Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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A question about the Baptism and Myron arose in a discussion. It is understood that Philip (the deacon) did not have the authority to give the Holy Spirit; so when he baptized the Samaritans, St. Peter and St. John came to them to give them the Holy Spirit by putting their hands upon them. God ordered Philip after that to overtake the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch. Then, Philip explained the scripture to him and baptized him. How did God accept this baptism without giving the Holy Spirit (Myron) especially since the Ethiopian eunuch was returning back to his country and no one would give him the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Sacrament of Baptism is for the washing away of Original Sin, dying with Christ and rising with Him as a new creation, putting on Christ. The seal of the Holy Spirit came about with the laying of the hands by the blessed apostles. When the ministry was expanded, and the apostles traveled extensively on their missions, it was very difficult for them to go to each place and lay their hands upon the newly baptized in order for them to be sealed by the Holy Spirit. From the time of our Lord's death in the flesh and His burial, certain spices and fragrant oils were placed on His holy body, as it was customary to be used for the deceased. Upon the Lord's glorious resurrection, all the remnants of these spices and fragrant oils were carefully collected and mixed with the specific chemical compound mixture of olive oil, balms, and other spices used in the Old Testament for Anointing and Consecration. This became the Holy Chrism (Myron Oil). This Sacrament is pivotal since the Holy Spirit is represented by oil, fire, and a dove. Thus, each of the apostles took some of the Holy Chrism Oil and over the years added to it with the dignity of specific prayers. Until this practice of the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation was established through these means, the apostles and their successors initially practiced this sacrament by the laying of their hands. For this reason, this holy sacrament was not always marked immediately following Holy Baptism, but whenever the apostle was able to perform it. St. Matthew was probably the one who anointed the Ethiopian eunuch upon his return since Ethiopia was the territory of his missions. More often in the early church, this holy and necessary sacrament came later. The importance of the seal of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in several passages of the Holy Scripture: Acts 19 1-10; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; 1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27. Just as St. Mark the Apostle and Evangelist brought this Holy Chrism Oil to Egypt, St. Matthew the Evangelist, who is known to have preached in Ethiopia must have done the same. Although, not every minute detail is spelled out, it is presumed that each of the apostles followed a similar pattern as the church began to grow and multiply and priests were ordained by the apostles, thus granting them permission to administer the Holy Chrism Oil.  
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