On Friday, April 12, 2013 St Luke’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Warners, NY hosted the deanery Holy Unction Service. Fr. Borislav Kroner, rector of St Luke’s and the faithful of the parish community were joined by Fr. Ihor Krekhovetsky of St. Mary Protectress in Rochester, NY; Fr. Yuriy Kasyanov of Holy Trinity Parish in Cheektowaga, NY; Fr. Ivan Semko of St Mary’s in Herkimer, NY and Fr. Ivan Synevskyy of St John the Baptist Parish in Johnson City, NY as well as guests to celebrate the mystery of Holy Unction.

The service began with remarks from the dean. V. Rev. Ihor Krekhovetsky explained that the mystery of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and forgiveness of sins, which take place by the Grace of God imparted on believers as they are anointed with Holy oil.

The Unction service was a true joy for both the clergy and the people who came seeking the healing touch of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. As the community united in prayer sent up their intercessions to the Lord they were warmed by the Grace of God and Christian fellowship actualized in this Great and Holy Mystery.

The faithful attentively listened to the seven Gospel readings and were anointed seven times as the Lord who came to take “bear our iniquities” poured out His great mercy and spiritual healing upon them through Grace-filled oil.

After the service Fr. Borislav thanked all the clergy and the people for participating in the sacrament. He went on to speak about the importance of realizations of ones infirmities be they physical or spiritual, for only through this realization, heartfelt repentance and true faith can one open ups heart and soul for the healing so richly poured out upon them by Christ.

The fellowship continued in the Church Hall where the clergy and faithful broke bread together enjoying the delicious Lenten dinner prepared by the sisterhood.

Fr. Borislav Kroner