parresia

Chrismation 1st cent.

Orthodox Chrismation

Upon entrance into the Orthodox Church the once Catechumen (one seeking entrance into the church) is annointed with oil and receives the Holy Spirit, thus "membership," and can rightly be called a Christian (a member of the body of Christ).

Theophilus of Antioch (A.D. 115-168) recounts what it means to have the name "Christian." One ought to find it very interesting that he ties it directly to one who has been [baptised] and Chrismated (annointed with oil).

Chapter XII.-Meaning of the Name Christian.

And about your laughing at me and calling me "Christian," you know not what you are saying. First, because that which is anointed17 is sweet and serviceable, and far from contemptible. For what ship can be serviceable and seaworthy, unless it be first caulked [anointed]? Or what castle or house is beautiful and serviceable when it has not been anointed? And what man, when he enters into this life or into the gymnasium, is not anointed with oil? And what work has either ornament or beauty unless it be anointed and burnished? Then the air and all that is under heaven is in a certain sort anointed by light and spirit; and are you unwilling to be anointed with the oil of God? Wherefore we are called Christians on this account, because we are anointed with the oil of God.

He speaks of the title "Christian" in very different terms than many often do today, or shall I say how Protestants often do today. The Orthodox Church still has the view described by Theophilus. Interesting.

Posted by jeremy stock at August 3, 2002 04:36 PM