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{{short description|Consecrated oil used in various Christian churches}}
{{Lead too short|date=March 2024}}
[[File:SacrumChrisma.jpg|thumb|right|Glass vessel etched with the letters SC for ''sanctum chrisma'' containing chrism for the Roman Catholic Church]]

'''Chrism''', also called ''[[myrrh]]'', '''''myron''''', ''[[holy anointing oil]]'', and '''consecrated oil''', is a [[consecrated]] oil used in the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]], [[Oriental Orthodox Church|Oriental Orthodox]], [[Assyrian Church of the East|Assyrian]], Nordic [[High Church Lutheranism|Lutheran]], [[Anglican]], and [[Old Catholic Church|Old Catholic]] churches in the administration of certain [[sacrament]]s and ecclesiastical functions.

== Name ==

The English ''chrism'' derives from [[Koine Greek]] via [[Latin]] and [[Old French]]. In Greek, ''khrîsma'' ({{lang|grc|χρῖσμα}}) was originally the [[verbal noun]] ("(the act of) anointing", "[[unction]]") of {{lang|grc|[[wikt:χρίω|χρίειν]]}} ("[[anointing|anoint]]").<ref name=oed>''Oxford English Dictionary'', 1st&nbsp;ed. "chrism, ''n.''" Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1889.</ref> By extension, along with ''khrîma'' ({{lang|grc|χρῖμα}}), ''khrîstai'' ({{lang|grc|χρῖσται}}), and later ''khrísma'' ({{lang|grc|χρίσμα}}), it came to be used for the [[anointing]] oil or ointment itself. ''Khrísma'' came into Latin as ''{{lang|la|chrisma}}'', which appears in the works of [[Tertullian]]. This was adopted directly into [[Old English]] as ''{{lang|ang|crisma}}'', which developed into [[Middle English]] ''{{lang|enm|crisme}}'' and various related spellings.<ref name=oed/> In [[Old French]], the original Latin was conflated with ''{{lang|la|cramum}}'' ("cream"), developing into ''{{lang|fro|cresme}}'', which was also borrowed into [[Middle English]] around 1300 as ''{{lang|enm|creme}}'' and various related spellings. The spelling ''chrism'' after the Latin original was generally adopted in the 16th century, after which "[[cream]]" came to be restricted to its present meaning.<ref name=oed/>

The [[Proto-Indo-European language|Proto-Indo-European]] root from which the Greek term derived has been [[linguistic reconstruction|reconstructed]] as ''*gʰrey-'' ("to trickle"). This is cognate with [[Sanskrit]] ''ghṛtə'' ({{lang|sa|घृत}}, from the radix {{lang|sa|घृ}} ({{lang|sa|भासे}} / {{lang|sa|क्षरणे}} / {{lang|sa|छादने}}), which means to shine / to trickle / to cover) and [[Hindi]] {{Transliteration|hi|ghī}} ({{lang|hi|घी}}, "[[ghee]]"), as well as [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]] ''{{lang|lt|gr(i)ejù, griẽti}}'' ("[[skim milk|skim]]ming"), [[Middle Low German]] ''{{lang|nds|grēme}}'' ("[[dirt|grime]]"), [[Old English]] ''{{lang|ang|grīma}}'' ("mask, helm, spectre", presumably from an original sense of "covering" or "concealment"), English ''grime'', and possibly [[Phrygian language|Phrygian]] ''{{lang|xpg|gegreimenan}}'' ("painted, ornamented, inscribed").{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}

Chrism is also called myron<ref>For more about Myron or Holy Myron read this page from the Orthodox Syrian Church at https://mosc.in/the_church/the-holy-myron/</ref> or [[myrrh]]. Myron is an oil that is blessed by a bishop.<ref>See 5th paragraph. Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States, "When and why did the church decide that the Holy Spirit be received through the Holy Myron instead of simply by the "laying of hands" as the Apostles did?"  https://www.suscopts.org/q&a/index.php?qid=694&catid=191 Accessed April 6, 2024</ref>

== Early Christian usage ==

Multiple early [[Christianity|Christian]] documents discuss the "ordinance" or "several ceremonies...explained in the [[Apostolical Constitutions]]" of "chrism", including documents by [[Theophilus of Antioch|Theophilus]] (d. 181) and [[Tertullian]] (d. 220).
 
The most detailed version of the practice is by [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] who details how [[ointment]] or [[oil]] was "symbolically applied to the forehead, and the other organs of sense" and that the "ears, nostrils, and breast were each to be anointed." Cyril states that the "ointment is the seal of the covenants" of [[baptism]] and God's promises to the Christian who is anointed. Cyril taught that being "anointed with the [[Holy anointing oil]] of God" was the sign of a Christian, and a physical representation of having the Gift of the [[Holy Spirit]], and it retains this meaning in Catholicism and Orthodoxy today. He says, "Having been counted worthy of this Holy Chrism, you are called Christians, verifying the name also by your new birth. For before you were deemed worthy of this grace, you properly had no right to this title but were advancing on your way towards being Christians." (''On the Mysteries'' 3.5)<ref>[[Eric Segelberg]], "The Benedictio Olei in the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus", (Oriens Christianus 48, 1964)</ref>

== Western Christianity ==

=== Latin Catholicism ===
[[file:Chrismatory.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Chrismatory]] for ritual oil from Germany, 1636<ref>{{cite web |publisher= [[Victoria and Albert Museum]] | url = http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/s/silverware-design-themes/ | title = Chrismatory | work = Metalwork | access-date = 2007-08-18}}</ref> ([[silver-gilt]], [[Victoria and Albert Museum]], [[London]])]]
[[File:ChrismMass.jpg|thumb|left|A bishop pouring balsam into oil at Chrism Mass]]

Chrism is essential for the Catholic [[Sacraments (Catholic Church)|sacrament]] of [[Confirmation (Catholic Church)|confirmation or chrismation]] and is prominently used in the sacraments of [[baptism]] and [[holy orders]]. Those to be confirmed or chrismated, after receiving the [[laying on of hands]], are anointed on the head by the [[bishop]] or [[priest]]. In baptism, if the person baptized is not to be immediately confirmed or chrismated, the minister [[anointing|anoint]]s them with chrism. Newly ordained priests are anointed with chrism on the palms of their hands, and newly ordained bishops receive an anointing of chrism on their foreheads. It is also used in the consecration of objects such as churches and altars.

In the liturgy prior to the reforms that followed the [[Second Vatican Council]], which is still employed by certain ecclesiastical communities, the use of chrism during the administration of holy orders differs: in the older form of the Roman Rite, priests are anointed in the hands only with the [[oil of catechumens]], while bishops consecrated with the old ritual are anointed both in the head and in the hands with chrism.

Before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, chrism had to be used to [[consecrate]] [[paten]]s and [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]]s as well. The [[sign of the cross]] would be made with the chrism on the interior parts of the chalice and paten where the Eucharist would rest; the cross would then be smeared to cover the entire interior parts. The chalice and paten would need to be consecrated with the chrism again if they were re-gilded. This ritual could only be performed by a bishop or a priest with the faculties to do so. According to the new rubrics, a simple blessing suffices. However, it is still permitted that the bishop performs the consecration with chrism.

Chrism is made of [[olive oil]] and is scented with a sweet perfume, usually [[Balsam of Mecca|balsam]]. Under normal circumstances, chrism is consecrated by the [[bishop]] of the [[particular church]] in the presence of the [[presbyterium]] at the [[Chrism Mass]],<ref>See Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough website: https://www.peterboroughdiocese.org/en/get-involved/chrism-mass.aspx?_mid_=34576  Accessed April 6, 2024</ref> which takes place in Holy Week, usually on the morning of [[Maundy Thursday|Holy Thursday]]. The oil of catechumens and the [[Anointing of the Sick|oil of the sick]] are also blessed at this [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]].

These holy oils are usually stored in special vessels known as [[Chrismarium|chrismaria]] and kept in a cabinet known as an [[ambry]]. When the oils are distributed to a priest for him to use in his ministry they are kept in a smaller vessel with three compartments, known as an "oil stock". There is also a type of oil stock that is shaped like a ring, to make the anointing easier. The "jewel" of the ring is a container with a removable lid.

Holy oils were also used, in the older form of the Roman Rite, for the anointing of kings during ceremonies of [[coronation]]. Several local rites allowed for the use of chrism in those coronation rites (e.g. in the pre-reformation English coronation rite the anointing was with chrism; Napoleon was anointed with chrism by Pope Pius VII, etc.). However, the general coronation rite of the Roman Liturgy, codified in the Roman Pontifical of Pope Clement VIII, prescribed the use of the oil of cathecumens for the anointing of kings.

[[File:Reliquaireanciendelasainteampoule.jpg|thumb|right|206x206px|The original Holy Ampulla in its relic receptacle before 1793]]
The [[Holy Ampulla]] or Holy [[Ampoule]] ({{Lang|fr|Sainte Ampoule}} in [[French language|French]]) was a glass vial which, from its first recorded use by [[Pope Innocent II]] for the anointing of [[Louis VII of France|Louis VII]] in 1131<ref>Le Goff, Jacques; et al. ''Le sacre royal à l'époque de Saint-Louis d'après le manuscrit latin 1246 de la BNF'' {{in lang|fr}}</ref> to the [[Coronation of Louis XVI]] in 1775, held anointing oil for the [[coronations of the kings of France]]. In each French coronation, one drop of this anointing oil was mixed with chrism. Thus, French coronations employed chrism mixed with the oil of the Sainte Ampoule for the anointing of kings. The Sainte Ampoule was said to have been discovered by [[Hincmar]] the Archbishop of [[Reims]] when the sepulcher containing the body of [[Saint Remigius|Saint Remi]] was opened in the reign of [[Charles the Bald]] and identified with the baptism of [[Clovis I|Clovis&nbsp;I]], the first Frankish king converted to [[Christianity]]; it was kept thereafter in the [[Abbey of Saint-Remi]], Reims and brought with formality to the [[Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Reims]] at each coronation, where the emphasis was on the [[anointment]] rather than on the crowning.<ref>See Jean-Claude Bonne  2001, examining the coronation ''ordines'' from Charlemagne to [[Charles V of France|Charles V]], who commissioned a ''Livre du sacre'', as C. Meredith Jones remarked, in reviewing Sir Francis Oppenheimer's monograph of the Holy Ampulla.</ref> Some remains of the content of the ampoule, destroyed in 1793 by [[French Revolution|French revolutionaries]], were placed in a new reliquary made in time for the [[Coronation of Charles X]]<ref>[http://leblogdumesnil.unblog.fr/2008/11/26/151-la-sainte-ampoule-et-le-sacre-des-rois-de-france-2nde-partie-de-la-revolution-a-nos-jours/ La Sainte Ampoule et le sacre des rois de France], leblogdumesnil.unblog.fr</ref> and are kept since 1906 at the Archbishopric of Reims.<ref>[http://i30.servimg.com/u/f30/15/40/86/69/photo_10.jpg] Content of the Holy Ampulla kept at the archbishopric of Reims</ref>

=== Anglicanism and Lutheranism ===

The primary use of chrism in Anglican and Lutheran churches is for the rite of [[chrismation]], which may be included as a part of baptism, even for infants.

The oil of chrism is also commonly used in [[confirmation]], although this practice is not followed by churches of these denominations that are in the evangelical tradition. Owing to this difference of practice, it is common for Anglican and Lutheran confirmation liturgies to refer to the use of chrism as an option. The liturgy of the [[Church of England]] states "Oil mixed with fragrant spices (traditionally called chrism), expressing the blessings of the messianic era and the richness of the Holy Spirit, may be used to accompany the confirmation".<ref>Common Worship – Christian Initiation, Church House Publishing 2006, {{ISBN|0-7151-2102-2}}, page 129.</ref> The confirmation liturgy of the Anglican [[Province of Southern Africa]] includes the rubric "The Bishop may sign them on the forehead, using at his discretion the Chrism".<ref>An Anglican Prayer Book, Church of the Province of Southern Africa, Collins 1989, {{ISBN|0-00-599180-3}}, page 393.</ref> The liturgy of the [[Igreja Lusitana]] (Anglican Church in Portugal) states at the point of confirmation: ''"Os confirmandos ajoelham perante o Bispo. Este pode assinala-los na testa com o sinal da cruz, usando oleo proprio"'' ("The confirmands kneel before the Bishop. He may anoint them on the forehead with the sign of the cross, using the proper oil").<ref>Liturgia da Igreja Lusitana (Catolica Apostolica Evangelica), Igreja Lusitana 1991 (privately published), page 246.</ref>

The use of chrism in Anglican and Lutheran ordination liturgies is similarly presented as an option in most provinces. In the liturgy for the ordination of priests in the Church of England, for example, the instruction is: "The bishop may anoint the palms of the hands of each newly ordained priest, saying 'May God, who anointed the Christ with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, anoint and empower you to reconcile and bless his people'."<ref>Common Worship - Ordination Services, Church House Publishing 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-7151-2130-6}}, page 50.</ref> There is a similar instruction for the ordination of bishops, who are anointed on the head rather than the palms of the hands.<ref>Common Worship - Ordination Services, Church House Publishing 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-7151-2130-6}}, page 75.</ref>

An important and specific use of chrism is in the anointing during the [[coronation of the British monarch]]. In this part of the service, the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] anoints the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|sovereign]] on the head, hands and heart. Anglicans consider this to be the holiest rite of the service, so much so that it is [[Esoteric Christianity|hidden]] from the congregation's view by a canopy of state. It was not filmed during the [[coronation of Queen Elizabeth II]] in 1953, or photographed in 1937 during the [[coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth]]. During the coronation of Charles&nbsp;III in May 2023, specially-made, portable screens were used during the anointing to conceal the King and Archbishop from the congregation and TV cameras during this sacred rite. It is followed by the presentation of the [[Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom|crown jewels]] to the sovereign, then the actual coronation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-03 |title=Sacred coronation oil will be animal-cruelty free |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64836101 |access-date=2023-03-05}}</ref>

Its other notable use is in the consecration of church buildings, where it may be used to anoint the walls, the altar/table, and the place for reservation of the [[eucharist]]ic sacrament for the sick.

As in other traditions, chrism is usually based on [[olive oil]] (although other plant oils can be used if olive oil is unavailable), scented with a sweet perfume, usually [[Balsam of Mecca|balsam]]. [[Civet oil]], and [[ambergris]] from the intestines of whales may be used. In preparing the oil for the 2023 [[coronation of Charles III]], monarch of the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries, animal-derived components were not used, the olive oil being scented with [[essential oil]]s of sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, [[neroli]] and [[Benzoin (resin)|benzoin]], and with orange blossom.<ref name=coughlan>{{cite news| last=Coughlan | first=Sean | title=Sacred coronation oil will be animal-cruelty free | website=BBC News | date=3 March 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64836101}}</ref>

Chrism is usually consecrated by the bishop of the [[particular church]] in the presence of the [[presbyterium]] at the [[Chrism Mass|Chrism Eucharist]], which takes place on [[Maundy Thursday]] or a day shortly before, where priestly ordination vows are often renewed also. The oil of [[catechumen]]s and the [[Anointing of the Sick|oil of the sick]] are usually also consecrated at this liturgy. Practices vary for the blessing of the chrism, from interpolations within the Eucharistic Prayer, to specific prayers of consecration, used at the discretion of the minister. Some Lutheran and Anglican [[liturgical book]]s, however, make provision for a pastor who is not a bishop (a presbyter) to consecrate chrism in time of need and in the absence of the bishop. The oil for the coronation of [[Charles III]] was consecrated by the [[Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem|Patriarch of Jerusalem]] and the [[Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem]], at the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] in Jerusalem.<ref name=coughlan/>

=== Latter Day Saints ===

Members of the [[Latter Day Saint movement]] also practice ritual [[Anointing of the sick#Latter Day Saint movement|anointing of the sick]], as well as other forms of anointing. Members of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] consider anointing to be an [[Ordinance (Latter Day Saints)|ordinance]].<ref name="613 Administering to the Sick">"[http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/home%20and%20family.htm/gospel%20art%20picture%20kit.htm/600%20%20gospel%20in%20action.htm/613%20administering%20to%20the%20sick.htm 613 Administering to the Sick]{{dead link|date=July 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}", ''LDS.org Gospel Topics''.</ref>

Members of the LDS church who hold the [[Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Melchizedek priesthood]] may use consecrated oil in performing the ordinance of blessing of the "sick or afflicted", although the blessing may be performed without oil if it is unavailable. The [[Priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|priesthood]] holder anoints the recipient's head with a drop of oil, then [[Laying on of hands|lays their hands upon the head]] and declares the act of anointing. Then another priesthood holder joins in, if available, and pronounces a "sealing" of the anointing, and other words of blessing. Melchizedek priesthood holders are also authorized to consecrate any pure olive oil, and often carry a personal supply in case they have need to perform a blessing. Oil is not used in other [[Priesthood blessing|blessings]], such as for people seeking comfort or counsel.<ref name="613 Administering to the Sick"/><ref>{{cite book | title=Family Guidebook | chapter=Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings | publisher=[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] | location=Salt Lake City, Utah |date=February 2006 | chapter-url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/family-guidebook/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng | access-date=2009-09-21}}</ref> The word "chrism" is not used.

In addition to the {{bibleverse||James|5:14-15|KJV}} reference, the [[Doctrine and Covenants]] contains numerous references to the anointing and healing of the sick by those with authority to do so.

== Eastern Christianity ==

=== Eastern Orthodox Church ===
[[File:Alavastr (16-17 c, Kremlin museum) by shakko 02.jpg|thumb|upright|Chrismarium used in Russia. The vessel is named "Alabaster" in reference to {{bibleverse||Matthew|26:7|KJV}}.]]

Within the Orthodox Church chrism plays a part in many liturgical services and sacraments. The first sacrament that uses chrism, the sacrament of [[chrismation]], is the second of the three [[sacraments of initiation]] ([[baptism]], chrismation, and Divine Eucharist). For the Orthodox, chrismation canonically must be administered in conjunction with baptism, except in a case of true necessity. Here the blessing of the bishop upon the chrism functions as a substitute for the direct imposition of hands.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} Another use is in the [[consecration]] of church buildings, involving the anointing of the walls and of the altar table. Formerly, [[emperor]]s and [[monarch|kings]] of monarchies where Orthodoxy was the [[state religion]] would receive anointment with chrism at their [[coronation]]. The introduction of anointing in the Byzantine coronation ceremony was a relatively late development; this was adopted only after the [[Latin occupation]] of Constantinople, following Latin practice.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Filip Van Tricht |title=The Latin Renovatio of Byzantium: The Empire of Constantinople (1204-1228) |date=2011 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=9789004203921 |page=362}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Deno John Geanakoplos |title=Byzantium: Church, Society, and Civilization Seen Through Contemporary Eyes |date=1984 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=9780226284606 |page=202}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=James Skedros |chapter="You Cannot have a Church without an Empire": Political Orthodoxy in Byzantium |editor1-last=George E. Demacopoulos, Aristotle Papanikolaou |title=Christianity, Democracy, and the Shadow of Constantine |date=2016 |publisher=Fordham Univ Press |isbn=9780823274215}}</ref>

[[File:Stove for chrism.jpg|thumb|Stove and vessels for preparation of chrism, 18th century (former Patriarchal residence, [[Moscow Kremlin]])|169x169px]]
The Orthodox Church makes chrism during [[Holy Week]] beginning on [[Holy Monday]] and culminating in the [[Divine Liturgy]] on [[Maundy Thursday|Holy Thursday]] when it is carried in the [[Entrance (Liturgical)|Great Entrance]] and placed upon the [[altar]]. It consists primarily of olive oil with the addition of a range of aromatic [[Essential oil|essence]]s, patterned after the anointing oil described in {{bibleverse||Exodus|30:22–33|}}. Holy Myron is confected only by a bishop, without prejudice to particular law which reserves this power to the patriarch. In Russian tradition:

<blockquote>
[...] into each vessel of new myrrh are poured a few drops of the old myrrh [...] This is done in token of the uninterrupted connection of the Russian Church with the Greek, from which she received [...] the first consecrated myrrh.<ref>{{ cite book | last1 = Sokolov | first1 = Dmitry Pavlovich | title = A Manual of the Orthodox Church's Divine Services | url = http://www.ccel.org/ccel/sokolof/services.i.html#i-Page_103 | location = New York | publisher = Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford Co | date = 1899 | page = 103 | access-date = 2014-07-23 | quote = [...] into each vessel of new myrrh are poured a few drops of the old myrrh [...] This is done in token of the uninterrupted connection of the Russian Church with the Greek, from which she received [...] the first consecrated myrrh. }}</ref>
</blockquote>

[[File:Stove for chrism detail.jpg|thumb|Stove for preparation of chrism, Moscow Kremlin, detail|169x169px]]
On completion, chrism is distributed to all the bishops, who, in turn, give it to their parishes when needed. It is not made on a yearly basis, but only when supplies run short.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

The Orthodox [[Patriarchate of Constantinople]] produces chrism roughly once every 10 years using an ancient formula of the [[Jewish]] [[prophet]]s and [[patriarchs]] that calls for 64 ingredients,<ref>Alfeyev, Hilarion (2001) ''Le Mystère de la foi'' (Cerf, Paris)</ref> while the flame needed to boil the mixture during the preparation is made by burning old and disfigured [[icons]].<ref>{{Cite web | title = The Sanctification of the Holy Chrism – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | access-date = 2009-09-19 | url = http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8420 }}</ref> The preparation of the chrism in the patriarchate is carried out by the college of the ''Kosmētores Myrepsoí'' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Κοσμήτορες Μυρεψοί, "Deans Perfumers"), presided by the ''Árchōn Myrepsós'', the "Lord Perfumer". The incumbent{{when|date=July 2014}} Archon Myrepsos is biochemist Prodromos Thanasoglou.
{{Further|Perfumer (Myrepsos)}}

In Byzantine times the official responsible was the Grand [[Sacristan]] of the Patriarchate, but since then the specific office of the Archon Myrepsos was created.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} Laity are not allowed to handle either the chrism or the vessels containing it, therefore the Myrepsoi undergo a sort of "temporary ordination"{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} into the clergy and are given by the patriarch a gold "Cross of Ministry"{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} to hang from their necks for the duration of their four-day service. The Archon is given the ''lention'', a silk "towel" or apron. Three copper cauldrons are used for the preparation: the largest contains olive oil, the smallest contains water and the aromatic ingredients and the middle contains wine, which allows the oil to boil without catching fire. The preparation involves several steps, some—such as the addition of [[musk]] and [[rose oil]]—performed by the patriarch himself.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} Once the chrism is filtered and ready, it is consecrated for the final time and stored in silver vessels in the Chapel of [[Saint Andrew]], pending distribution.

=== Oriental Orthodox Churches ===
[[File:Main Chrismarium in Armenian Apostolic Church.jpg|thumb|Main Chrismarium in Armenian Apostolic Church. Vessel made by silver and kept in Echmiadzin's treasures museum.]] 
In the [[Jacobite Syrian Christian Church|Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Jacobite Fraction)]], it is believed that Christ taught the holy apostles how to consecrate the myron or chrism. As a tradition, usually the primate or [[Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan|Catholicos of the East as appointed by Patariach]]  consecrate the chrism.(Metropolitans can consecrate if needed)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-25|title=Church performs consecration of holy chrism|url=https://mattersindia.com/2018/03/church-performs-consecration-of-holy-chrism/|access-date=2020-09-10|website=Matters India|language=en-US}}</ref> The primate is clothed in white vestments, "corresponding to the light of his soul, and with the purity of his person, as the mystery indicates to him that it should be offered to God in purity."<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Holy Myron |url=https://mosc.in/the_church/the-holy-myron|access-date=2020-09-10|website=mosc.in}}</ref> Present with the primate are twelve priests who represent the twelve apostles, twelve censers indicating the preaching of the Gospel, twelve lamps to symbolize the luminous revelations that descend upon them and twelve fans to indicate that it is not right that the divine mysteries should be revealed to those who are unworthy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chrismation {{!}} The Holy Sacraments/Mysteries {{!}} Orthodoxy {{!}} Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church|url=http://www.neamericandiocese.org/orthodoxy/chrismation.aspx|access-date=2020-09-10|website=www.neamericandiocese.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Holy Myron|url=https://mosc.in/the_church/the-holy-myron|access-date=2020-09-10|website=mosc.in}}</ref>

The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] consecrates myrrh every seven years in autumn at [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral]] in [[Armenia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welcomearmenia.com/armenia/myrrh_blessing|title=Armenia: Myrrh Blessing|website=WelcomeArmenia.com|access-date=2015-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927041300/http://www.welcomearmenia.com/armenia/myrrh_blessing|archive-date=2015-09-27|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://armenianow.com/multimedia/feature_photo/66493/onceinsevenyears_experience |title=Once-In-Seven-Years Experience |date=2015-09-25 |publisher=ArmeniaNow.com |access-date=2015-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-basics/world/muron-olive-oil/25699 |title=Muron' Olive Oil 1,700 Years in the Making |last=Vassiliou |first=Tara |date=2012-04-03 |publisher=Olive Oil Times |access-date=2015-09-26}}</ref>

== See also ==

* {{annotated link|Anointing of Jesus}}
* {{annotated link|Charisma}}
* {{annotated link|Ghee}}
* {{annotated link|Holy Ampulla}}
* {{annotated link|Misha (Mandaeism)}}
* {{annotated link|Oil of Saints}}

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Wiktionary}}

* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03696b.htm Chrism]—from the ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]''
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03697a.htm Chrismatory]—from the ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]''
* [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf207.ii.xxv.html On Chrism] by St. Cyril of Jerusalem
* [http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8420 The Sanctification of the Holy Chrism]—Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
* {{cite EB1911|wstitle=Chrism|volume=6|pages=273–274}}

[[Category:Anglican sacraments]]
[[Category:Christian religious objects]]
[[Category:Christian terminology]]
[[Category:Vegetable oils]]
[[Category:Myrrh]]
[[Category:Sacramentals]]