Question: Why do we light candles
in the Orthodox Church?
Answer: There are typically two
types of candles that Orthodox are familiar with. First there are the genuine
pure beeswax candles made from the combs of hives. Secondly, there are the
paraffin wax candles made from petroleum. When the Fathers of the Church speak
of the Orthodox use of candles, they are referring to the pure beeswax candles
and not the latter. Paraffin wax produces carcinogens and soot when burned. In
fact, one air quality researcher stated that the soot from a paraffin candle
contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel.
With this
information in mind, we can better understand the six symbolic representations
of lit candles handed down to us by Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki:
1. As the
candle is pure (pure beeswax), so also should our hearts be pure.
2. As the
pure candle is supple (as opposed to the paraffin), so also should our souls be
supple until we make it straight and firm in the gospel.
3. As the
pure candle is derived from the pollen of a flower and has a sweet scent, so
also should our souls have the sweet aroma of Divine Grace.
4. As the
candle, when it burns, mixes with and feeds the flame, so also we can struggle
to achieve theosis.
5. As the
burning candle illuminates the darkness, so must the light of Christ within us
shine before men that God's name be glorified.
6. As the
candle gives its own light to illuminate a person in the darkness, so also must
the light of the virtues, the light of love and peace, characterize a
Christian. The wax that melts symbolizes the flame of our love for our fellow
men.
Besides
the six symbolic representations above, Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite gives us
six different reasons why Orthodox light candles:
1. To
glorify God, who is Light, as we chant in the Doxology: "Glory to God who
has shown forth the light..."
2. To
dissolve the darkness of the night and to banish away the fear which is brought
on by the darkness.
3. To
manifest the inner joy of our soul.
4. To
bestow honor to the saints of our Faith, imitating the early Christians of the
first centuries who lit candles at the tombs of the martyrs.
5. To
symbolize our good works, as the Lord said: "Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in
the heavens." The priest also gave us this charge following our baptism.
6. To
have our own sins forgiven and burned away, as well as the sins of those for
whom we pray.
For all
these reasons cited by our Holy Fathers, let us often light our candles and
make sure as much as possible that they be pure candles. We should abstain from
all corruption and uncleanness, so that all of the above symbolism is made real
in our Christian lives.
At one
point during the Presanctified Divine Liturgy the liturgist holds a lit candle,
and facing the people he proclaims: "The light of Christ shines on
all". Christ is "the true light who enlightens and sanctifies all
men". Are we worthy recipients of this light? The saints themselves
constantly sought after this light. Let us then also imitate the saints and
like Saint Gregory Palamas continuously supplicate the Lord in the following
words: "Enlighten my darkness".
Question: Is there any other reason
why we light our candle in church?
Answer: Besides the higher
spiritual reasons mentioned above for why we light candles, there is another
simpler and practical reason: to make a financial offering to the church. When
we go to light our candle, we should also give an offering for the various
services and expenses of the church. The church gives us the candle as a
blessing for our offering and allows us to ignite the flame of the symbolisms
mentioned above.
Question: Should we light candles
outside the church as well?
Answer: It is good and laudable
to light candles at home when we pray, when the priest visits for a house
blessing with Holy Water or Holy Unction, and even light a candle when we visit
the grave of a loved one.
Question: Is there any other
purpose to the candle?
Answer: When we light a candle in
the church, we are making an offering to the church or to a particular icon to
beautify it and show through physical light the symbolization of the uncreated
light of God's house or the saint depicted in the icon. It is also customary
for the faithful to offer pure beeswax candles at the Consecration of a new
church.
By John Sanidopoulos
Source: www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/02/use-of-candles-in-orthodox-church.html
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