Visiting the sick or shut-ins, either in the hospital or at home, is an essential ministry in the Orthodox Church. In Matthew 25, our Lord compares visiting the sick with visiting Him. If any member of your family falls ill, you should contact the priest of the parish immediately, and arrange a visit. The priest will then come, pray on the sick person, give them Holy Communion (If they are able to receive it), and anoint them with holy oil for healing of soul and body. Depending on the seriousness of the illness, or if the sick person is no longer able to attend church (shut-in), the priest will make arrangements with the family for repeated visits.