Chrism or Myron is a Syrian word means myrrh or consecrated oil. It consists of twenty eight material, each extracted from different herbs that grew in various parts of the world.
The scripture says: “Joseph of Armiathca, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him the permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus with Nicodemus who also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes about a hundred pounds, they put it on jesus body and buried Him in a new tomb” (john 19: 38-42)
It is mentioned also in the scripture (Mk 16:1) “Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.”
The church history states that the desciples took the myrrh and spices that Joseph and Nicodemus placed on the Lord Jesus body, as well as the spices brought with the Marys on Sunday morning and put them in the attic of St. Mark where they used to gather (Manuscript no. 101 at the Patriarchate of Azbakeya). After the Pentecost the disciples added pure olive oil to the spices and myrrh which became consecrated oil that can be used after baptism.
When the disciples went preaching the Gospel to all nations they took with them the Holy Chrism to anoint whoever believes in Jesus Christ and get baptized.
The disciples commanded their successors the head of churches to add pure olive oil to the Holy Chrism so as not to be cut off.
Saint Mark the apostle in return brought the Holy Chrism with him to Alexandria. The Popes of Alexandria used to baptize the children in Alexandria once a year, on Sunday of baptism (Sunday of the man born blind).
On the sixth Friday of the Lent they used to consecrate the pure olive oil and add it to the remain Holy Chrism and anoint the new believers.
In the days of Pope Athnasius the apostle, the Holy Chrism had finished from the churches of Rome, Constantinople and Antioch, so they asked the church of Alexandria to give them some, but the Pope replied that there was not enough.
Thus he suggested to add pure olive oil to the quality spices mentioned in the book of Exodus 30 which was used to make the Holy Anointing Oil as the Lord ordered Moses to the Holy Chrism he had.
Everyone rejoiced with the suggestion. Pope Athanasius made a big celebration in Alexandria for the Holy Chrism in the presence of representatives of these churches.
Thus Pope Athanasius was the first Patriarch to make the Holy Chrism in the mid of the fourth century (340 AD)
Since days of the apostles till H.H. Pope Tawadros II the Holy Chrism was done thirty nine times.
The Holy Chrism was done at the monastery of Saint Bishoy eight times, six times by H.H. Pope Shenouda III and twice by H.H. Pope Tawadros II
