Holy Wednesday, according to the Church, is dedicated to the memory of the sinful woman who repented, believed in Christ, and anointed His feet with myrrh. On the afternoon of the same day, the Service of Holy Unction is held.

Holy Wednesday is also known as the day of “Consultation,” as the Apostles gathered to discuss how to prepare for Easter and to exchange ideas regarding the religious rituals.

Overall, Holy Wednesday is a day of reflection and preparation for the arrival of Easter, as Christians contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and prepare to welcome and honor His Resurrection.

The Sinful Woman Anoints the Feet of Jesus with Myrrh

Holy Wednesday is dedicated to the memory of the sinful woman who repented, believed in Christ, and anointed His feet with myrrh. In the morning, the Vespers of Holy Wednesday and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts are held.

The event the Church reminds us of took place two days before Jesus Christ was led to the Cross. The Evangelist Matthew recounts what happened that day:

Jesus was at the house of Simon the leper. There, a woman appeared carrying a small bottle of expensive myrrh. She asked forgiveness from the Son of God because she was a prostitute, and she poured the myrrh on His hair.

Jesus’ disciples saw this act as a great waste, since they believed the myrrh could have been sold and the money given to the poor.

Jesus, siding with the woman, rebuked His disciples, telling them that what she did was good, for with that myrrh she had prepared Him for burial. He reminded them that they would always have the poor to help, but He would only be with them for a little while longer.

He forgave her sins and, speaking prophetically, said that her act would be told in the Gospel preached throughout the world and that this reference would serve as a memorial to her. It was then that Judas left to meet with the High Priests. He asked them what they would give him to betray Christ to them, and they promised him thirty pieces of silver.

The Service of Holy Unction

On Holy Wednesday morning, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is held, while in the afternoon or evening, the Sacrament of Holy Unction takes place. During this sacrament, the priest reads seven Gospel passages and offers seven prayers to bless oil, which is used for the healing of both spiritual and physical ailments.