The
Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) immediately
follows baptism and is never delayed until a
later age. As the ministry of Christ was enlivened
by the Spirit, and the preaching of the Apostles
strengthened by the Spirit, so is the life of
each Orthodox Christian sanctified by the Holy
Spirit. Chrismation, which is often referred
to as one's personal Pentecost, is the Sacrament
which imparts the Spirit in a special way.
In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest
anoints the various parts of the body of the
newly-baptized with Holy Oil saying: "The
seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit."
The Holy Oil, which is blessed by the Patriarch
along with a Global Synod of bishops, is a sign
of consecration and strength. The Sacrament
emphasizes the truths that not only is each
person a valuable member of the Church, but
also each one is blessed by the Spirit with
certain gifts and talents. The anointing also
reminds us that our bodies are valuable and
are involved in the process of salvation.
The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded
with the distribution of Holy Communion to the
newly-baptized. Ideally, this takes place within
the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. This
practice reveals that Orthodoxy views children
from their infancy as full members of the Church.
There is never time when the young are not part
of God's people.
Source:
http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article7105.asp
For more information on receiving Chrismation
in the Greek Orthodox Church, please
contact
us.
Article:
The
Sanctification of the Holy Chrism