Maundy Thursday Chrism Service

Today I watched the clergy process into Chelmsford Cathedral for the annual Chrism Service. Pictured here are some of our Archdeacons.

Chrism; lit: a mixture of oil and balsam, consecrated and used for anointing at baptism and in other rites of Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches.

Being a Christian mongrel, being at home in many traditions, I might get this wrong, and if so, I'm sure someone will let me know, but in the C of E chrism is used for the Rite of Chrismation, which is part of Baptism. The oil of chrism is also used in Confirmation, where "Oil mixed with fragrant spices expressing the blessings of the messianic era and the richness of the Holy Spirit". Chrism is also used in the liturgy for the ordination of priests, of Bishops and in the consecration of church buildings.  

Chrism is also used in the Anointing during the Coronation of the British monarch where the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints the Sovereign on the head, hands and heart (usually shielded from the congregation's view).

Chrism is consecrated by the bishop in the presence of the presbyterium at the Chrism Eucharist, which takes place on Maundy Thursday. So that's that. Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Resurrection Sunday.... what a week!