Priesthood and Deacons
Why are candles placed on and around the altar?
Candles are placed on and around the altar because light is a biblical sign of Christ, divine presence, prayer, vigilance, and joy. In Coptic worship, candles honor the holy service and help the Church pray with reverence.
Candles belong to the liturgical language of the Church, especially around the altar, icons, Gospel, and solemn processions. They give visible form to watchfulness, offering, and the light of faith.
Light In Scripture And Worship
The Old Testament type includes the lampstand in the tabernacle, where light belonged to the worship of God. Scripture repeatedly connects light with God's presence, guidance, truth, and salvation.
The altar candles should be read through that biblical world. They are not simply practical lighting. They are visible prayer, pointing the eyes to God's light.
I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
Christ fulfills every holy light by declaring Himself the Light of the world. The Church uses candles because the incarnate Lord has brought divine light into human life.
Around the altar, the candles point to Christ present in the Eucharistic worship of His Church. Near the Gospel, candles confess that His word is light. Near icons, they honor God's work in His saints.
How Candles Serve The Coptic Rite
In Coptic churches, candles may be placed on or around the altar and carried during processions, especially around the Gospel. They work together with incense, icons, vestments, and chant to teach reverence.
The faithful may also light candles in prayer according to parish practice. That action should be joined to repentance, thanksgiving, intercession, and trust in God.
The candle helps the body participate in prayer and gives visible form to offering. The flame is a sign; Christ is the Light to whom the sign points.
When you see altar candles, let them draw your attention to Christ rather than to the objects themselves. The Church places light near holy things because she confesses that God has shone in Christ.
If you light a candle, pray plainly. Remember someone by name, ask mercy, give thanks, or repent. The flame should leave the heart more attentive to God.
- Icons and Vestments, Coptic Education. Introductory lesson on icons and vestments as visible teaching in Coptic worship.
- Church Architecture and Priests' Vestments, Servants Preparation Program, SUSCopts. Servants-prep lesson on Coptic church architecture, sanctuary meaning, altar space, and priestly vestments.
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
- Coptic Rites (1): Raising of Incense, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Teaching slides on incense, prayer, liturgical order, and reverent participation.
Altar: The holy table in the sanctuary where the Eucharistic gifts are offered and consecrated, treated with reverence as the center of liturgical worship.
Icon: A sacred image of Christ, St. Mary, an angel, a saint, or a holy event. In Coptic practice, church icons are consecrated with Holy Myron and are venerated, not worshiped.
Incense: Fragrant offering used in worship as a biblical sign of prayer rising before God, especially around the altar, Gospel, icons, clergy, and faithful.
Vestments: Liturgical garments worn for service at the altar, setting the minister apart for prayer and symbolizing purity, service, and the grace of the priesthood.
Intercession: Prayer offered on behalf of another. The Church asks the saints to pray with and for us because they are alive in Christ.