Anointing of the sick

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Anointing of the sick, known also as unction, is a form of religious anointing, i.e. the pouring of oil on a sick person with the purpose of benefiting them. It is practiced by many Christian churches and denominations. Anointing of the sick was a customary practice in many civilizations, including among the ancient Greeks and early Jewish communities. The use of oil for healing purposes is referred to in the writings of Hippocrates. Anointing of the sick should be distinguished from other religious anointings that occur in relation to other sacraments, in particular baptism, confirmation and ordination, and also in the coronation of a monarch.

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