Why Do Orthodox Christians Light Candles?

The lighting of candles and oil lamps holds incredible significance in the lives of Orthodox Christians. We use them to illuminate our churches, both in and outside the altar, and we use them in our own personal icon corners. But why are they so important to us? Why can we not conduct a single divine service without lit candles?

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The history of lighting candles in the Orthodox Church

Why do Orthodox Christians light candles? Perhaps the simple answer is because Christians have always done this! In the Old Testament, the Lord ordained the lighting of lamps in the Temple (Ex. 40:5, 25). Following the example of the Hebrews, early Christians included the lighting of candles and vigil lamps in the liturgical life of the Church. In Acts, we see mentions of the lighting of lamps during services. Specifically, we see a reference to a large number of lamps in the upper chamber in Troas (Acts 20:8), which attests to the use of candles not only for lighting, but for spiritual significance.

The Fathers of the early Church also witnessed to the spiritual symbolism of candles. Among others, Tertullian (2nd cent.), the Blessed Jerome (4th cen.) 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 (i.e. the Saints). Moreover, the 7th Ecumenical Council decreed that the faithful were to honor holy Icons and relics, the Cross of Christ, and the Holy gospel by censing and lighting of candles.

How do Orthodox Christians light candles?

In most Orthodox churches, there is a dedicated space for the faithful to light candles. Whether in the narthex or in front of the iconostasis, this is a place for us to offer prayers to the Lord and the Saints. In some jurisdictions, you may see candle stands with paraffin tea lights and seven-day candles. In others you might see a box filled with sand in which tall, thin beeswax candles are placed. The type of candle does not affect its significance or meaning. Beeswax is, however, considered the more traditional choice (more on that soon).

Upon entering an Orthodox church, it is customary to make an offering for the candle you wish to light. After all, everything we have comes from God. And we must make a habit of giving back to Him for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. If there is an icon nearby, you should venerate the icon first. Next, you should light the candle and offer prayers. The prayers you offer can be for your own needs, or for those of living family members or friends. You can also pray for the salvation of departed loved ones, that the Lord will remember them in His Kingdom. After you have finished praying, quietly say “Lord, have mercy,” and return to your place.

Whether lighting a candle in the Church or at home, every Orthodox Christian should use this time of prayer wisely. It s an opportunity to reflect on the salvation the Lord has worked for us. It it also a time to rienew our baptismal vows, to “Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in Heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Use of candles in the life of the Church

Candles and vigil lamps are used frequently in the life of the Church. Here are just a handful of times we see them in use:

• During every service, the candles before the icons on the iconostasis burn, as well as those in the altar. The altar servers will carry candles throughout the service as well.
  
• Orthodox Christians burn candles in their icon corners during personal prayer. They may also sometimes nurse vigil lamps in front of certain icons throughout the home.
  
• Whenever a baptism takes place, every candle in the church is lit. Upon the baptismal font are lit three candles as well, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The person being baptized also holds a candle throughout the service.
  
• When a bishop is serving, he holds special candles symbolizing the two natures of Christ and the Holy Trinity (dikirion and trikirion, respectively).
  
• The faithful hold candles during the Twelve Passion Gospels service on Holy Thursday evening.
  
• Throughout most of Holy Friday and Saturday, as well as Pascha itself, the faithful hold lit candles as a sign of our faith in Christ’s Resurrection.
  
• The bride and bridegroom hold candles during the marriage service.
  
• During the Holy Unction service, the priest lights seven candles around the vessel of Holy Oil.
  
• Four candles rest about the coffin of a deceased Orthodox Christian, forming a cross. The faithful also hold candles during Memorial and Funeral services.
  
• During the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Priest blesses the congregation with a lit candle and says, “The light of Christ illumines all!”

Natural light vs. electricity

Orthodox churches typically prefer natural light over electric lighting. This is because sunlight and candlelight are more spiritually significant sources of illumination, with Jesus Christ as the Light of the World. Moreover, natural light emphasizes the Lord’s divine presence among us.

Electricity is used only when necessary and is kept to as much of a minimum as possible. This helps maintain a more contemplative atmosphere that is conducive to prayer and worship.

Use of pure beeswax

While the use of pure beeswax candles is not “required”, we prefer to use pure beeswax because it burns long and clean. Beeswax candles do not produce as much smoke and soot as paraffin candles. Not only that, but they burn for a considerable time and are less likely to drip and cause messes in the church/in our homes. And as a happy side note, they smell fragrantly of honey.

In addition to its clean burning properties, beeswax also holds powerful spiritual significance in Orthodoxy. Beeswax in general symbolizes purity, as it is an unmodified product that results from the labor and love of bees. On a candle, the beeswax itself symbolizes the pure flesh Christ received from the Theotokos, his Virgin Mother. The wick symbolizes His soul, and the flame His divinity. 

The symbolism of candles in the life of an Orthodox Christian

Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Each time we light a candle, Orthodox Christians are called to remember that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the True Light that shines in this world of darkness. And that He – and only He – will grant us eternal life.

We light candles to express our faith in God’s presence and our hope in His help. By lighting that candle, we express our devotion and love to the One who gave us life. It is a symbol of our suffering, our joy, our sorrow, everything that we feel and bring to the Lord in prayer. And at the same time, we grow closer to the other members in the Body of Christ, who offer their own prayers and express their own devotion and love right beside us.

But perhaps the most important significance of lighting candles is in the nature of how a candle burns. In order for the flame to stay lit, the candle itself must decrease. So, too, must we decrease if the light of Christ is to continue burning within each of us. Every time we light a candle, if we remember this, it will fundamentally change the way that we worship, the way that we pray, and the way that we live our lives.

The light of Christ illumines all!

Candles and vigil lamps have been an integral part of the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church for millennia. As symbols of the Uncreated Light, as symbols of Christ Himself, they serve as constant reminders of our purpose here on this earth. To repent of our sins. To be a light to our brothers and sisters. And to decrease so that Christ may increase within us.

We hope this encourages you to utilize candles more in your spiritual life, so you can draw from the incredible peace something as simple as the light from a candle can bring.