This is a special platform or stand on which parishioners and visitors to the temple are placed and lighted candles.
It is difficult to imagine today an Orthodox Church, which would not be burning candles. The tradition of lighting up candles in the Church in Orthodoxy originates from Greece, from the time when the rules of Prince Volodymyr the Great and when our ancestors were converted to Christianity and the Orthodox faith.
Candles and lanterns were used in temples and everyday life since ancient times.
But the candle carries sacral meaning – it shows us the radiance of the divine light, a bloodless sacrifice. In Scripture one of the first prototypes of the future temple of the candlestick is the date of the first meeting of Moses and Jehovah in the wilderness of Midian when the Lord appeared in a burning Bush. Fire is a symbol of the Holy spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost and the deceased on them (see book of Acts).
In the first God established the Church – the Israel of the tabernacle, and later in the temple built by Solomon, stood a menorah, the menorah, minted from pure gold, on which all year round from the oil fires of worship of the Holy people to the Lord. Solomon's temple was ten great lamps of pure gold, decorated with flowers. Stood there for five East and five West. The lamps served as a symbol of God's guidance for the people. The king and Psalmist David cried, "You God-my lamp" (2 Samuel 22:29).
The light from the lamp also symbolizes the Holy Word of God: "Thy Word,"writes David,"a lamp to my feet". Just as light sends our way, and the Word of God directs our path to God in the darkness of this sinful world.
"And light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all in the house." (Matt. 5:15)
The life of the righteous Christian living a Holy and clean life is identified with the light of a candle lamp. She's like a bright candle in the darkness pointing to all the Holy and Righteous have chosen the hearts of Christians as the abode pointing to the heavenly Kingdom and its King.
So the candle itself though is not the attribute of righteousness man bringing her to the temple, but it is a reminder to him of the righteous, though transient life, about the need to burn for God offering their prayers and praise to the one who gives food, protection, peace and healing.
The blessed Simeon, Archbishop of fessaloniki, explaining the symbolic significance of the wax, said that pure wax symbolizes the pure heart of man. The wax is in a sense a sign of our repentance, melted hearts and a humble willingness to obey God. When the candle is lit, and the evaporation of wax in the fire-this is a type of the transformation of carnal man into a new creature under the effect of flame and heat of the love and grace of God to him.
Turning to the temple in prayer to God, Christians light candles, because the candle flame helps to tune into the mood of worship, to create a special unique atmosphere. A very important role in this process of worship are not only candles and their light, and what these candles are.
Visiting the temple congregation can always see what's inside the temple there are always a variety of chandeliers, bronze, brass and wrought iron candlesticks differing from each other in form, style and materials. Some candle holders are designed for installation of a single candle, others can contain from several units to several dozens of burning candles.
Church candleholders made by our craftsmen are true works of art that adorn the temples and allowing a beautiful and solemn to illuminate any temple. Some candle holders can be manufactured using semi-precious or precious stones. Brass candle holders are durable and practical.
Bronze candlesticks more and most popular at the expense of less expensive material to be used, and they are a little inferior in beauty to more expensive copies.
Also frequently used outdoor candle holders bulk, designed to fit a variety of candles. Here, as a rule, use the front high duct a rectangular or oval shape, which usually placed the special content.
When you select the candle you should pay attention to the size and diameter of the stand. For example, a thin stand can be used to set several candles.
Candlesticks for one candle practical and beautiful look, they are light and generally comfortable to hold in hand, to carry from place to place. Such candlesticks include, for example, deacon, the candlestick used during committed by a priest or by the deacon of incense on Easter day.
Also here you can find a remote candle holder for three candles, this candle symbolizes the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Trinity among the people. It is used in the Easter period, Church services, and on the feast of the Passover.
Ponomari or remote candle holder used during the service, the Sexton, These candle holders with gilding or lacquered, available in short or long tube. Can also be three candles.
The altar candlestick is typically used, pair number and is located in the Altar on the Holy throne. This candle symbolizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ the divine and human nature, of nature.
And finally, there is a small special candle holder for a Bishop or priest, which the divine services are held
