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What is Chrismation?

Chrismation is the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit — the personal Pentecost of each newly baptized Christian.

The Sacrament of Chrismation

  • Holy Chrism is a specially prepared oil blessed by a bishop, often containing many fragrant substances.
  • The priest anoints the newly baptized on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, ears, chest, hands, and feet.
  • At each anointing, the priest says: 'The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.'
  • Chrismation is the personal Pentecost of each Christian — the direct gift of the Spirit.

Chrismation and Baptism

  • Baptism and Chrismation are administered together, immediately followed by First Communion — even for infants.
  • This unified initiation reflects the unity of the sacramental life of the Church.
  • In the West, Confirmation is separated from Baptism by years; Orthodoxy preserves the ancient unified rite.
  • Converts received into the Church may receive Chrismation alone if their Baptism is accepted as valid.

The Meaning of the Seal

  • The 'seal' marks the Christian as belonging to God — a royal priesthood, set apart for His service.
  • The anointing echoes the anointing of kings and prophets in the Old Testament.
  • The Holy Spirit given in Chrismation empowers the Christian for the spiritual struggle.
  • The gifts of the Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord) are bestowed through the anointing.

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