- By Observer staff
- April 9, 2026
The community of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Hempstead, New York celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Unction on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Celebrating were Presiding Priest Fr. Demetrios Kazakis, Assistant Priest Fr. Flavianos Katerinakis, and retired clergy Retired Clergy Fr. James A. Doukas and Fr. Anastasios Pourakis.
On the afternoon or evening of Great and Holy Wednesday, the Sacrament or Mystery of Holy Unction is conducted in Orthodox parishes. The Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for the forgiveness of sins. At the conclusion of the service of the Sacrament, the body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of soul and body, is called down upon each person. The Sacrament is performed by a gathering of priests, ideally seven in number, however, it can be performed by a lesser number and even by a single priest.




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