The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HOLY WEEK CUSTOM-HOLY UNCTION

ON HOLY WEDNESDAY, IT IS CUSTOMARY IN THE GREEK
ORTHODOX CHURCH TO DELIVER THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY
UNCTION TO THE PARISH. THIS IS THE ONLY DAY OF THE
YEAR WHERE HOLY UNCTION IS OFFERED TO THE ENTIRE
PARISH.

Submitter comment: HOLY UNCTION IS USUALLY ADMINISTERED TO THOSE WHO ARE
EXTREMELY ILL. WHEN IS IS ADMINISTERED ON HOLY
WEDNESDAY, THE OIL PLACED ON THE BODY SIGNIFIES THAT
THE PERSON RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT WILL BE BLESSED
FROM ALL DISEASES AND ILLNESSES.
THIS IS A GREEK-AMERICAN CUSTOM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT