CHRISMATION

(from Greek chriein, "to anoint"), in Eastern Christianity, sacrament that, together with baptism, introduces new members into the church. It is the Eastern equivalent of confirmation in the West. A priest anoints the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet of the newly baptized with chrism (myron), a mixture of olive oil and balsam blessed by a bishop, and says at each anointing, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." The sacrament may also be administered to certain non-Orthodox Christians whose baptisms are recognized as valid when they are admitted into Orthodoxy and to lapsed Orthodox when they are readmitted to the church. Chrismation is considered a personal "Pentecost" of each new member of the church, related to the anointing of kings and priests in the Old Testament. Through the gift of the Spirit, each member of the new "people of God" shares in the prophecy, kingship, and priesthood of Christ, the Messiah.