“Holy Oil Consecrated in Jerusalem for Anointing of King Charles III: A Centuries-Old Tradition with Religious Significance”
The tradition of anointing monarchs with holy oil dates back to biblical times, with the practice originating in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the Book of Exodus, God commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons as priests using a special blend of holy oil. This oil was made from a recipe that included myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and olive oil, and was used to consecrate the priests and set them apart for service to God.
The use of holy oil in the anointing of monarchs can be traced back to the early Christian church. In the Middle Ages, the practice of anointing monarchs with holy oil became a central part of the coronation ceremony, and was believed to convey divine authority and legitimacy to the monarch.
The holy oil that will be used to anoint King Charles III was consecrated in Jerusalem, a city that is revered by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. The oil was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, and the Bishop of Jerusalem, the Right Reverend Suheil Dawani, in a special ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) March 3, 2023
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the holiest sites in Christianity, and is believed to be the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church is also home to the Chapel of St. James, where the holy oil used to anoint monarchs is stored.
The holy oil used to anoint King Charles III is made from a blend of olive oil and balsam, a fragrant resin that is believed to symbolize the sweetness of Christ. The oil was blessed by the Archbishop and the Bishop, and was then poured into a special silver flask that was brought back to the UK.
The anointing of King Charles III with holy oil will take place during his coronation ceremony, which is expected to be held in Westminster Abbey. The ceremony will be steeped in tradition, and will include the presentation of the crown, the swearing of oaths, and the anointing of the monarch with holy oil.
