Jerusalem candle is a spiritual gift. This is a sanctified item that is stored with household shrines. How to light Jerusalem candles? What holidays can I do?
Orthodox Christians who receive them as a gift often do not know what they are for. Jerusalem candles carry a particle of the Holy Fire. But there are some restrictions on their use.
Where do Jerusalem candles come from?
The Jerusalem candle is a torch of 33 candles. Their number corresponds to the lived earthly years of Jesus Christ. On the eve of Easter, on Holy Saturday, the convergence of the Holy Fire takes place. In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem), a special service is performed, at the end of which the clergy carry out the Holy Light (or the Holy Fire). It symbolizes the resurrection of the Savior.
According to legend, if the Holy Fire does not come down on this day, then the Apocalypse will come, the end of the world and the temple will be destroyed.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to Jerusalem to receive the Holy Light. Many torches are lit on this day from the Holy Fire. Jerusalem candles (photo shows that they are of different colors) preserve the energy of purity and holiness for many years. By direct flight the Holy Fire received is taken to Cyprus and Greece. And then he is transported around the world.
In the holy land of Jerusalem, monks make candles. They are made from beeswax. Therefore, the fake is easy to recognize - real Jerusalem candles exude the smell of honey.
The Appearance of the Holy Fire
The appearance of the Holy Light in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is considered one of the wonders of Orthodoxy. This sacrament is watched not only by pilgrims, but also by viewers around the world.
On the eve of the service, all the lamps, candles, chandeliers are extinguished. The patriarch strips to the cassock. This is done so that it can be seen - he does not have matches or other objects with him to facilitate the extraction of fire. This custom appeared after the Turkish authorities raided the chapel. They even checked the pockets of the patriarch in search of matches or other means.
For the descent of the Holy Fire, the sacristan brings a lamp and 33 Jerusalem candles to the cave (Kuvukliya). The significance of this action is miraculous self-ignition, which has been studied for centuries. An oil-filled icon-lamp is placed in the middle of the Picturesque Coffin. Patriarchs (Orthodox and Armenian) enter Kuvukliya and the cave with them is sealed with wax.
In the temple, those present silently pray, confess their sins. The wait lasts from 5 minutes to several hours. At that moment, when flashes of fire appear in Kuvuklia, a bell rings. Patriarchs come out, blessing the people and giving out the Holy Light.
In the first minutes, the Holy Fire does not burn. Pilgrims scoop his hands, performing ablutions. Such actions purify, instill in the soul joy and happiness from initiation into a miracle.
Two patriarchs
The presence of the Armenian archimandrite at the convergence of the Holy Light is a long tradition. She appeared at a time when Jerusalem was under Muslim rule. Legend has it that the Armenians bought for a lot of money from the local ruler the right to single-handedly perform the rite in Kuvuklia. The Armenian patriarch spent about a day in the cave, praying for the convergence of Fire. Other Holy Fathers were not even allowed into the temple. They stood nearby in the square. But the Holy Light never appeared in the cave.
The Patriarch of Constantinople prayed near the temple, along with other priests. A ray that struck from heaven fell into a column near which stood the Orthodox patriarch. Bursts of fire spattered from the column in different directions. All the people standing near the temple lit up candles.
After this incident, the ruler of Jerusalem ordered the rite in Kuvuklia to be performed only by the Patriarch of Constantinople. And to the Armenian arikhimandrite, as a warning, since then it was necessary to enter the cave with him and observe the performance of the rite.
Strange events in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Often the descent of the Holy Fire is accompanied by strange events. Lightning flashes sparkle in different places of the temple. Sometimes after such sparkles, luminous balls appear . They move quickly in a crowd of people or above it, not crushing and not blurring. At some point, the luminous ball lights the nearest candle or, sparkling, disappears.
The convergence of the Holy Light, in some cases, is accompanied by sound phenomena. They are recorded in ancient historical sources, and are described in modern evidence. You can hear the thunder in clear sun and clear sky.
Much less common are stories about self-healing items. For example, a hood or apostle lights up during the descent of the Fire. But after the flame is extinguished, things turn out to be whole, without scorched edges or burnt holes.
Hemorrhages and hemorrhages occur at the time of the appearance of the Holy Light. The very first case was described in 1572. On the Fez “Crown of the Crown of Thorns” fez drops appeared that looked like blood. In the 19th century, pesca was replaced by an icon with a similar plot. And at the beginning of the 20th century (in 1939), on the night before Easter, she began to myrrh. This was repeated in 2001. The icon was streaming from the evening of Great Friday, but by Easter it returned to its former, unspoiled form.
The strangest thing is that after episodes of myrrh-streaming major historical events took place, accompanied by mass deaths of people. So, in 1572, after 5 months, Bartholomew’s night took place . In 1939, after 5 months, the Second World War began. In 2001, 5 months after the fact of myrrh-streaming, there was a terrorist attack in the United States. Famous twin towers were destroyed, a large number of people died.
How to light Jerusalem candles?
A torch lit from the Holy Light is immediately extinguished. It is important to know that Jerusalem candles cannot be blown out. You can extinguish them only with a cap or fingers - this way the holiness and amazing properties of the Holy Fire will be preserved in them.
Jerusalem candle scorched by the Holy Light, requires proper storage and respect. Each ignition carries miraculous energy. The clergy do not recommend sharing a bunch of sections. But in everyday life, people often give relatives who are familiar with one candle from the torch. Such a present represents faith in eternal life and brings with it a particle of grace.
How to burn Jerusalem candles? What holiday is it better to use? The torch can be lit with a regular match. From this, he will not lose his wonderful properties. Then, a church candle is lit from the torch. She becomes the bearer of the Holy Fire. And Jerusalem candles can be extinguished with a cap until next time.
On Easter, a church candle is lit from the whole beam. On other days and Orthodox holidays, it is allowed to light one Jerusalem candle and set fire to the church from it. So the torch will last longer.
It is forbidden to light Jerusalem candles during the days of mourning, on Christmas Day, on the Great Friday of Holy Week. This church ban is not negotiable.
Storage rules
A powerful charm are 33 Jerusalem candles. How to use, where to store the holy torch? The bundle can be put to the home iconostasis. Do not store candles in a cupboard or sideboard. Even unlit, they carry a particle of light and grace. If the house does not have a single icon, the torch can be put on a shelf in the red corner - this is the right far corner from the door.
After jerusalem candle settled in the house, it should be lit and read a prayer of thanks.
Strong torch cooling or heating must not be allowed. At temperatures below -15º it will crack. And if the apartment is hot, above + 25º, then the candles will begin to deform. Direct sunlight will make their color fade.
It is optimal to wrap the bundle in linen or cotton cloth and place it next to the home shrines - frankincense, cross, prayer book.
What are they needed for?
People who receive a torch as a present sometimes wonder why Jerusalem candles are needed. What to do with them?
Through the flame of the torch, the power of the Holy Fire is transmitted. If you light a church candle from him, she will also become the bearer of the Holy Light. With it, you can clean the apartment of negative energy. Or put at the head of a seriously ill person. With a candle, you can pray and ask for a wish.
Why light Jerusalem candles? How to use them? With a lit candle, you can ask:
- about getting rid of sadness and sorrow;
- forgiveness and remission of sins;
- about getting rid of need, loneliness, disease;
- about improving things;
- about promising work;
- good luck in trading;
- about the health of children and parents;
- about getting rid of alcoholism, drug addiction;
- about the admonition of a wicked husband (wife);
- on protection from enemies, ill-wishers;
- about easy birth and the health of the baby;
- about improving relationships;
- about a successful journey;
- about happiness in marriage.
Jerusalem candles can be used before starting a new, good deed and for sanctification:
- new purchases (real estate, car);
- newlyweds;
- a newborn.
Read the prayer before the candle in complete solitude, looking at the flame. If there is no home prayer book, requests made in your own words are allowed.
Fulfillment of desires
Jerusalem candles help to fulfill the cherished desire . How to use them to make a dream come true?
All requests, prayers, desires are discussed one on one with the Higher powers. You should light a candle, looking at the fire, concentrate on the dream. Imagine that a wish has already come true. A few minutes to think about how life will change after the fulfillment of a dream.
Every day (from 3 to 7 days) you can ask for a miracle. After the request, be sure to thank God for all the good luck in life. At the end of the prayer, put out the candle, without talking to anyone, go to bed.
Jerusalem candles: the meaning of colors
The torch, seared by the Holy Fire, is itself a spiritual gift and has miraculous power. Often such a bundle becomes an attribute of magical influences. Priests harshly condemn the use of the blessed power of fire for witchcraft purposes. Love spells with Jerusalem candles are prohibited.
But for the fulfillment of desires on sale, one can meet bundles of different colors. Each of them has its own meaning and allows you to quickly reach the desired result. The source of tremendous energy is the Jerusalem candles. The meaning of flowers will help to concentrate the fertile power to attract good luck to the house or to get rid of loneliness.
Wax can absorb a large amount of information. And the colors of the Jerusalem candles give them a peculiar character, feature.
Black color
The black color of candles will help to cope with piled up problems, troubles. He is struggling with depression, spleen, loss of strength.
If a person suspects that a negative influence was imposed on him (spoiling, evil eye, curse) - you should definitely pray with the burning black Jerusalem candles. They will help level the alien invasion of the human field.
If a small child begins to attend public places (kindergarten, school), you should light a black candle in the morning and before going to bed.
Red color
The symbol of love energy is red. The Jerusalem candle will help to remove the crown of celibacy, to get rid of loneliness. Red, she will protect the house, the family from quarrels and scandals. Prayers in front of her will help to find love.
If betrayal has begun, you should light a red candle every night. She will return to the family a good, harmonious relationship.
Green color
Green is responsible for material well-being. A Jerusalem candle of this shade will bring financial prosperity and relieve need. It will help you find work for your soul and strength. Return luck to the house.
Prayers in front of a green candle will restore lost health. The green torch will help with alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual impotence. Also, by candlelight, you can pray for the birth of a healthy child.
Yellow
Yellow Jerusalem candles are a powerful talisman. How to use their home? Before a serious conversation, the far road lit yellow candles. They will bring support in new activities and endeavors.
If there is a curse in the family, the yellow torch will smooth out the negative program. In case of illnesses, depressions, failures, one should pray and ask for the fulfillment of desire from the Jerusalem candle.
White color
White color is neutral. It protects people and the house from negative influences, slander, unkind visitors. The white torch will bring peace and harmony.
Prayers in front of a white candle grant wisdom and patience. They will restore peace of mind. She is lit in difficult times and asked to give strength, calmness in a difficult life situation.
Conclusion
The very first testimonies of the Holy Fire occur in the VI century. But in them there is a description of an earlier convergence of the Light. Some Christian denominations are offended that the Holy Fire does not appear on their Easter. Why is only the Orthodox faith marked by such a miracle? There is a legend that it is closest to the teachings of Christ. How true is this statement? Until now, theological debates have been held in which each denomination defends its point of view.
Jerusalem candles carry powerful potential - they allow you to penetrate the divine spirit at home. They can be purchased or received as a gift only once a year - after Easter. When using candles it is allowed:
- separate them, give, use one candle;
- light an ordinary candle from Jerusalem;
- set fire to the entire torch or one candle during prayers, holidays;
- extinguish the Jerusalem candle with a cap, fingers (do not blow out).
Jerusalem candles are lit during prayers and Orthodox holidays, in the days of troubles and doubts. Their gracious strength will help strengthen faith, give strength, fill the house with positive energy.
The torch is not lit on Good Friday of Holy Week and at Christmas. Jerusalem candles are a symbol of the joy and miracle of the resurrection.