In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus
As we journey together in this 15 Day Fast to commemorate and celebrate the Assumption of our beloved Theotokos, Mother Mary, it has been a great pleasure to learn and share with you the various symbolic inferences we draw from the Old Testament and give to the blessed Mother.
Through this sharing of thoughts we have been able to understand the importance we give to Mother Mary and the lessons we can learn from her life.
In the tapestry of Christian religious symbolism, few figures are as revered and iconic as Mother Mary. Often depicted as a beacon of grace, love, and compassion, her significance transcends religious boundaries and touches the hearts of millions across the globe. One of the profound metaphors associated with Mother Mary is that of the “Golden Candle and Censer,” a representation that encapsulates her role as a source of spiritual illumination and intercession.
Mother Mary is referred to as a golden candle and censer in the following verses of the Akathist Hymn (Hymn of Adoration) of the Greek Orthodox Church for Mother Mary:
Thou art a golden candlestick, all-glorious, set up in the holy of holies, and shining with the light of the divine knowledge.
Verses 11 &12
Thou art a censer of myrrh, fragrant and sweet-smelling, filling the world with the fragrance of thy prayers.”
The Golden Candle: Illumination of the Soul
In various cultures and faiths, light has long been a symbol of divine presence, wisdom, and enlightenment. In the Old Testament, when the Tabernacle was set up by Moses under the instruction of God, there was placed a seven branched candle, known as the Menorah, made of pure gold. and was the source of light in the Tabernacle.
The golden candle in the tabernacle in the Old Testament is a symbol of many things, including:
- God’s presence: The candle was made of pure gold, which was a symbol of God’s purity and holiness. It was also placed in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, which was the place where God’s presence was most fully revealed.
- Fullness of God: The seven branches of the candle signify the completeness of God, and thus was used to refer to the universality of God. The number seven also represent the seven days of creation. This suggests that the candle is a symbol of God’s eternal light and his power to create.
- Meeting with God: The candle was placed in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, which was the only place where the Israelites could go to meet with God. This shows that the candle was a symbol of God’s special presence and his willingness to meet with His people.
In Christianity, Jesus himself is referred to as the “Light of the World.” Similarly, Mother Mary’s portrayal as a golden candle emphasizes her role in illuminating the path towards spiritual awakening and understanding.
In Orthodox theology, the golden candle attributed to Mother Mary symbolizes the radiant illumination of divine grace. Just as a candle casts its light signifying the presence of God and a means to dispel darkness, so does Mary’s presence illuminate the human experience with the divine, guiding believers on their journey towards God. The golden hue of the candle signifies her purity, holiness, and the transcendent radiance of her soul
Orthodox teachings emphasize that Mary’s “yes” to the angel’s announcement to become the mother of Christ demonstrates her perfect obedience to God’s will. This obedience is seen as a shining light that guides humanity to respond to God’s call with faith and humility. Just as the candle’s light is steady and unwavering, so is Mary’s example of devotion to God, providing a path for believers to follow.
Mary’s “yes” to the divine announcement also led to the Light of the whole world to be born as a man, so that we also could be lit up by His light. We should remember the hymn that we sing just as we begin the Holy Eucharist:
By the light we see the Light, Jesus, full of light,
You are the True Light which enlightens creation
O Splendour of the Father
Shine Your joyous light on us.
Pure and Holy One who dwells in the realms of light,
Keep us from evil passions and all hateful thoughts
Grant us purity of heart
To do works of righteousness.
The Censer: Intercessor & Advocate
Along with the golden candle, censer was another item which was present in the Tabernacle of the Old Testament. The following were are significance of the censer:
- Prayer: The censer was used to burn incense, which was a symbol of prayer. The smoke from the incense rose up to God as a fragrant offering, and it was a reminder that the Israelites were to pray to God regularly.
- Atonement: The censer was also used on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. The smoke from the incense would purify the air and make it possible for the high priest to enter the presence of God without being killed.
- God’s presence: The censer was placed in front of the ark of the covenant, which was the symbol of God’s presence among the Israelites. The smoke from the incense would rise up to God as a fragrant offering, and it was a reminder that God was always with his people.
The censer was a powerful symbol in the Old Testament, and it continues to be a symbol of prayer, atonement, and God’s presence today.
The censer is used even today in all of the Churches of the Apostolic traditions. In religious practices, the censer is often used as a vessel to burn incense, its smoke rising as a representation of prayers ascending to the heavens. Similarly, Mother Mary’s role as a censer signifies her intercessory power – her ability to carry the prayers and supplications of the faithful to the divine realm. This concept finds its roots in the belief that Mary’s unique connection to Jesus allows her to advocate on behalf of humanity.
Mary’s intercessory role as a censer showcases her compassion and maternal love. Just as a censer spreads the aroma of incense, Mary spreads the fragrance of hope, comfort, and healing. Devotees turn to her with their hopes and burdens, trusting that she will present their petitions before the throne of God.
Harmony of Symbolism: Unity in Spirituality
The symbolism of the golden candle and censer in Orthodox teachings showcases the harmony between Mary’s roles as illuminator and intercessor. As the golden candle, her purity and devotion light the way for believers, helping them navigate the complexities of life. As the censer, she carries the prayers and petitions of the faithful to the presence of God, acting as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms.
This unity in symbolism reflects the holistic approach of Orthodox spirituality, where the various aspects of Mary’s identity are interconnected. Just as the candle and censer work in harmony to create a fragrant light, so do Mary’s roles work together to guide believers on their spiritual journey.
Liturgical Practices and Devotion
The teachings on Mary as the golden candle and censer are not merely theoretical concepts within the Orthodox Church; they are lived and celebrated through liturgical practices and devotions. The use of candles and incense in Orthodox worship services reflects the symbolism of Mary’s roles. Candles illuminate the space, reminding believers of her guiding light, while incense rises as a symbol of prayers ascending to God through her intercession.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple is a notable celebration in the Orthodox calendar. It commemorates the young Mary being dedicated to the service of God in the temple, foreshadowing her future role as the “Golden Candle” and “Censer” of spirituality. This feast highlights the significance of Mary’s life and her unique relationship with God.
Patristic references
While the specific titles “golden candle” and “censer” in reference to Mother Mary are not commonly found in the writings of the Church Fathers, the theological concepts they represent do have resonance in the writings of early Christian theologians. The Church Fathers often used allegorical and symbolic language to explore the significance of Mary’s role in the salvation narrative. Here are a few Church Fathers who touch upon related themes:
- St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407): Known for his eloquence and depth of theological insight, St. John Chrysostom often referred to Mary as the “Golden Vessel” in his writings. While not explicitly using the term “golden candle” or “censer,” he emphasized Mary’s purity, obedience, and her role in bearing Christ. In his homilies on the Annunciation, he highlighted her unique role as the vessel through which the “Light of the World” entered the world.
- St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395): St. Gregory of Nyssa’s writings often delve into allegorical interpretations of biblical texts. While he didn’t use the exact terms “golden candle” or “censer,” he did discuss Mary’s spiritual significance and her role in the economy of salvation. His writings emphasize Mary’s purity and her role in bearing Christ, connecting her to the concept of divine illumination.
- St. Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306–373): St. Ephrem is known for his hymns and poetic compositions that explore theological concepts. While he didn’t explicitly use the terms “golden candle” or “censer,” his hymns and writings often highlight Mary’s virtues and her role in the redemption of humanity. His poetic language often conveys the themes of light, purity, and intercession.
- St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397): In his writings, St. Ambrose of Milan touched upon Mary’s role in salvation history and her connection to Christ’s sacrifice. While not using the specific terms “golden candle” or “censer,” he did use metaphors that relate to Mary’s spiritual significance and her role as a vessel of divine grace.
It’s important to note that the exact terminology may not always match, as different Church Fathers used various allegorical and symbolic language to convey theological concepts. The titles “golden candle” and “censer” as applied to Mother Mary might have gained prominence in later Christian traditions. However, the themes of illumination, purity, and intercession associated with these symbols can be traced back to the early Christian thought found in the writings of the Church Fathers.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, the imagery of Mother Mary as the golden candle and censer carries profound theological and devotional implications. As the golden candle, she guides believers with her luminous example of faith and devotion. As the censer, she intercedes on behalf of humanity, presenting their prayers before God. The unity of these symbols emphasizes the holistic nature of Mary’s role and the interconnectedness of her spiritual attributes.
During this season of fast, and through liturgical practices and devotion, let us find inspiration and comfort in the presence of Mother Mary in our lives. Let the significance of the blessed Theotokos as both an illuminator and intercessor continue to guide us in our spiritual journey, reminding us of her unwavering presence as a source of light and a bridge to the divine realm.
Your brother in Christ Jesus
Jobin George
