BLESSING OF THE HOLY MURON (Holy Oil)
The blessing of Holy Muron (the Holy Oil) or Chrism, which in Armenian is called Soorp Muron, began with St. Gregory the Illuminator and has continued to the present day. The oil has been an essential religious symbol, used as medicine for healing, fuel to create light and warmth, and as a food to sustain life. Also, oil is a symbol of reconciliation and peace. This is seen in the Dove of Peace who brought an olive branch to Noah announcing God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with man after the Great Flood.

The Holy Muron is composed mostly of olive oil and forty-eight aromas and flowers, which are used in the preparation of the Holy Oil. The pouring of the remaining portion of the previous blessed chrism into the newly prepared oil during the blessing ceremony passes the blessing from generation to generation. It has been happening for nearly 1700 years. The Catholicos of all Armenians in Etchmiadzin combines a new mixture of Muron in the cauldron every seven years using a portion from the previous blend. This is distributed to all Armenian churches throughout the world.

Before Christianity, Muron was reserved only for the enthroning of royalty and for very special events. In later years, it was used with extreme unction and to heal the sick, and to anoint ordained clergy.

In the Old Testament, Holy Oil was used to anoint those called to leadership be it in a spiritual or a secular sense, such as priests, prophets, and kings. The anointing with the Holy Oil signifies the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit, such as at the coronation of David as King of Israel when he was anointed with Holy Oil (II Samuel 5:3). Saint Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthians (1: 21,22). "But it is God who establishes us with you and Christ, and has commissioned us; He has put His seal (anointed in Armenian text) upon us and given us His spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." Priests and Bishops are anointed with it at the time of their ordination to the order of priesthood or elevation to the office of Bishop. Churches are consecrated with the same Holy Oil as well as articles and pictures used in the church. Also the Holy Muron is poured into the blessed water during the "Blessing of the Water" ceremony on the "Feast of Epiphany" celebrated every January 6 and commonly called Armenian Christmas in remembrance of Jesus’ baptism.

Holy Muron is used for the Confirmation/ Chrismation Sacrament in which a child receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit. All Armenians who have been baptized in the Apostolic faith have been anointed with the Holy Muron that was originally prepared during the time of St. Gregory the Illuminator. The Confirmation Sacrament in effect anoints or seals in the baptized individual with God.

During the Sacrament of Baptism of a child the Priest shall pour Holy Muron (into his palm and he shall seal therewith the child’s forehead ,saying: "Sweet ointment in the name of Jesus Christ is poured upon thee as a seal of incorruptible gifts." The Priest continues by placing Holy Oil on:

The Eyes
The seal in the name of Jesus Christ enlighten thine eyes, that thou mayest never sleep unto death.

The Ears
This holy anointing be unto thee for hearing of divine commandments.

The Nostrils
This seal in the name of Jesus Christ be to thee a sweet smell from life unto life.

The Mouth
This seal in the name of Jesus Christ be to thee a guard for thy mouth and a strong door for thy lips.

The Hands
This seal in the name of Jesus Christ be to thee a cause for good works and for all virtuous deeds and conduct.

The Heart
This divine seal establish in thee a pure heart and renew within thee an upright spirit.

The Back
This seal in the name of Jesus Christ be to thee a shield of strength thereby to quench all the fiery darts of the Evil One.

The Feet
This divine seal direct thy goings unto life everlasting that thou mayest not be shaken.

Then the Priest shall say:
Peace unto thee, thou saved of God.
Peace unto thee, anointed of God.

Have a comment, contribution or suggestion? Click here and send it to us