The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Immediately following Baptism, the newly-baptized receives the sacrament of Holy Chrismation (also called Confirmation in some traditions). The priest anoints the person with holy oil called chrism — a fragrant oil consecrated by the Patriarch — making the sign of the cross on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, ears, breast, hands, and feet, saying each time: "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit."
This anointing is the personal Pentecost. As the Apostles received the Holy Spirit collectively on the day of Pentecost, so each baptized believer receives the Holy Spirit personally through Chrismation. This is the fulfillment of what the Apostle John wrote: "You have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge" (1 John 2:20), and what Paul wrote: "It is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
The chrism used in Orthodoxy is typically consecrated by the Patriarch and distributed to all parishes — connecting every local celebration of Chrismation to the whole Church, past and present.
The Anointing of the Whole Person
The fact that every part of the body is anointed is deeply significant. Chrismation is not merely a spiritual gift for the soul — it is the consecration of the whole human person, body and soul, as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Every sense organ, every member is claimed by God and sealed with His Spirit. Eyes to see with divine clarity. Ears to hear the Word. Lips to proclaim the Gospel. Hands to do holy work. The entire person is set apart for God.
Chrismation and the Royal Priesthood
The Old Testament anointing of priests and kings foreshadowed Chrismation: prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a sign of divine election and empowerment. In Chrismation, every Orthodox Christian is anointed as a member of the royal priesthood that Peter describes: "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession" (1 Peter 2:9). The layperson is not a passive recipient of the clergy's holiness — every baptized and chrismated Christian is a Spirit-bearer, a priest in the offering of the world to God.
When you receive the chrism, keep it unstained and undefiled. Be worthy of it. The Holy Spirit has sealed you. Walk accordingly.
— St. Cyril of Jerusalem