The literal translation of the word "polyelei" from the Greek language is "many mercies." Due to the same sound, it sometimes translates as “oil”. This is really appropriate, since in the polyelean service a bishop or a cleric of the temple anoints the forehead of everyone who attaches to the festive icon.
At this time, the choir sings 134 and 135 psalms, repeatedly repeating the words "as in his age his mercy." Polyelei is a solemn part of the service, therefore it happens several times a year, always on Sundays or holidays. What is polyelei in Orthodoxy? There are several answers to this question.
What is polyel in the Church
The answer to this question will help to better understand the intricacies of worship. Firstly, polyelei is a recollection of myrrh-bearing women. After the crucifixion, the Savior was put in a tomb, wrapping his body in swaddling clothes. On Sunday morning, women came to the coffin with vessels in which was myrrh - a special fragrant oil. There they were met by an angel who proclaimed the Resurrection of Christ. The most significant event in the history of mankind is marked by the solemn part of the service.
Secondly, in answering the question of what polyeleis is, one cannot but mention the special grace of God poured out on Christians. During the earthly life of Jesus Christ, oil and peace were of great value. In appreciation, the guests of honor were anointed with incense oil. The Gospel speaks of a woman who smeared the Savior’s feet with oil and wiped them with her hair, which speaks of her high virtue - humility. Today it is also difficult to imagine your life without butter, not church, but the usual - vegetable and creamy.
In Orthodoxy, there is a custom to thank the Lord for generosity. What is polyel? Roughly speaking, this is God's thanks for the butter. Blessed Prayers - honoring the main fluid for everything on earth. No wonder everything that is of particular value to man is used in church ordinances. Bread and wine, the products of which are prepared by the Holy Communion, prosphora and Easter bread - artos. All this is of great importance for Orthodox Christians and is especially revered. All these products are shrines.
Oil healing
Holy oil is sold in every church shop. In small containers, most often with an icon glued on the bubble. This oil is poured after a prayer to one or another saint. It should be used with prayer, anointing the forehead with a cross, or a sore spot on the body. Often so young children are smeared.
For example, Orthodox mothers noticed that if during the period of epidemics of catarrhal diseases, anointing the child with oil consecrated on the relics of the Matrona of Moscow, the risk of catching the infection is significantly reduced. Do not forget about prayer to those whose oil is anointed.
Prayer Matrone of Moscow for healing
Unfortunately, not everyone knows a sufficient number of prayer addresses to this or that saint. Since the use of oil consecrated on the relics of the Matrona of Moscow was given as an example, then prayer will be for her.
O blessed mother Matrono, now hear and receive us, sinners, praying to you, skilled in receiving and listening to all those who are suffering and grieving in all your life, with faith and hope for your intercession and help from those who come, quick help and miraculous healing are all giving. May your mercy not be impoverished to us, unworthy, troubled and troubled in this much troubled world, and nowhere to find solace and compassion in our sorrows of soul and help in bodily illnesses: heal our disease, save us from temptations and torment of the devil, fight our passionately, help me to bring The cross, to demolish all the hardships of life and not lose the image of God in it, save the Orthodox faith until the end of our days, hope and hope in God, have a strong and unfeigned love for your neighbors; help us, upon departing from this life, achieve the Kingdom of Heaven with all those who please God, glorifying the mercy and goodness of the Father in Heaven, in the Trinity of Slavimago, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
All-night Vigil with Polyeleos
On Saturday evening, believers gather in the temple. The all-night vigil begins - a special solemn service, which begins at 18.00. When Great Lent occurs, the 136 psalms of King David are added to the usual psalms in the vigil.
Before the beginning of the polyeleos, the clergy open the Royal Gates, light fixtures and lamps throughout the church. An incense is performed, during which the choir sings the Troparia of Sundays "Angel Cathedral". If the all-night vigil is performed before the feast, then instead of Sunday troparia, majesties are sung. The same with the Gospel: either one of the Sunday chapters is read, or a holiday.
Then the choir, together with the parishioners, sings the chant “The Resurrection of Christ has been seen”, especially loved by the flock:
Seeing the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the One sinless. We bow to Your Cross, Christ, and sing and glorify Your holy resurrection: Thou be our God, unless you know otherwise, we will call your name. Come all faithful, let us worship the holy Christ's resurrection: behold, by the Cross come the joy of the whole world. Always blessing the Lord, we sing His resurrection: having suffered the crucifixion, destroy death by death.
The reading of the canon begins - a work that tells about the life of that saint whose name the holiday is called. Present Christians are applied to the holiday icon or to the Gospel, and the priest anoints their faces with oil. According to the rules, you should first listen to the canon, and then go to the cleric. But most often, the anointing occurs while reading. This is done because of the large number of people who want to receive "special mercy."
Nowadays, not many parishioners understand the essence of church sacraments and rites. Little interest in the question of what is polyel. But the beauty of the solemn service attracts a large number of people. In ancient times, everyone who wants to become a Christian must have studied the catechism and passed the exam before the rite of baptism. Therefore, everyone could answer what polyeleis is, even if you ask about it late at night.
Now from those times in the Liturgy there was an exclamation: “Outcomes announced.” All unbaptized parishioners were removed from the church before the Eucharist, only the faithful were entitled to participate in this.