Holy Chrism

These gourds were generally used to collect the Holy Chrism or “Muron,” the holy oil.

Made of olive oil, composed of flower essences infused for forty days, according to a secret formula dating back to the 8th century, it is prepared every seven years, in front of the people, in a cauldron on the altar of the cathedral of Etchmiadzine by the Catholicos of all Armenians.

According to tradition, the new blessed “Muron” always contains a part of the previous one made seven years before, and this since its origin. Identity, transmission and continuity are the pillars of faith that unite Armenians across borders and of which the Holy Chrism is the link. This “Muron” is still carried today in monasteries and churches around the world for blessing.