Wicks for the Candleholder, made of Beeswax

The use and lighting of a candle in the holy church, as well as in the homes of the faithful, is an ancient and pious tradition dating back to the early Christian era.

Lighting a candle with olive oil in the candleholder is a small sacrifice and offering, an expression of reverence, gratitude, and love for God for the supreme sacrifice of the Incarnate Son and Word of God, crucified for our salvation. Through our faith, devotion, and prayer, we thank God for the life He gives us, for physical and spiritual health, for our salvation and sanctification, and for all the blessings of divine and infinite love and providence.

Saint Nicholas Velimirovich, Bishop of Ohrid, specifically mentions the reasons for lighting a candle:

• It reminds us of the Light of Christ, which illuminates our hearts, as He said: “I am the Light of the world.”
• It reminds us that our lives should be bright, like the saints.
• It recalls Christ’s words: “Let your light shine before men…, and our dark deeds, memories, and desires are restrained.”
• It reminds us of the necessity of prayer.
• The Light of Christ is mighty against the forces of darkness that struggle against us.
• It motivates us toward self-sacrifice in spiritual life. Just as the oil burns in the candleholder, so our will is humbled and consumed by the flame of God’s love and divine Will.
• It reminds us that the labors of virtue are the oil, and the light is the fire of the Spirit, which burns in our hearts.