A candle in Christianity is a special symbol - a symbol of fiery faith, gratitude to the Almighty and all the saints for the gift of life. Find out how to light a candle correctly when entering an Orthodox church.
The meaning of church candles
This important symbol of faith contains a meaning that every Orthodox person should know about.
- First of all, this is a donation to faith and the temple. By purchasing a candle in church, a believer shows his pure soul and strong faith.
- A candle is a symbol of hope and gratitude. The flame contains all the requests and desires of the church parishioner.
- The light from a church candle represents the Divine light that is given to every believer.
Arriving at church, Orthodox Christians buy church candles, sometimes without even thinking about them important. But it is very important to approach this issue carefully and follow all the rules. The main condition is the fact that the candle must be wax. Unfortunately, in our time, many churches offer paraffin products to paraffin, which is in no way acceptable.
In what order and how should candles be placed?
When you come to church, you need to know exactly where to put the candle and what to ask the Lord for. The number and size of candles purchased does not matter; the main thing is to initially place the symbol of faith at the temple icon. You can ask your priest or church workers about this. If you came to church on Orthodox holiday, the candle is placed specifically for the event being celebrated.
Candles for health are always placed at the image of the Mother of God or at the icon of the Saint, whom the Almighty awarded with the gift of healing. At the same time, you can say a prayer, which will only enhance the effect of the flame.
Ask the ministers which icon helps with what and, based on this, light candles and pray for the most secret things.
When visiting a temple, be sure to light candles for the repose of all relatives and friends who gave their souls to God.
After the candle is placed, the believer must cross himself three times and bow before the Orthodox image.
Pay close attention to church rituals. Putting candles in Orthodox church, follow all the rules and remember their meaning. Enclose in the flame all the most intimate and pure things that are in your soul. We wish you good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
The rectal suppository should be cool before insertion, this makes it much more convenient to insert. In addition, many active ingredients included in candles require storage in the refrigerator.
Preparing for the introduction of suppositories
The preparatory stage consists of thoroughly washing your hands with soap and drying them with a towel. Your hands must be cool, otherwise the candle will quickly melt.
The position for inserting a rectal suppository can be:
- knee-elbow;
- standing, bending slightly;
- lying on your side with your knees bent;
- lying on your back with your legs raised high;
- lying on your back with a cushion under the sacrum or a raised pelvis.
In any position, the anal muscles should be relaxed; their excessive tension contributes to pain. Do not insert the suppository by force; this can lead to local damage to the mucous membrane of the anus. For ease of insertion, the anus can be lubricated with Vaseline, baby cream or vegetable oil.
Introduction of a rectal suppository
All manipulations should be carried out quickly so that the candle does not melt in your hands. Take the candle in one hand, spread the buttocks with the other hand. with a sharp end, the minimum insertion depth is the length of the index finger. The candle should pass through the muscle sphincter, then it will not cause discomfort or fall out. After inserting the suppository, you should bring your buttocks together and hold them in this position for several seconds.
After the procedure, you need to lie down for 20-30 minutes, preferably raising your pelvis. You should refrain from defecation (when inserting a rectal suppository, this desire often arises) so that the active substance has time to be absorbed.
It may leak. This is due to the base into which the active substance is introduced. White soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, fat and other substances are added to the candle base. Under the influence of body temperature, they become liquid, are not completely absorbed in the rectum, and leak. To avoid discomfort, you can use disposable pads.
Administration of rectal suppositories to children
For children, it is better to administer the suppository during sleep, which eliminates resistance to the procedure. The candle must be room temperature, put it after bowel movements so that it does not come out with feces.
The best position for the baby during insertion is lying on his side with his knees slightly bent, with minimal pain or discomfort.
For a sleeping child, the buttocks are spread apart with one hand, and with the other, a candle is inserted into the rectum with the sharp end, holding it with a finger or squeezing the buttocks for several minutes (the candle should not be visible in the anus). To make the candle pass easier, use baby cream.
If five minutes after administration, the procedure must be repeated, since the active substance has not had time to be absorbed.
06.10.2014
By lighting a candle in a church, a person voluntarily makes some kind of sacrifice to the Lord. By this he expresses his readiness to serve and obey God. A symbol of warmth and love for the Father of God, the Mother of God and other saints. But not everyone knows that in order to light a candle for health, you need to adhere to certain rules.
How to light a candle for health in a church?
It is worth understanding that both men and women should come to church in modest attire. Men should not come in hats or tracksuits; women should be treated the same, but you still need to cover your head. Wearing makeup is also not recommended.
Traditions
To light a candle in a church for the health of yourself or your loved ones, you should know the traditions that you need to adhere to. So, during the service, you cannot walk around the church or disturb other parishioners with your requests that they let you pass or light a candle for you. So, it would be best to come after or before the service. It is worth choosing a time when there is no liturgy.
It is worth lighting candles in accordance with this tradition. First you need to approach the icon, which is the most revered in the temple or for the Holiday. It will be located opposite the entrance to the altar. You will need to approach the relics of the Saints, if there are any in the church. Then come so that in front of you is saint icon, whose name you also bear, and only then go to the candlestick where they put candles for health. They place health on any of the candlesticks that are in the temple; the significance will not depend on their location. But you should not put candles on the table for funeral services; it has a crucifix and is rectangular in shape.
Candles for health are placed by the Mother of God, the Savior, Panteleimon the healer, Saints who heal ailments, and also help in difficult situations in a person’s life. For example, spouses who suffer from infertility can light a candle to the Righteous Fathers of God Anna and Joachim, who are known as parents Holy Mother of God, but women who bear a child - Mother of God. Also, those who have ailments or ask for healing of someone should light a candle:
Matrona of Moscow,
Seraphim of Sarov,
other revered Saints of God.
You need to buy candles in the temple, in the shop. The cost of candles will vary, but this factor will not have any significance, the main thing is to sincerely turn to God. Go to the icon of the Saint, cross yourself and repeat Our Father 2 times. Place the candle in an empty space in the candlestick.
Quite often people come to church wanting to light a candle, however, they do not know how to do it correctly. That is why within the framework of this article it is necessary to talk a little about this ritual. First of all, ...
Many people ask the question, “How should you behave in the Temple?” It happens that there is no one to ask about this, and you don’t want to ask the all-knowing grandmothers. First of all, it is worth understanding that the Temple is not a secular...
Many diseases can be cured rectal suppositories. But not everyone knows how to insert suppositories into the rectum correctly.
Today in pharmacies you can find similar remedies for literally everything: for temperature - with paracetamol, for hemorrhoids - with shark fat, there are sea buckthorn suppositories, ichthyol suppositories and others. Rectal medications have a gentler effect on the body than oral medications, but treat diseases no less effectively. That is why doctors prescribe them in combination with other medications. But for the effect to be positive, you need to insert the candle correctly. Most often, the doctor explains how to insert suppositories correctly when he prescribes this remedy. However, if he has not done this, then the process may seem very difficult to a person who is faced with this for the first time. But that's not true.
1 Instructions for use
The most best time for treatment with rectal suppositories - this is the evening, just before bedtime, because the medicine will be completely absorbed during the night. First you need to wash the anus well with soap. Hands should also be thoroughly washed before opening the package with the candle. It is advisable to store suppositories in the refrigerator and administer them chilled. When they are hard, they do not melt in your hands, and the insertion process becomes easier. In addition, in the refrigerator the rectal drug will retain its properties longer. medicinal properties. You should not hold the candle in your hands for a long time; try to do everything quickly before it melts.
It takes some time for the suppository to completely dissolve in the rectum, so it is advisable to perform a bowel movement before administration, because if this happens after, the medicine will not have time to be completely absorbed and will be released along with the feces.
Regardless of who you are administering the suppository to - an adult or a child - it is necessary that the rectum is relaxed. There is no need to apply force to insert the suppository so as not to injure the mucous membrane of the anus. That is why all rectal suppositories have one pointed tip. If necessary, you can lubricate the anus with vegetable oil or baby cream before insertion.
2 Rectal suppositories for adults
After all hygiene procedures have been completed, the package with the candle is opened, the body must take a relaxed position, otherwise pain may occur. You can take the following poses:
- standing, slightly leaning forward;
- lying on either side, while the leg that is on top must be bent and pressed to the chest, or both legs must be brought to the chest;
- stand in a knee-elbow position;
- lying on your back with your legs raised high, for example, with your legs thrown over the back of the sofa;
- lying on your back, slightly raising your pelvis or placing a pillow or cushion under your pelvis.
The choice of position is determined by the patient himself, based on age and comfort. But many consider the most comfortable position to be lying on your side with your knees drawn to your chest.
It is advisable to insert the candle at once, in one go; you can use your free hand to move one buttock to the side, and with the other hand, holding the candle by the wide tip, insert the sharp end into the anus.
Next, you need to calmly and carefully push it with one finger deep into the anus, but no further than 5 cm from the hole itself. If you insert the suppository not so deeply, it will be pushed out as soon as the sphincter contracts. After it is installed at the desired depth, you need to close your buttocks with your hands and fix them in this position for 10 seconds. At the same time, the body should also be relaxed and the pelvis raised. If after the introduction of the suppository the urge to defecate appears, it is necessary to suppress them and wait until the medicine is completely absorbed into the intestine. After lying down for half an hour, you can get up and wash your hands with soap.
Do not be alarmed if you see the remains of a suppository in the stool; not all components are completely absorbed, for example, paraffins, fat and petroleum jelly can remain in the rectum and come out with the stool or on their own. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant situations, it is better to use disposable pads or napkins. Do not forget that the doctor may prescribe the use of a suppository in a smaller dose than its standard, then it is necessary to cut it lengthwise with a knife.
3 Use of suppositories for children
Any mother knows how to administer suppositories to a child, because during the first year, when the child has a fever, paracetamol is administered, but if this is the first time in your practice, then these instructions are for you. The preparation and hygiene of a child for the insertion of a rectal suppository is the same as for an adult. You must thoroughly wash the child's anus and your hands with soap. Then you need to put the child on his back and lift his legs up with one hand, and insert the candle with the other hand. Do not forget that the drug must be administered to the baby after defecation.
It is best to do this when the baby is sleeping. If it is recommended for an adult not to warm up the candle before inserting it, then for a child it is still better to hold it in the package in his palms for a while so that it warms up to approximately 18 degrees, and only then open the package. The candle is inserted into the child to a depth of no more than 2 cm. Then the buttocks are also clamped for 10 seconds. Try not to cause discomfort to the baby, otherwise the next procedure will be viewed with hostility. Think of something to distract the child while inserting the suppository. If the procedure was not done at night, then after half an hour the child will be able to get up.
If you insert suppositories into a baby, it is better to do this when he is sleeping, but if the child screams, and therefore the suppository leaves the body within 5 minutes, then it must be inserted again very quickly, because during this time the medicine is not completely absorbed into the intestine.
Helpful Tips:
- Before placing candles, carefully read the instructions so as not to make a mistake in the dosage of the product.
- Long nails should be cut off before the procedure, otherwise you may damage the mucous membrane.
- Place the candle quickly before it melts in your hands. If this happens, it is better to take a new one, because inserting a melted candle will be problematic.
- If it is more convenient for you to insert the suppository while standing, then as soon as the suppository is inserted, immediately lie down.
- You can lubricate the oil not only the anus, but also your fingers, with which you will push the candle deeper into the intestine.
Despite the fact that not a single case of overdose with rectal suppositories has been recorded, it is still better not to abuse them, but to adhere to strict recommendations and dosages.
Most people, coming to church, consider it their responsibility to light candles. Some approach the issue fundamentally and purchase the most massive specimens, hoping that in this way they will quickly receive answers to their questions and earn many preferences. But the essence of lighting candles is not the fulfillment of human desires, almost always dictated by earthly passions, but the humble desire of the human soul to join the Divine light. But you still need to know the basic rules of where in the church to light candles for health, so as not to spoil the visit to the temple for yourself or the rest of the parishioners.
What is a church candle?
The burning of a church candle, like the candle itself, has many meanings, and all of them relate to the spiritual component of the connection between God and man. First of all, this symbolizes the believer’s prayerful fervor before the Lord, secondly, it is a voluntary and feasible sacrifice to God and his church, and also means a person’s involvement in the invisible divine light.
The lighting of candles, lamps, and lamps in Christian churches historically dates back to the times when believers had to hold services in caves. But even then, the light of a candle not only helped to illuminate the place of prayer, but was a symbol of Christ. A parishioner in a church must light a candle with fervent prayer and love; in the absence of religious feelings, the ritual takes on a pagan color.
How to put candles?
The main rule is sincere faith, love for God and the person for whom the prayer will be said. The number of candles does not matter; the whole point of the ritual is purity of thoughts and an ardent desire for health to one’s neighbor. The rules of behavior in the church require lighting candles before the start of the church service, so that later, by walking and actions, you do not interfere with parishioners praying, and clergymen conducting the service.
You can also light a candle at the end of the service. There are certain rules of conduct in church when a parishioner lights candles:
- Near the candlestick they make two bows from the waist while simultaneously making the sign of the cross.
- Next, light a candle; this can be done from any candle standing on a candlestick. Do not light a candle from the central lamp, so as not to accidentally extinguish it with dripping wax.
- It is necessary to cross yourself again and place the candle in a free socket.
- After installation, a bow is made with a simultaneous sign of the cross.
- Next the prayer is read.
- If there are no free places in the candlestick, then you do not need to extinguish and remove other candles without authorization. The candle is placed next to the candlestick or they wait until the church workers find an opportunity to empty the nests of the common candlestick.
- You can only stand with a lit candle in church at funeral services or for absolution in the presence of a priest.
Occasion and place
Candles in church are lit for health and peace. Healthy candles are lit for various reasons - with a prayer for health and many years to come in life, in gratitude for an event that has happened, with a prayer for help or protection in some endeavor, and for many other reasons, candles for health are used.
Where to put and how to determine the place for the symbol of health? The priests say that there are no special requirements for which icons to place a candle near. If a person does not know where to put it, then the most the right decision there will be a central candlestick, where most often there is a place and opportunity to refer to the icons of the main iconostasis.
But in every church there is a particularly revered icon, near which parishioners often pray and services are held. These icons are considered the most powerful symbols, and most people prefer to leave their candle there. In this case, you should definitely read the canonical prayer dedicated to this icon and the saint depicted on it, but if the prayer is unknown to the parishioner, then sincere faith will help him and the words will flow from the heart, which is more valuable.
A person who comes to church for the first time is poorly oriented not only in symbols, but also in certain actions, especially when he strives to light a candle for health. Where to put it so as not to mistakenly set the fire for the repose. A candlestick with funeral candles stands on a separate table and is located in front of the Holy Crucifix. It differs in shape; funeral candlesticks in churches almost always have a circle as a base, while funeral candlesticks have a square or rectangle without a main candle or lamp.
Fundamental approach
If your state of mind requires involvement in spiritual life and you need to express your respect, then you need to know where in the church to light candles for health:
- It is good for the soul to place a candle in the candlestick of the central lectern and at the same time bow, pray and make the sign of the cross. Actions should be calm, thoughtful, with awareness and peace of mind.
- If there are relics of a saint in the church, then it is necessary to light a candle in honor of his memory.
- An icon revered in a temple is also a symbol where a candle will become appropriate and soul-helping along with a sincere prayer to the saint or saint who is depicted on the icon.
- Prayer for health (yours or loved one) is performed near any icon, at the same time leaving a candle on any candlestick of the temple. If the name of the heavenly patron in whose honor the parishioner was baptized is known, then best choice will turn to the icon depicting the saint and read a prayer for protection and health.
FAQ
A neophyte in a church has many questions, the first of which is where in the church to light candles for health. Over time, an internal understanding of the semantic and spiritual load of one’s stay within the religious space awakens and questions become even larger.
Main questions:
- What candles are lit for good health? Church candles are not divided into types according to purpose. They are the same for all needs. Differences may be in shape (straight, tapered), size or materials of manufacture (wax, paraffin, mixed). To the delight of parishioners, in church shops or from private manufacturers you can buy candles decorated with carvings, symbols, and various color range, this has nothing to do with the canonical rules.
- Where in the church should we place an unbaptized child? In this case, a candle is placed on the central candlestick, but it is advisable to baptize the newborn as soon as possible. A priest is invited home to perform the ceremony if it is impossible to bring the child to the baptismal temple. After the sacrament has been performed, you can order magpies, prayer services, etc.
- Where in the church to light candles for health and deliverance from addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling? The prayer is performed in front of the icons of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, the holy martyr Boniface and righteous John Kronstadtsky, a candle is installed there.
- Is it possible to pray and light a candle for yourself? They pray for their health, mental and physical, and place candles in front of the icons of their heavenly patron or on the central candlestick. At the same time, they do not forget to exalt for everything they have.
- Where in the church do you light candles for good health and successful surgery? Among Orthodox saints special place occupied by Panteleimon the Healer, he is considered the main assistant in the recovery and successful outcome of all medical interventions. Saints Cosmas and Damian are also venerated and helpful. The patient is recommended to confess, take communion and order a prayer service in church for a successful outcome of the operation. It will be useful to pray for the surgeon who will perform the operation and that the Lord will control his hands.
