Orthodox Christian Icons and Candle Stands for Churches: Holy Symbols in Worship

Let’s take a look at the religious and artistic meanings of the orthodox religious icons and candle stands in the church. These are factors that effectively raise the experience of worship and connection with the divine to a higher level within the Orthodoxy.

Essentially, Orthodox religious icons and church candle stands are important elements that contribute to the very fabric of Orthodox worship but also hold a world of special symbolism adding to the overall spiritual experience.

The Importance of Orthodox Holy Icons
They are more than decorations; they are a vision of the divine itself, a place for focusing one's prayer and contemplation. Divine images are an integral part of personal devotions and the Liturgy in the representation of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the various Saints; they help believers step into living communion with the Saints.

Spreading light through Candle Stands
Candle stands used in a church, whether plain or ornate, help to spread light and radiance on holy images and altars found in the church. It symbolizes the light that Christ brought into the world. This flickering flame is a symbol of the burning faith of the congregation and of the impermanence of earthly life, set against the eternal light of heaven.

Material and Workmanship
Orthodox religious icons and church candle stands are sacred in nature and, therefore, are meant to be used to their very best. Great care is taken to make religious icons, as by tradition these are done on pieces of wood whose very workmanship is centuries old, whereas candle stands are made in the shape and embellished to stand testimony to the glory of God.

Therefore, the icons of the Orthodox religion and the church candle stands raise the level of worship, enhance the general appearance of the church, and remind all of those who enter its walls of the great, profound truths of Orthodoxy. The attitude toward divine objects should bring forth belief in a relationship toward a greater communion with the divine through those objects.

The Significance of Placing Candles in a Church

Right through the ages, candles have carried special spiritual significance in the religious practices and rituals of the church. Its multifaceted role has made it a permanent addition to churches around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons.

A symbol of truth and light

Candles placed in beautifully designed church candle stands show how darkness is dispelled by truth. Christ himself asked His followers to be the light of the world. Candles are a great way to remind the congregation that they are to stand united and committed against the ways of evil and the wicked world.

Meditation and prayer

Candles are often used to accompany meditation and prayer. Many Christians come to church and light a candle as this spiritual act connects them with the divine and is a testament to their devotion to Christ. Further, certain church elements, such as an orthodox candelabra, are designed according to Biblical specifications in keeping with rich tradition. You will find these ornate church candle stands on the holy table or other key areas of prominence in the church.

Divine presence

Candlelight is also a way to remind the congregation that they are in the presence of the divine. It is also a beautiful way to celebrate their collective faith as the congregation can hold lit candles during Easter Vigil or Christman Eve Mass. It creates a sense of unity amongst the worshippers and makes them feel a part of the same spiritual journey. Further, during weddings, candles are lit to show the union of husband and wife in holy matrimony. This adds to the sacredness of the wedding event.

If you are on the lookout for church supplies from an orthodox candelabra to vestments decorations, head online to reputed stores that stock up on different designs and styles. You will find everything that you need to fill in your church requirements at competitive prices and easy delivery options. Identify what you require in advance and place an order. Light up your services and let the light of Christ shine through the premises with beautiful candle stands that will create the ideal setting.

 

Church Candle Stands seen in the Orthodox Church

 

In a church, the lighting of candles can impart a sense of the Divine and is strongly associated with tradition and prayers. It is common to see different types of church candle stands such as the Dikiriy-Trikirys, Paschal Candleholders, and the Altar Candelabra. Here is a look at the significance of some of the different types of church candle stands in the Orthodox Church.

Dikiriy-Trikirys

The Dikiriy-Trikirys, also called the Dikirion and Trikirion are liturgical candlestands used to bless the clergy and the congregation in an Eastern Orthodox Church by Bishop. The Dikirion is a candlestand that can hold two candles, representing the dual nature of Jesus, wherein He is God who became man. The Trikirion holds three candles that represent the Holy Trinity. The Dikiriy-Trikirys are elaborately designed and are usually used in a hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Paschal candlestands

Paschal candle stands, also called the paschal trikirion can hold three candles. Unlike the Dikiriy-Trikirys, which are only used by Bishops, the Paschal trikirionis are used by all Priests during the Paschal (Easter) vigil and other times. It is held by the Priest in his left hand during the chanting of the Paschal verses at the beginning of the Matins, Vespers, and Divine Liturgy. It is also used when the liturgical censer is used or when giving the Paschal greeting.

Altar Candelabra

Perhaps the most ornate of all the church candle stands is the Altar Candelabra. It is a candle stand that has seven branches. The design of the Altar Candelabra is detailed in the Bible with instructions for its construction. The Altar Candelabra will not be found in normal church supply stores, and they have to be sourced from special shops selling high-quality liturgical items.

Traditionally, the Altar Candelabra is supposed to be made of gold. But this may not be possible as brass or gold plating is often used instead. They may also have jewel inlays and icon representations. Since the design of the Altar Candelabra is given in the Bible, design variation is limited, but they may feature a few minor variations such as a one or two-leg candelabra or different sizes.