Why are candles needed in the church?translated

What do you associate with an Orthodox church? With icons, the singing of a church choir, the aroma of incense and, of course, the flickering fire of candles. But where did the custom of lighting candles during prayer come from? What is the meaning in it?

Lamps were used during worship services back in Old Testament times. In the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that accompanied the people of Israel during their wanderings in the desert, stood a golden seven-branched candlestick, or menorah. The priests had to keep his lamps burning from evening until morning. Later, in the Jerusalem Temple, built by King Solomon, there were already ten golden lamps.

Why do you need a church candle? The church has a huge chandelier (chandelier), small lamps, lamps, and even garlands for Christmas. Why then the candles? Let's figure it out...

In the first centuries of Christianity, when believers were forced to secretly gather for services in caves and catacombs, mainly at night, candles had a very practical meaning: they served as a source of light. But even then the fire of the candle acquired a symbolic meaning, reminiscent of Christ, Who said about Himself: I am the light of the world (John 8:12).

The early Christian apologist Tertullian wrote: “Never...