Chloe Adams
Candles are an integral part of the Orthodox Church, with natural light and candlelight taking precedence over electric lighting. Beeswax candles are preferred as they burn for longer and are less messy, and their scent is also considered to be spiritually significant. The candle is a symbol of faith and hope, and the burning of the candle represents the soul's enlightenment. They are lit during services, at home, and during baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and are often accompanied by prayers for the living and the dead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Candles are lit during services, at home, during baptisms, funerals, and memorial services. |
| Symbolism | Candles represent the spiritual light received by the newly baptized person. They also symbolize the light of Christ, which is wished upon the deceased. |
| Spiritual Significance | Candles represent the Uncreated Light of God and the light that shines from the righteous. |
| Custom | It is customary to make an offering for the candle lit in church. |
| Material | Beeswax candles are preferred as they burn long and clean, and smell of honey. |
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What You'll Learn
- Candles are lit during baptisms to symbolise the spiritual enlightenment of the newly baptised
- They are also lit during funeral rites to represent the light of Christ for the deceased
- Orthodox Christians light candles at home in their personal prayer corners
- Beeswax candles are preferred as they burn for longer and are less messy
- The Holy Fathers decreed that icons, relics and the Cross of Christ be honoured with candles
Candles are lit during baptisms to symbolise the spiritual enlightenment of the newly baptised
Candles are an integral part of the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. They are lit during baptisms to symbolise the spiritual enlightenment of the newly baptised. This is derived from the Old Testament, where light is a symbol of faith. In the New Testament, Jesus enriches this symbolism, stating, "I am the true light" and "you are the light of the world".
During the baptism ceremony, the priest pours water over the baby's head or submerges them in water, symbolising the washing away of original sin. The baby is then clothed in a white garment, symbolising their new life in Christ. The baptismal candle is lit using the flame from the Easter Candle, symbolising the light of Christ, or "Light of the World", entering the child's life. The candle is not to be blown out but to shine forever, representing the eternal light of faith that will burn throughout the baptised person's life.
The candle is usually held by the child's father or godparent during the ceremony. The godfather, or sometimes the mother, may also light the candle. The candle symbolises the Christian's commitment to finding their own light in the world and becoming a light for others through their works and actions. This is reflected in the Latin Rite, where parents and godparents are reminded, "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light."
The lighting of candles during baptisms is a powerful symbol of spiritual enlightenment and transformation. It signifies the newly baptised person's commitment to living a life of faith and good works, guided by the light of Christ.
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They are also lit during funeral rites to represent the light of Christ for the deceased
Candles are an integral part of the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. They are lit during services and at home, providing an ambiance for prayer and decoration. The candle is a symbol of the worshippers' adoration, love, sacrifices, joy, and spiritual triumph. The burning of the candle represents man's deification and his becoming a new creature through the fire of God's love.
The lighting of candles is also a way to express our devotion and love for the One who gave us life. It is a symbol of our suffering, our joy, and our sorrow. Every time we light a candle, we are reminded that for the light of Christ to continue burning within us, we must decrease, just as a candle decreases as it burns.
Candles are lit during funeral rites to represent the light of Christ for the deceased. The faithful walk in processions, protecting their burning candles from the wind. The lighting of these candles is accompanied by prayers for God's compassion and eternal salvation for the departed. The candles are a symbol of the light of Christ, which it is hoped will shine upon the deceased in the afterlife.
The use of candles in funeral rites is a continuation of the ancient custom of lighting candles during services and in the home. The Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council decreed that icons, relics, the Cross of Christ, and the Holy Gospel were to be honoured with the lighting of candles. This practice was also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, which referenced the lighting of lamps during services in the time of the Apostles.
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Orthodox Christians light candles at home in their personal prayer corners
The act of lighting candles is deeply rooted in the lives of Orthodox Christians, both in church and at home. Candles and vigil lamps are used frequently in the life of the Church and hold a special symbolic meaning. In the Old Testament, the Lord ordained the lighting of lamps in the Temple (Ex. 40:5, 25), and early Christians followed this example, including candle lighting in the liturgical life of the Church.
Orthodox Christians light candles in their personal prayer corners at home, also known as icon corners, which may accommodate several candles and/or vigil lamps. These candles are lit during personal prayer, and the time of lighting is an opportunity for reflection and the renewal of baptismal vows. The faithful may also tend to vigil lamps in front of certain icons throughout their homes.
The lighting of candles is an expression of devotion and love for God, as well as a symbol of the worshipper's joy, sorrow, and other emotions brought to the Lord in prayer. The candle's flame also holds a deeper meaning—for it to stay lit, the candle must decrease in size. This symbolizes the idea that one must decrease their own self for the light of Christ to shine within them.
While the type of candle is not significant, Orthodox churches and Christians often prefer beeswax candles as they burn longer, cleaner, and are less likely to cause messes. Beeswax also holds spiritual significance in Orthodoxy and has a pleasant honey-like fragrance.
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Beeswax candles are preferred as they burn for longer and are less messy
Candles hold a significant role in the Orthodox Church, symbolizing the light of God and the illumination that Jesus Christ brings to the world. They are lit during services, processions, and personal prayer times, both in churches and in the homes of the faithful. While the use of beeswax candles is not mandated, they are often preferred by the Orthodox Church for several reasons.
Beeswax candles are renowned for their longevity, burning for a considerable time due to the slow burn rate of beeswax. This extended burn time makes beeswax candles a cost-effective choice, as they last longer than other types of candles. The high melting point of beeswax, approximately 149° Fahrenheit, contributes to their longevity and also results in a brighter, warmer flame that is comparable to natural sunlight.
The density of beeswax candles prevents dripping, making them less messy and safer to handle. They are less likely to cause burns if they need to be moved, and they won't leave unsightly wax drips on surfaces. Beeswax candles are also known for their clean burning properties, producing significantly less smoke and soot compared to paraffin candles. This makes them ideal for maintaining the contemplative atmosphere that is desired in Orthodox churches.
Additionally, beeswax candles offer health and environmental benefits. They are made from natural and renewable resources, requiring no chemical processing, and they do not release toxic chemicals or pollutants into the air. Instead, they emit negative ions that are believed to neutralize airborne pollutants, easing allergy and asthma symptoms and promoting physical and mental well-being. The subtle, natural scent of beeswax candles, derived from the nectar and honey stored in the honeycomb, adds to their appeal, creating a pleasant and soothing atmosphere.
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The Holy Fathers decreed that icons, relics and the Cross of Christ be honoured with candles
Candles and their symbology of "light" are omnipresent in the Orthodox Christian's life, both in church and at home. They are used to provide an ambience for prayer and decoration. In church, candles are presented in a variety of settings. For instance, two candles are usually placed on the altar table, but they may be replaced by the dikirion and trikiron during a hierarchical service.
The Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council decreed that in the Orthodox Church, the holy icons, relics, the Cross of Christ, and the Holy Gospel were to be honoured by censing and the lighting of candles. The Blessed Simeon of Thessalonica (15th Century) wrote that candles are also lit before the Icons of the Saints, for the sake of their good deeds that shine in this world. Orthodox faithful light candles before the Icons as a sign of their faith and hope in God’s help. The candle is also a symbol of their burning and grateful love for God.
The Holy Fathers of the early Church also witnessed to the spiritual symbolism of candles. Among others, Tertullian (2nd cent.), the Blessed Jerome (4th cent.) and St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem (7th cent.) wrote of the use of candles to signify the Uncreated Light of God and the light that shines from the righteous. St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, wrote in the 7th Century: Lampadas and candles represent the Eternal Light, and also the light that shines from the righteous.
Candles are also lit during the Sacrament of Holy Unction, with seven candles lit around the vessel of Holy Oil as a sign of the grace-bestowing action of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During the Funeral service, the faithful stand with lit candles as a sign that the deceased’s soul has left this world and entered the Kingdom of Heaven the Unwaning Light of God. During the Vespers portion of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Priest blesses the congregation with a lit candle and censer, proclaiming, "The Light of Christ illumines all!".
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Frequently asked questions
Lighting candles is a way for Orthodox Christians to express their devotion and love for God. The candles are also lit as a symbol of their suffering, joy, and sorrow, bringing all of their feelings to the Lord in prayer.
Candles are lit in the Orthodox Church to symbolise the spiritual light received by the newly baptised person. The candles also represent the light of Christ, which the faithful wish for the deceased to receive. The burning candle illuminates its surroundings, showing fellow human beings the way of salvation.
The Orthodox Church typically uses pure beeswax candles as they burn for a long time and do not produce much smoke or soot. Beeswax candles are also preferred due to their spiritual significance and fragrant honey smell.
