Why Do Orthodox Christians Light Candles When They Enter the Church.

Use of candles are essential in Orthodox worship and prayer. Orthodox faithful enter an Orthodox Church to enter into communion with God. The entry area called the Narthex is a space to prepare and quiet your mind for worship and prayer.  In the Greek Orthodox Church there will be a candle stand there where it is a common practice to first light a candle, or even several candles, before entering into the sacred space called the nave for worship. This is part of the process of preparing for worship, of quieting our mind, leaving the hectic secular world behind, preparing for communion with God.

There is significant symbolism in the use of candles in Orthodox prayer and worship. Here are some of the symbols candles represent:

A Natural Beeswax Candle: A beeswax candle is normally used because it represents the purity of our soul. It is even aery free and burns cleanly. It can also represent Divine grace because the candle comes from nectar of fragrant flowers that the bees have carefully gathered to produce the wax. 

Desire for Union with Christ: A burning candle represents our aim of deification or Theosis, because the candle is mixed with fire, like your burning desire to be united with Him. 

A Symbol of Christ: Light is a symbol of Christ and His divine presence. In the Gospel of John (8:12), Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Therefore, the act of lighting a candle can be seen as an affirmation of your faith in Christ as the light in your life.  

Prayer and Intention: When an Orthodox Christians lights a candle, it's done with a specific prayer or intention in mind.  When you place your candle in the candle holder you should offer a prayer. This may be a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for forgiveness, help for you or someone in need. This act of lighting a candle becomes a visual representation of your prayer. Even after you have left the church, the burning candle symbolizes that your prayer continues. Also the smoke from the burning candle symbolizes your prayer rising up to heaven to be heard by God.

Symbol of the Individual's Light in the World: Lighting a candle also represents your own light in the world, a reflection of Christ's teaching in Matthew (5:14-16): "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The candle, as it burns, illuminates its surroundings. Thus when you sacrifice yourself for the love of God, you enlighten your fellow human beings and are showing them the way of salvation.

Part of the Liturgical Experience: The physical act of lighting a candle engages the believer in the liturgical experience more fully, involving not only their mind and heart, but also their body in worship. The flame also adds to the overall aesthetics and ambiance of the worship space, further enhancing the spiritual experience. Candles used in the processions of the Divine Liturgy and when the Gospel is read, symbolizing the light of Christ. There is always a candle burning on the main altar in the sanctuary indicating the presence of Christ in the reserve communion kept in the Tabernacle that sits there. Additional altar candles are lit at the beginning of each servicer, again representing the divine presence of God in our worship. In many churches there are candles in front of the icons on the iconostasis that are lit. Some have grand chandeliers over the nave which are lit at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. Often they are made to sway and rotate creating an mystical environment for the service.

Remembrance of the Deceased: Candles are also lit in memory of those who have passed away during memorial services. This act is seen as a way to honor and remember the departed, and to pray for their souls. 

Love and peace: Finally, a lit candle represents the love and peace which are attributes that every Christian should have because the candle burns and comforts everyone with its light in the darkness. The gentle flame of a candle quiets the mind as you focus on its delicate and flickering light. When lighting a candle, remember that you must live in the light that you received with your baptism and now Holy Communion.

All Orthodox believers should light a candle(s) when they enter the church. Light one for the living and a candle for your deceased relatives and acquaintances. But if some of the living have particular problems, then you should light a candle for each one. The lighting of the candle should always be accompanied by words of prayer. For the living, we will ask for God’s mercy and protection, while for the deceased, we will ask for God’s compassion and eternal salvation.