Use of Candles

For the Orthodox, the lighted candle embodies the victory of Jesus Christ over the forces of death, sin, evil, and darkness. The basic idea of "Light" as opposed to "darkness" is at the root of candles used in worship.   Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness."

Clearly the practice of lighting a candle as you enter the Cathedral is a powerful way of uniting your own prayer with that of the Church, with that of all other Christians, living and fallen asleep, and with Christ Who is the "Light of the world."
The candle should not be used as a magical substitute for prayer, but should be lighted as a sacramental expression of our own conscious prayer.

When we take a candle, it is customary to make a monetary sacrifice in the form of a donation; we are therefore mindful that all things come from God and that we are stewards of the gifts He has given us.
Taking the fire from another, already lit candle, reminds us that the Faith has been preserved and transmitted to us by those who came before us, and that our lives and work in the Church will preserve and pass on the Faith to those who come after us.

Passing the flame from one candle to the next reminds us to pass to other the spiritual light which we have freely received from God.
The warmth of the flame melts the cold wax, enabling the wick to draw it up and transform it through fire into heat and light. In the same way, God's love melts our cold hearts, enabling the Holy Spirit to purify and illumine our souls.

If you are not in the habit of lighting a candle each time you enter the Cathedral, and of lighting one on behalf of those dear to you, perhaps now is a good time to begin.

Note: In the Narthex of the Cathedral there is a place to select a candle. There you will see yellow, white and bees wax candles ands well as large and small. Which candle you select is only a matter of personal preference.

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