candles

[copticorthodoxy]

in the coptic orthodox church i used to light a candle infront of the saints icons when i enter the church so i want to ask about the eastern orthodox view about lighting candles infront of the icons , i know it refer to many things but my question is about ,what we gain when we do it?

[HandmaidenOfGod]

We light candles to remind us of the light we have through Christ and also to make a small sacrifice (the cost of the candle) as we pray for our loved ones.

[copticorthodoxy]

and may be we mean that this saint was a light for the world , any one know the history of that tradition ?

[HandmaidenOfGod]

No, there is only one light of the world and that is Christ.

It is Christ's light that shines through us and all of His saints.

[HandmaidenOfGod]

See the Gospel of John, Chapter 1.

[copticorthodoxy]

No, there is only one light of the world and that is Christ.

It is Christ's light that shines through us and all of His saints.

the saints also are light of the world
Mat 5:14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=5&verse=14&version=kjv)Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

[moses916]

We are the light of the world through Christ. ;) If Christ was never light, would we still be the light of the world?

[copticorthodoxy]

We are the light of the world through Christ. ;) If Christ was never light, would we still be the light of the world?

Jhn 8:12 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Jhn&chapter=8&verse=12&version=kjv)Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world

Mat 5:14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=5&verse=14&version=kjv)Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

yes ofcourse !!! i am with you

[Dewi Sant]

Yes Jesus and all that is associated with God is the light.

I lit a candle for a friend (who has fallen into satanism) and I prayed.
The first time I lit the candle it went out very quickly, the flame wasn't very much.
The second time it refused the light from the match, I went through many mathches and tried very hard.
The third time it stole the light from the match. It burst into flames. :clap:


I have realised today what this means.

When he was young he was brought up Christian but then left the church.
(small flame that died)

Then he refused the light of Christ. Many times I tried to introduce it to him and failed. Many times others have tried to help him but he refuses.
(refusal to light)

I know that one day he will set on fire and will find the light again. This is a wonderful example of hope. :clap:

[eoe]

<shameless plug for the local monastery>


FYI: If you use candles at home THIS (http://www.monasteryproducts.org/) is a great place to buy them. Hand dipped beeswax candles in many sizes at $7.50 a pound! You get roughly 40 tapers for less than 8 bucks. You can not beat that with a sick. You also get the satisfaction of supporting the Holy Monks of the Monastery of the Glorious Ascention in lovely Resaca, Georgia.



</shameless plug for the local monastery>

[choirfiend]

Ah, thanks for stating who they were...I was looking around there the other day, but they don't have any statement of who they are or what Orthodox body they are a part of, and I'm wary of buying things from just anyone as you never know who you may end up supporting. Is this a Goarch monastery?
They also have a really good deal on charcoal.

[RobNJ]

Ah, thanks for stating who they were...I was looking around there the other day, but they don't have any statement of who they are or what Orthodox body they are a part of, and I'm wary of buying things from just anyone as you never know who you may end up supporting. Is this a Goarch monastery?
They also have a really good deal on charcoal.

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

[choirfiend]

Is the whole site by that monastery or just the candles? Any idea how to contact them, as well? I'm wondering what the circumference around the 33-knot and the 50-knot prayer ropes are.

[eoe]

Is the whole site by that monastery or just the candles?
That site is the bookstore for the monastery. The prayer ropes and books etc. all come from them. (They also have great pricing on books). The only thing I will warn you of is that the orders are processed once or twice a week so don't freak out of you do not get a fast response.

http://monastery.org/contact.html

I really did not mean to derail the thread at all. Forgive me.


One of the highlights of my week is the moment at which my family lights candles before the icon of the Μεταμορφωθης (Metamorfothis-transfiguration) or our lord. It really is a big moment for me to see my 3 year old daughter light a candle and put it in the sand. Priceless.

[choirfiend]

Thanks, I just saw this...The 'contact us' link from the bookstore site was broken. Now I can find out if the ropes will fit a wrist!