Candles are used in the Orthodox Church as symbols and offerings during the liturgical services. In our parish we use traditional 100% beeswax tapers. (Note: Traditionally, oil-burning votive lamps are used in the Orthodox Church. However, vigil candles are often used, for reasons of convenience.)
In a general sense, the lighting of a candle in Church symbolizes the life of a Christian person. Until a candle is lit it is cold and hard. Once lit it is warmed and softened and then consumed by the flame. In the same way, we human beings can be spiritually “cold and hard” until our hearts and minds are “warmed and softened” by the grace of God. When we, faithful Christians, allow ourselves to become “on fire” with God’s love we can be consumed by that divine love in a beautiful and powerful way.
In a more particular and specific sense, the lighting of a candle in Church is an offering. The faithful purchase candles, thus making a monetary offering to the Church, and then they light those candles as an offering of prayer. Traditionally in Orthodox Churches candles are set in stands in significant parts of the Church, usually near a particular icon of Our Lord, His Mother, or a particular saint or group of saints. At this time we do not have candle stands near icons, but that might be a worthy goal. When we offer a candle by lighting it and placing it in a particular place in the Church we should simultaneously offer a prayer. For example, we may light a candle and place it to burn near an icon of a particular saint and, at the same time, ask that saint’s intercession before God on behalf of our self or a person for whom we wish to pray. We, also, may light and place candles as offerings of prayer on behalf of the departed. Additionally, candles may be lit not only as petitions asking for God’s blessings to be given, but as prayerful offerings of gratitude for blessings already received.
Yours in Christ,
Subdeacon Joseph, with information shared with permission from Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church