There is an opinion that a church candle symbolizes a sacrifice given of one’s own free will to the Lord and his House, a testimony of one’s faith and sincere love for him. In the fifteenth century, one of the liturgists testified that a lit candle in a holy place is nothing more than a confirmation of the purity of the person who lit it.
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The wax that flows down the candle seems to indicate that the person agrees to follow the commandments of God, fulfilling them unquestioningly. This symbolizes that a person repents to the world for his actions. A candle is a guide towards God’s consciousness.
Before lighting candles for the repose, you should figure out how to do it correctly. It is important to understand the sequence of actions and who is allowed to address them.
Why do they light candles for the repose?
Light a candle online on the Svyattsy (Candle for the Repose) website.
Offering sacrifice to the Lord is a long-standing custom. It arose as a result of people’s fear of angering higher powers - they decided to appease them by sharing their spoils. However, the question arose - “how to transfer gifts to forces that do not have physical embodiment?” After much thought, a method was found - turning the prey into smoke. Vegetable and fruit crops, animals and even people were presented as treats.
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But when the New Testament appeared, there was a transformation in the concept of sacrifice. People who believe in God have acquired new values and guidelines. The presentation to the Higher Powers became symbolic - it was a wax candle, which has retained this role in the present time. At the same time, the purpose of the offering was transformed - now, when purchasing a candle in a sacred place, these funds were spent on improving the house of the Lord. In this case, it does not matter at all what the price of candles is and how many there will be. Lighting a candle in front of the images is a symbol that a person is ready to become part of the holy place and prayers . To reinforce the request for the repose of the soul of the deceased, prayer words must be read.
A candle for the repose is a ritual that helps convey a piece of love and good thoughts to a deceased person. His soul will understand that he is remembered and remembered with warmth.
Popular prejudices
Over the years of the existence of Christianity, a large number of interpretations have arisen about whether a candle fell or began to smoke. Maybe the higher powers want to warn you about something in this way.
It is considered that if:
- the candle goes out - a bad sign, your prayer is not heard, perhaps you have sinned and need to confess. And if this is a candle for the repose, then the deceased is offended by you;
- the candle has fallen - the soul of the deceased is toiling and cannot find a place for itself, pick it up quickly and ask Jesus for forgiveness;
- the candle crackles - portends trouble;
- the flame burns in the shape of a spiral - they are plotting against you;
- a weak candle light - portends illness;
- rearrange the candles someone has placed - take away their happiness;
- putting out a candle with your fingers means attracting trouble;
- put a candle with your left hand - God will punish you.
In all cases, it is suggested to confess and receive communion. However, the church considers these signs to be prejudices that stem from ignorance. It's up to you to believe it or not.
With this I say goodbye, dear readers. I hope the article was useful and you learned how to light candles for the repose correctly. Don't forget to subscribe to blog updates and recommend the article to your friends on social networks.
How to properly light a candle for repose after death
Before you light a candle, consider how deeply you believe in its power. Sincere faith is one of the main rules for the effectiveness of this action . The very purchase of candles in the temple already indicates your pure thoughts and real awareness of the result.
Before going to church, it is necessary to prepare for Confession and Communion - these are the rituals that are necessarily present in the divine service.
It is worth considering that it does not matter at all how many candles you put - it will not speed up the fulfillment of your desire. It should be understood that by installing a candle, you are not performing any magical ritual; this is a voluntary action. Neither the price of candles nor their number will help fulfill your hopes and desires faster. It is recommended to buy candles in the church - this way the money will go to benefit the sacred place.
A divine service is not complete without a candle. When setting it on fire, you need to read the prayer words. You can make an appeal to God in your own words, the main condition is sincerity.
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THE CUSTOM OF PLACED A CANDLE IN FRONT OF AN ICON IS VERY ANCIENT. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THIS SHOULD BE DONE, BUT NOT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE REASONS FOR WHICH THIS RITE IS PERFORMED. ONE OF THE FIRST DIVINE COMMANDMENTS FROM THE LORD TO MOSES WAS TO BUILD A LAMP WITH SEVEN LAMPS. AND AFTER THIS, SERVICES WERE OFTEN HELD BY CANDLE LIGHT. BUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS IS MUCH MORE DEEP THAN JUST LIGHTING THE PLACE WHERE THE SERVICES WERE HELD, ALTHOUGH DURING THE PERIOD OF PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS, WHEN THEY HAD TO CONDUCT THEIR MEETINGS SECRETLY, THE CANDLE LIGHT REALLY BECAME A GUIDING LIGHT.
This ritual of lighting a candle has many meanings. The light from it is the divine light that Jesus brought into the world. The life of people in sin and ignorance is darkness, which the Savior will dispel. Likewise, a candle with its radiance drives away the darkness around.
Pure wax, from which candles are made, is a symbol of the fact that a person repents of his sins and is ready for obedience before the face of God. Speaking about how to place candles correctly, it is worth starting with the fact that this should not be done automatically, but with awareness and with a feeling of love in the heart for the one to whom the candle is placed. When you buy a candle in a temple, it becomes your voluntary offering, a symbol of your faith and love. Candles are lit for health and peace. “For the repose” are usually placed in the church on a special memorial table - eve, in order to honor the good memory of a person who has passed on to another world. Candles “for health” are lit for various reasons: in gratitude for something, to help with a difficult decision, before a serious trip, a risky undertaking, and so on. The question often arises: which icons and which saints should we light candles for? Of course, the main thing is the emotions and thoughts with which the candle is lit. With kind thoughts and love in your heart, you can light a candle for a person to an icon of the Savior or the Virgin Mary. Your good wishes will be heard. If you don’t just want to light a candle for a person, but express special wishes, you need to decide which saints to light the candles for. So, for example, if you are worried about a loved one suffering from a disease, pray in front of the icon of the Mother of God “Healer”, with which you can light a candle. If a person has taken the path of alcoholism, then a candle can be placed on the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon. Knowing what miraculous properties are endowed with certain holy images, you will know which icons to light candles in order to protect, preserve and help your loved ones in difficult times and difficult life decisions. They often light candles for their patron saints. If you have personalized icons in your home, you can light a candle and pray to your guardian angel.
WHAT DO CHURCH CANDLES MEAN? WHY ARE THEM PLACED IN THE TEMPLE? — A candle is a symbol of prayerful burning before the Lord, His Most Pure Mother, before the holy saints of God. A candle is a sign of voluntary sacrifice to God and His temple and a symbol of a person’s involvement in the divine light. A burning candle is a visible sign that expresses ardent love and goodwill towards the one to whom the candle is placed. And if there is no this love and favor, then the candles have no meaning, the sacrifice is in vain. Therefore, you cannot light a candle formally, with a cold heart. External action must be accompanied by prayer - at least the simplest one, in your own words.
WHAT DOES THE CANDLE PUT IN FRONT OF THE ICON SYMBOLIZE? – The fire of a candle symbolizes eternity, a prayerful appeal to God, to the Mother of God, to the saints. The fire always rushes upward, no matter how the candle is tilted, so a person, in any life circumstances, must turn all his thoughts and feelings to God.
WHEN SHOULD YOU LIT CANDLES? - Those who come to the temple must light candles before the service begins. It is not good to disturb the decorum of a church by passing candles during a service or by squeezing your way to a candlestick, distracting those praying. Those who are late for the service should light candles after it ends.
HOW TO PLACE A CANDLE CORRECTLY? - The candles are lit one from the other, burning, and placed in the nest of the candlestick. The candle should stand straight. You should not use matches or lighters in the temple if there are already burning candles in the candlesticks. You should not light a candle from a lamp, so as not to drip wax into the oil or accidentally extinguish the lamp.
WHO SHOULD LIT AND HOW MANY CANDLES? – There are no mandatory rules about where and how many candles to put. Their purchase is a voluntary sacrifice to God. First of all, it is good to light a candle for the “holiday” (central analogue) or a revered temple icon, then - for the relics of a saint (if they are in the temple), and only then - for health (for any icon) or for repose (on the eve - square or rectangular table with a Crucifix).
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PLACE A CANDLE ON A CANDLESTICK IF THERE IS NO WHERE TO PLACE IT? - That’s what you should do. Those who put two candles in one cell or remove someone else's candle to put their own do it wrong.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HOLD A BURNING CANDLE IN YOUR HAND AND STAND WITH IT? – It is customary to stand with lit candles at a memorial service during the service of Matins of Great Heel. Candles are also lit on polyeleos, but this tradition is mainly preserved only for clergy. A burning candle must be handled carefully: make sure that the wax does not drip onto the floor, and that the clothes of the person standing in front do not accidentally ignite. The rest of the time, it is more correct to place the candle on a candlestick that is specially designed for this purpose. In the temple one must follow the established order, and not do as one pleases.
TO WHOM SHOULD I LIT A CANDLE FOR REMOVAL OF SINS? WHAT TO READ ABOUT REMOVAL OF SINS? — Sins are forgiven only at Confession after a sincere, detailed confession of all of them in the presence of a priest and the reading of a prayer of absolution to him. A candle is a symbol; in itself it does not free one from sins and does not connect one with God.
WHICH SAINT IS BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE IN THE EVENT OF FAMILY DISORDER, WHEN THE HUSBAND WANTS TO LEAVE THE FAMILY? – For family well-being they pray to the Mother of God, Saints Guria, Samon and Aviv, and Saint Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg. It is also useful to remember and realize your guilt towards your husband, ask for forgiveness, and try to reconcile.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIGHT A CANDLE FOR AN UNBAPTIZED NEWBORN CHILD WHO IS SICK? – You can pray for the unbaptized with your personal prayer and light candles for them, you just cannot write their names in church notes, since the Church does not pray for the unbaptized. A sick child should be baptized as soon as possible. If the child is seriously ill, you can call the priest home or to the maternity hospital. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the child will receive a special grace that will help him. If a child dies unbaptized, the parents will bear the sin. And a baptized child can be given communion, order magpies, prayers for health - this is first aid in illness.
WHO SHOULD LIGHT A CANDLE ABOUT A PERSON WHO IS ADDITED TO DRUGS? – You can pray for deliverance from this passion and light a candle in front of the icons of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, the martyr Boniface, the righteous John of Kronstadt.
WHO SHOULD I LIT A CANDLE IF A CHILD IS SERIOUSLY ILL? – A candle can be placed next to any icon: the Lord Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, the holy saints of God. In addition, you need to know that a child’s illness is a time of prayer and repentance for the whole family. It seems to stimulate spiritual life. The baby should be given holy water and washed with this water. And the most important thing is the communion of the sick child with the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Communion can take place at home, in a hospital, or in a church, depending on the condition of the baby. If a child already knows how to pray, let him do it himself, but if he doesn’t know how, then his parents and godparents should do it for him. And, of course, spiritual work must be combined with treatment that a professional doctor can recommend.
WHICH ICON IS BETTER TO LIT A CANDLE BEFORE THE UPCOMING OPERATION? – You can light candles and pray to the holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon, the holy unmercenary doctors Cosmas and Damian. You also need to prepare for Confession and Communion, order a prayer service for the successful outcome of the operation, find out the name of the doctor and pray that the Lord will control his hands.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIGHT A CANDLE FOR YOUR OWN HEALTH? – Of course, you can light candles and pray for your health. A candle is a symbol of prayer to God. And most prayers are written in the first person.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN TO LIT CANDLES FOR THE RIP OF THE REST? – Everyone can and should light candles and pray for the departed.
WHOM SHOULD I LIGHT A CANDLE ABOUT WELL-BEING IN BUSINESS? – Anyone who wants to receive anything from the Lord or from the saints must not only pray to them, but also build his life according to the commandments. Through the Gospel, God appeals to everyone with a request to be kind, loving, humble, etc., but people often do not want to listen to this, but themselves ask Him to help them in business. For prayers to be successful, you must pray with words coming from the heart, with faith and hope for God’s help. And it should be remembered that not everything that a person asks from the Lord is useful for him. The Lord is not a machine that fulfills all desires, you just have to press the right button, that everything He sends is aimed at the benefit and salvation of the soul, although sometimes people think this is unfair.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIT CANDLES FOR A TRAGICALLY DIED UNBAPTIZED ONE AND IN GENERAL ABOUT THE REST OF UNBAPTIZED PEOPLE? – You can light candles and pray for the unbaptized, but you cannot give notes in church with the names of the unbaptized.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIT CANDLES FOR HEALTH AND REST ON EASTER? – You can always light candles for health and repose, but the Church does not perform prayers for the departed on Easter and Bright Week; they are transferred to Radonitsa – the second Tuesday after Easter.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIT CANDLES PURCHASED IN ANOTHER TEMPLE? – Candles are usually purchased in the temple where they come to pray - this is a small sacrifice to this particular temple.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE CANDLE AFTER THE Blessing of Easter cakes and eggs? CAN I TAKE IT HOME? – You can take it home and light it during home prayer, or you can put it in a church in front of any icon.
WHY DO THEY REMOVE CANDLES THAT ARE ONLY HALF BURNED, BECAUSE WE PAY MONEY FOR THEM... - Due to the large number of people who want to put candles, they are sometimes removed not completely burned out. There is no need to be embarrassed by this, or by the fact that the candle that was not completely burned out was extinguished after the end of the service - the sacrifice has already been accepted by God.
WHEN IS INCENSE USED? CAN I USE IT AT HOME? – Incense is used in the Church during divine services, as well as during funeral services for the dead, and during the consecration of dwellings by the priest. You can also use incense during home prayer.
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Series of messages “temples, churches”:
Part 1 - PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN “UNDER YOUR PROTECTION”... Part 2 - Don’t get confused when you come to church - HOW AND WHAT ICONS TO LIT CANDLES? Part 3 - The main shrine of the Christian world Part 4 - The Mystery of the Holy Fire. Church of the Resurrection of the Lord in Jerusalem Part 5 - What do the domes of Orthodox churches mean (part 1)
Where to place a candle for repose
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The question often arises: “Where are candles placed for the repose?” - a special place in the temple is intended for this ritual. In most cases, it is located at the entrance to the hall, on the left side of the door. Often this is a marble or metal table with cells, which is called a kanun. If there is no special table for this ritual, then it is permissible to place a burning candle on any candlestick. The offering that you brought with you must be placed in the baskets that are located near the eve.
Next, we will look at the procedure for how to properly light a candle for the repose.
The first thing you need to do is buy a candle in a shop, which is often located at the entrance to the church - by doing this you will do a good deed for the prosperity and existence of the holy place. Next, you need to find an icon that depicts the Crucifixion of the Lord and cross ourselves twice, standing opposite it. Often, next to this image there is a marble or metal table with cells (kanun).
Next, you need to light a candle from a lamp or from already lit candles . At the same time, pay attention that the wax does not drip onto the table or cells. Next, we fix the candle on an empty candlestick in a vertical position so that it does not touch other items. Check how stable it is. If there are no empty cells, then place an unlit candle side by side on the table (later it will be lit by church servants).
Then you need to read the prayer words (out loud or silently) - you can also read the text of the prayer, which is placed in front of the table with cells. Pronounce the words with deep faith in them and realize, feel with all your soul what you are saying. Cross yourself, bow. Complete the ritual by stepping aside.
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How to light a candle correctly
After purchasing a candle, you should go to the analogue and venerate the main shrine of the temple. The eve tables are located in the left wing, under the Crucifixion.
Before placing a candle in a candlestick, you must cross yourself and say: “Lord, rest the soul of your deceased servant (name). The candle is lit from already installed and burning candles on the eve. If there are not enough places on the eve, you need to wait until some of the candles burn out or the church minister removes some of the candles. Place in a candlestick. Read the funeral prayer (depending on who is being remembered: parents, spouse, child).
On what day are candles lit for repose after death?
Lighting a candle for the repose of the deceased is allowed on any day of the year. At the same time, the calendar highlights days of remembrance of the dead, when special services are held in sacred places. As a rule, parishioners order a memorial service; you can also simply light a candle for all the deceased of the family. Among these days are:
- Meat Saturday - occurs 2 days before Maslenitsa;
- Trinity Saturday - occurs on the eve of Trinity;
- Second, third and fourth Saturdays of Great Lent.
- Radonitsa - occurs on the second Tuesday after Easter.
The instructions of the church state that a lighted candle can be placed on the day when a person passed into the other world. The burning candle must remain for at least forty days - this will illuminate the path for the soul of the deceased. In accordance with Christian customs, a candle must be lit in the room in which the coffin is placed. It must be extinguished after the deceased is removed from this room. The funeral candle is then lit at the funeral meal. You should definitely read the prayer words for the soul of the deceased.
The question arises: “How many candles need to be lit?” To illuminate the path of one soul, you can put one or more candles. The same is possible if you are seeing off several deceased people.
If you did not make it to the service, perform a funeral ritual after the end of the service.
How often candles are placed is determined by your own preferences and wishes, the main thing is to do everything correctly and place the candle in the place that was designated for this.
The symbolism of candles in religion
A burning candle has become a mandatory attribute since the times when a new religious teaching, Christianity, was born and began to spread. At first, the candle had a purely utilitarian purpose: it illuminated dark caves in which adherents of the new faith secretly gathered. Gradually, Christianity turned from a persecuted faith into the most widespread in Europe. Christians came out of hiding and began to build churches, attracting their supporters there. Temples with narrow windows that barely let in daylight were still lit by candles, which acquired symbolic meaning. They dispersed the darkness - a symbol of real, earthly life, in which there is a lot of unrighteousness and sin. A burning candle becomes a symbol of Divine light, which dispels darkness and leads a person to faith, to righteousness, to the mercy of God. It’s like a “light at the end of the tunnel” that helps, protects, calms, and gives hope for something good.
Loss of a loved one
what to do in this situation
Is it possible for pregnant women to light candles for the repose?
In ancient times, going to a sacred place was prohibited for a pregnant woman. In current realities, this problem has begun to be looked at from a different angle. They began to think that the child that is under a woman’s heart is the fruit of the love of two people and the Lord.
Despite the fact that pregnant women are allowed to visit the holy place and light candles, there are still restrictions for them: they are not allowed to visit the temple for forty days after a miscarriage or after childbirth - until the bleeding completely stops.
- How to order a magpie for the repose correctly;
- Prayer for the unbaptized dead;
- What to do on the 9th day after death.
Prayers for the dead
Troparion, tone 4.
With the spirits of the righteous who have passed away, rest the soul of Your servant, O Savior, preserving it in the blessed life that is Yours, Love for mankind.
In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all saints rest, rest also the soul of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind.
Glory: Thou art God, who descended into hell, and having loosed the bonds of the chained, give rest to the soul of Thy servant.
And now: One pure and immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without a seed, pray that his soul may be saved.
Sedalen, voice 5th.
Rest, our Savior, with the righteous of Thy servant, and this one is lodged in Thy courts, as it is written, despising, as good, his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and all things known and not known, Love for mankind.
Kontakion, tone 8.
With the saints, rest, O Christ, the soul of Your servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.
Ikos:
You yourself are the only Immortal One, who created and created man, on earth we were created from the earth, and to that earth we will go, as you commanded, who created me, and who spoke to me: as you are the earth, and you will go to the earth, and even all men will go, gravestone crying creates a song: alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Is it possible to light candles for the repose of an unbaptized person?
The question often arises: “Who can I light a candle for the repose of? Is it possible for unbaptized souls? The answer to this question depends on who you want to ask God for - for a bewitched person or an adult.
There are cases when a baby dies after childbirth. Naturally, in such a short time his parents could not baptize him. In this case, the mother should turn to Saint Huar - it is believed that he can put in a word for the deceased before the Lord.
However, praying for adults who have not been baptized is not allowed in a holy place. It is believed that this person does not exist for the Lord and all prayers for him will be in vain. His name cannot be mentioned during the liturgy or indicated in notes to prayers. But it is permissible to light a candle for him. Praying for such a deceased person is allowed at home.
Important subtleties
In conclusion of the topic of the Orthodox tradition, we would like to remind you of several important subtleties:
- In the temple, candles for the repose, as you know, are placed on a rectangular eve table. For health - all round. If you are confused, there is nothing to worry about - God still sees your thoughts as they are.
- Candles for repose can be placed in front of any icon, if there is no eve with the Crucifixion of Christ.
- You can light several funeral candles for one person. Just like lighting one candle to remember several deceased ones. The main thing is not to forget to say a prayer for each of them.
- It makes no difference on which side you place the candle for the repose on the eve.
