraments in the Orthodox Church is the Mystery of Anointing the Sick (Ευχέλαιο).

The order of the prayers of the Anointing of the Sick are very old and traditional. Church history mentions that St. Epifanius, Bishop of Cyprus structured these prayers. In addition, St Basil confirms that these Prayers were well known in the Church from the early days.

Of course, the Orthodox Church has never been against medical healing; several saints were doctors (St Luke, Sts Cosmas & Damian etc). In the Bible we read: “Honour physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; for their gift of healing comes from the Most High, and they are rewarded by the king. My child, when you are ill, do not delay, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you. Give up your faults and direct your hands rightly and cleanse your heart from all sin. Then give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; do not let him leave you, for you need him.” (Wisdom of Sirach, chapter 38).

Even if the Sacrament of Anointing cannot be performed due to practical difficulties, it is important to contact one’s local church and request a prayer or a visit, whether the patient is in a house, hospital or nursing home.

The priest visiting a sick person is not a sign that their health has deteriorated and it is time for the “Last Rites”. When the priest visits the house of the sick to perform the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, it reveals the church's love and care for her children in that the Church is emotionally sharing in the trials with the family. The church forms a bond with the family so that they become one body. Hence, if the family is suffering, the church suffers with them. This is a generous gesture by the church, and one that the faithful would not forget. For this reason, the family will become more and more attached to the church.

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