In the Orthodox Christian tradition, candles are not decorative objects. They symbolize divine light, hope, purity of soul, and the fervor of our prayers to the Lord. As St. Gregory Palamas said:
"The Divine Liturgy and everything related to it, even the most insignificant things, have symbolic meaning and value, just like everything else in the church."
Therefore, the candle we light when we enter the church is part of the liturgical tradition and constitutes an act of a spiritual nature. Thus, it is important to ask ourselves:
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- Why do we light candles?
- What do they symbolize?
- Why should we not blow them out before they melt?
What Do Candles Symbolize?
The candle in the tradition of the Orthodox Christianity has a symbolic value. It is used both in the church as well as at home, where we often light it during prayer. It is a companion to our spiritual concentration, as it lights the way and warms the mind. It creates an atmosphere of contemplation and contributes to our effort to concentrate on prayer.
When we light a candle:
- we offer our prayers to the Lord
- we mentally illuminate the path of prayer
- we demonstrate our faith in Christ, who is the "light of the world"
- we invoke the memory of the departed and send our love and prayers to them
- we express our hope in salvation through the love of Jesus Christ
Beeswax is considered the “purest” material and, therefore, the most suitable for the needs of prayer. Bees, as symbols of patience and work, produce natural wax, which, with its authentic scent, soft texture, and quality, can accompany our efforts to be spiritually uplifted. Beeswax is an organic product with beneficial properties that bring man closer to nature and to the core of his existence.
The monasteries of Mount Athos produce traditional beeswax with reverence and respect, considering it a precious material. For centuries, it has been one of the most important monastic products of Mount Athos.
Find Mount Athos beeswax here.
Should We Blow Out the Candles Before They Melt?
According to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, the longer the candle burns, the stronger our prayer to God becomes.
Therefore, it is not acceptable to blow out candles hastily, before they begin to melt or burn out. On the contrary, it is good to leave the candle lit as an offering to heaven, which should be completed without us interrupting it.
In our effort to keep the flame burning for as long as possible, a suitable candle holder can help us. Even after the prayer is over, the candle can remain lit in front of the iconostasis in our home, maintaining the warmth and clarity of our wishes.
Find candle holders here.
The significance and spiritual function of the candle has been confirmed by the saints of our church, who, through their miracles and advice, kept this particular ritual alive.
The Revelation of Saint Demetrius And The Story of Onesiphorus
According to tradition, Onesiphorus was the caretaker who looked after the church of Saint Demetrius. In his effort to maintain order, he used to blow out the candles before they burned out, in order to clean the space as quickly as possible.
One day, he heard the voice of Saint Demetrius in his sleep, explaining to him that:
The longer the candle burns, the more the sins of the person who offered it are "burned away." On the contrary, when the candle is blown out in a rush, the essence of the offering is quickly lost.
He also told him that this disrespect was harmful both to himself and to the faithful who attended the church.
Onesiphorus did not initially believe the voice he had heard. However, he tried to keep the candles lit for longer. One day, when he hastily blown out the candles offered by a worshipper in the church, the same voice was heard, loud and stern. Onesiphorus fell to the ground in fear, asking for forgiveness.
From then on, he kept the candles lit until they melted, recognizing the significance and importance of even this small act of piety.
What Is the Correct Way to Light a Candle at Home?
Every action we take, inside and outside the church, has spiritual meaning. It is therefore important to do it with concentration and a clear conscience. Furthermore, it is often not the action itself that matters, but the intention and reverence with which it is performed.
When we pray at home, we should:
- Light the candle with faith and devotion
- Do not do it formally and mechanically, but pray and be concentrated
- Place it in front of the holy icons
- Do not blow it out, but let it melt completely, fulfilling its purpose
What Candle Should I Use in My Prayer?
Monastic candles from Mount Athos are a meaningful choice, as they are organic products, made with the patience and effort of the monks.
Why Should I Choose Monastic Products?
- They are made of pure wax
- They burn with ease, without producing thick, unhealthy smoke
- It takes longer to burn
- They support the work of the monks of Mount Athos and strengthen the Athonite monasteries
Find Mount Athos products here.
The candle is a small flame of hope, embodied with enormous spiritual substance. By lighting candles in church and in our homes, we offer love, ask for God's mercy, and warm our souls with the light and truth of faith.
