Chrism

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Chrism is a specially compounded blend of pure olive oil and resinous balsam, blessed and consecrated for sacred use by a bishop, cardinal, metropolitan, patriarch or pope. It is normally used for anointing baptised candidates in the rituals for Confirmation and Holy Orders. Misuse or defilement of chrism is regarded as a sacrilege.

The word "chrism" comes from Old English crisma from Late Latin chrisma from the Greek χρίειν chriein to anoint, anointing; related to the word Christ from Latin Christos, a translation of the Hebrew משיח māshīaḥ Anointed.

A separate preparation of oil is made and blessed and consecrated for the Anointing of the Sick.

See also

Orthodox Mysteries