Anointing (Miruire) and Sacramental Anointing (Mirungere) - OLIVE OIL
1. Primary Meaning: Religious Anointing
The core meaning of a mirui is to anoint a person with holy oil (mir)
The Ritual: During Orthodox Christian services (such as the Liturgy or Vespers), the priest uses a small brush or a finger to draw a cross with holy oil on the forehead of the faithful.
Symbolism: This act represents the blessing of the Holy Spirit, healing, and spiritual protection
2. Historical & Official Functions
Beyond the common ritual for the congregation, a mirui has specific historical and institutional uses:
Coronations: It refers to the formal anointing of a monarch (Voivode/Prince) or a high-ranking cleric during their investiture, signifying divine approval of their authority.
Sacraments: It is a central part of the Sacrament of Chrismation (Mirungere), which in the Orthodox tradition typically follows immediately after baptism to seal the "gift of the Holy Spirit."
What oil is used?
- Standard Blessing (Untdelemn Sfințit)
- Sacramental Anointing (Sfântul și Marele Mir)
For the Sacrament of Chrismation (Mirungere)—which occurs immediately after baptism—and for the consecration of new churches, a highly specialized oil called Sfântul și Marele Mir (Holy and Great Myrrh) is used
Base Ingredient: Pure olive oil.
MATRIA >>> MIR
Atena >>>olive (oil)
Untdelemn sfințit (Holy oil)
Sfântul Mir (Holy Myrrh) from MATRIA + olive (Atena's symbol).
This traces back to the times only MATRIA ATENA was worshipped.