06/02/2026
The Cooking of the Holy Chrism (Myron) is a solemn celebration presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Cardinal Raï together with the Maronite bishops on the evening marking the beginning of the spiritual retreat that precedes the Holy Maronite Synod.
Explanation of the Rite of Cooking (Preparing) the Holy Chrism Oil
In keeping with longstanding tradition, and like the other Eastern Churches, the Maronite Church has customarily celebrated the Rite of the Consecration of the Holy Chrism (Myron), which is preceded by the Rite of Cooking the Oil, also known as the Rite of Preparing the Chrism Oil, since the word Myron derives its name from the fragrant perfumes mixed with the oil.
However, beginning in the thirteenth century, as part of ecclesiastical reorganization, the Holy See recommended that the Maronite Patriarchs discontinue the rite of mixing the perfumes, so that the rite would more closely resemble the Latin practice. From then on, only balsam was to be mixed with the newly pressed oil.
The celebration of this rite ceased in 1694, when Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy established the abbreviated form of the rite.
The Rite of Cooking the Oil consists of kindling a fire beneath a large vessel containing olive oil. Into the oil are mixed twelve varieties of perfumes, along with other herbs, according to the lists recorded by both Patriarch Simon Al-Hadathi and Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy.
The rite contains:
* 17 prayers
* 8 psalm verses (Qouqlion)—selected verses from the Psalms interspersed with the word Alleluia
* 7 hymns (the Qanoun)
* The canticle “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Magnificat)
A distinctive feature of today’s rite is its symbolic incensation of the entire universe, which participates in glorifying God and manifesting the greatness of His creation. The plants salute their Creator by giving forth their fragrance. The high priest burns incense, which rises together with the voices of the faithful in praise, glorification, and supplication to the Lord, mingled with the prayers of the saints who are spiritually present with the Church on earth in her celebrations.
For this blessed occasion, His Beatitude placed the first perfume into the oil and stirred the mixture three times in the form of a cross. Afterwards, each of the bishops added his portion until the blending of the oil and fragrances was completed, forming the blessed mixture of the Holy Chrism.
The Rite of Consecration of the Holy Chrism will take place next Friday at 6:00 p.m.