OCA confecting chrism at St. Tikhon's Monastery

(OCA) - His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon will be presiding at the Rite of Consecration of Preparation of Holy Chrism during the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Great and Holy Thursday, May 2, 2024 at St. Tikhon’s Monastery. This rite is reserved for Primates of autocephalous Orthodox Churches. The last time Holy Chrism was consecrated for the Orthodox Church in America was in 2017 and marks the second time His Beatitude has presided at the rite.

After the Chrism has been consecrated it will be distributed for parish use across North America for the Holy Mystery of Chrismation.

Holy Chrism is distinct from other blessed oils in Orthodox Christian rites and undergoes careful preparation, incorporating various ingredients such as olive oil, aromatic incenses, and fragrant oils. The process, overseen this year by Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk, will begin on Great and Holy Monday, April 29, and will conclude on Great and Holy Wednesday, May 1, with continuous stirring and readings from the Holy Gospels.

Clergy are invited to participate in the rite. A sign up sheet will be made available on the OCA website in coming weeks. Shifts reading the Gospel and stirring the Chrism are expected to be two-hours in length.