On Great Wednesday the Church commemorates the act of contrition and love of the sinful woman who poured precious myrrh-oil on our Saviours head, and, though she did not know it, prepared Him for burial.

On Holy Wednesday night, the Orthodox Church administers the Sacrament of Holy Unction for the healing of soul and body and for forgiveness of sins. The Sacrament itself calls for seven priests, seven readings from the Epistles and Gospels, seven prayers and seven anointings with oil specifically blessed during the service. Although it is not always possible to perform the sacrament in this way, the normal procedure is still to consecrate the oil by prayer and gather together as many priests to anoint the people.

The Priest makes the sign of the cross on the forehead and top and palms of the hands saying, "For the healing of soul and body."

References by Archdiocese of America, Monachos and the V. Rev. Archimandrite Alexander Kile.