“Both the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Chrism symbolize the sacrificial, humble, and merciful love of Christ,” said Patriarch Daniel of Romania on Holy Thursday, during the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the outdoor altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
The liturgy was celebrated together with members of the Holy Synod and included the consecration of the Holy Chrism for the 23rd time in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The event is part of the Centennial Anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate.
Patriarch Daniel emphasized that “the Holy Eucharist is the mystery of Christ’s sacrificial love—His death on the Cross and His Resurrection on the third day—to overcome the sin of human disobedience through humble obedience, and to grant the world eternal heavenly life through His Resurrection.”
He explained that the Holy Chrism traces its origin to the precious myrrh—or nard—that Mary, the sister of Lazarus, poured on Jesus’ head and feet as a sign of gratitude for raising her brother from the dead.
“However,” the Patriarch continued, “Jesus said Mary did this act in anticipation of His burial, as a symbol of her appreciation for His sacrificial love. That is why the Holy and Great Chrism is consecrated on the same day as the Holy Eucharist—on Holy and Great Thursday.”
He added that the Chrism is primarily used for anointing the newly baptized in the mystery of Christ’s death and Resurrection: “It is also used to consecrate the Holy Table of an Orthodox church altar, as the table represents both the tomb and the Resurrection of Christ, and is the place where the Eucharist is consecrated and kept.”
During the Holy Thursday Liturgy, Patriarch Daniel also noted that participating in this service means participating in the Mystical Supper. “When we receive Holy Communion,” he said, “we partake of the Mystical Supper that Christ instituted on Holy and Great Thursday.”
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Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
