The early teachers of the Church also witnessed to the spiritual significance of candles. In the 2nd Century, Tertullian wrote:
“We never hold a service without candles, yet we use them not just to dispel night’s gloom; we also hold our services in daylight but in order to represent by this Christ, the Uncreated Light, without Whom we would in broad daylight wander as if lost in darkness” [ Works, 3rd ed., Kiev, 1915, p.76].
The Blessed Jerome wrote in the 4th Century:
“In all the Eastern Churches, candles are lit even in the daytime when one is to read the Gospels, in truth not to dispel the darkness, but as a sign of joy…in order under that factual light to feel that Light of which we read in the Psalms (119:105): ‘Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path'” [Works, part IV, 2nd ed., Kiev, 1900, pp.301-302].
St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, wrote in the 7th Century:
“Lampadas and candles represent the Eternal Light, and also the light which shines from the righteous” [Writings of the Holy Fathers…, St. Petersburg, 1855, Vol. I, p.270].
The Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council decreed that in the Orthodox Catholic Church, the holy Icons and Relics, the Cross of Christ, and the Holy Gospel were to be honored by censing and by the lighting of candles; and the Blessed Simeon of Thessalonica (15th Century) wrote that candles are also lit before the Icons of the Saints, for the sake of their good deeds that shine in this world.
The faithful light candles before the icons as a sign of their faith and hope in God’s help that is always sent to all who entreat with faith and prayers. The candle is also a symbol of our burning and grateful love for God.
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