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H.G. Bishop Moussa · Youth Concerns · 26

Faith Q&A › Youth Concerns › Theology, Doctrine, and Dogma

Why are the icons in the church anointed with the Myron oil?

The answer

The Myron carries the work of the Holy Spirit, and the church is the house of God. In the past, the altar as well as the walls of the church were anointed, and this required people to remove their shoes before entering into the church because it is holy. Nowadays, however, anointing of the Myron is restricted to the altar and altar vessels, and icons in the church. The Myron gives the icon a spirit; it is a declaration that this saint is living and is among us. The icon of Jesus Christ is also anointed with the holy Myron oil. It keeps the mystery of the presence of the saint inside the church with us. We even consecrate the curtains and the walls and the vessels of the church in order to spiritualise them, because SPIRIT means life. When we ask this saint to intercede on our behalf, they can surely hear us, and they can pray on our behalf.

H.G. Bishop Moussa

H.G. Bishop Moussa, Bishop of Youth, Youth Concerns (Questions & Answers). Compiled by Lisa Agaybi. Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Bishopric of Youth Bookstore.