HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX PRESS PUBLISHES REFLECTIONS ON THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY UNCTION

Holy Cross Orthodox Press of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology has just published Unto the Healing of Soul and Body: Encouragement for Restoration and Reconciliation in a Broken World by Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis. This collection of reflections on the Sacrament of Holy Unction will provide readers with insights into the Sacrament as celebrated in the Orthodox Church, with particular focus on the readings from Scripture and the many prayers contained with the service.

The reflections engage the reader with the themes of suffering, of prayer, and hope. In his Foreword to the book, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh writes, “Fr. Stavros’ excellent book draws us into the mystery of suffering in a thoughtful way, by countering its devastating nature with the remedy of Christ’s liberating co-suffering and presenting us with an opportunity for true inner transformation according to the divine image and likeness.” 

The book is intended for the general reader, but clergy will also find many excellent insights and ideas that can enhance their sermons on these topics as well as in their pastoral ministry to their faithful. As Fr. Stavros notes, the Sacrament of Unction is traditionally offered during Holy Week in the Greek Orthodox Church but can be offered at any time. Thus, the book will be inspiring reading throughout the year. 

Fr. Stavros is the Pastor of the St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Tampa, Florida. He is well known for his daily emails to the “Prayer Team,” where the contents for Unto the Healing of Soul and Body first appeared, as well as his many other books.

The book is available from Holy Cross Bookstore – https://holycrossbookstore.com/