Prayer Candles
Worshippers often light a candle as they pray for themselves, loved ones, or the departed. Candle stands may be in the narthex or near icons in the nave.
Perspective note
Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching.
Key points
- The flame recalls Christ, the Light of the world.
- Look for: Candles in a prayer stand, often before icons.
- Illustrated location: Narthex and entrance
- Light before God (Orthodox reception): Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.
- A candle stand, menorah, and synagogue eternal light are distinct furnishings. Their forms, locations, and interpretation vary; not every church has seven branches.
Scripture
- Exodus 25:10–40 — Light before God: Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.
- 1 Kings 7:23–26, 48–50 — Light before God: Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.
- 2 Chronicles 4:6–8, 19–20 — Light before God: Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.