of the knowledge of the Gospel to go forth among all nations, grant also now that this
ointment may be efficacious upon him that is baptized (βαπτιζομένῳ), that the sweet odour
of thy Christ may remain firm and stable in him, and that having died with Him, he may
arise and live with Him.”
The whole ceremony was called by the Greeks “Chrism,” the “Unction” being regarded
by them as the chief part. In the Latin Church the name Confirmation is of later date, and
indicates that greater importance was then attached to the “Laying on of Hands” with
prayer.
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Another ceremony, not alluded to by Cyril, was the saying of the Lord’s Prayer by the
neophyte, standing up, and facing towards the East218, after which he was also to pray, “O
God Almighty, the Father of Thy Christ, Thine Only-begotten Son, give me a body undefiled,
a clean heart, a watchful mind, an unerring knowledge, the influence (ἐπιφοίτησιν) of the
Holy Ghost for attainment and full assurance of the truth, through Thy Christ, by whom
be glory to Thee in the Holy Ghost for ever. Amen.”
218 Const. Apost. vii. c. 44.
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Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.