Jerusalem candles - questions and answers, everything you need to know

Jerusalem Candles are an Orthodox gift, one of the manifestations of the descent of the Holy Fire.

The light from them is the Divine light that the Lord brought into the world!

Each of these candles is handmade by monks in the Holy Land from natural beeswax and infused with the fragrance of honey, giving them a divine aroma.

I will answer some frequently asked questions:

Why are there 33 candles in a bundle?
The "torch" consists of 33 candles, corresponding to the number of years of Jesus Christ's earthly life, and they are closely bound together, symbolizing one large candle.

Can the 33 candles be separated?
The clergy of the Church do not recommend separating the bundle of candles, as the bundle of 33 candles represents the 33 years of Jesus Christ's earthly life and the Divine light that came into the world after His death and resurrection. Therefore, candles are typically not separated, and the entire bundle is lit.

Jerusalem Candles: when to light them?
It is customary to light the bundle on Easter, during the twelve Great Feasts, and on major holidays. However, they can also be lit in any life situation where the believer requires special support and divine assistance.

How to light them?
The candles are best lit with a match.

How to extinguish the flame?
You can extinguish them using your hand, a cap, a small cup, or any other container, or by dipping them in water to preserve a part of the Holy Fire within them.

On which days should Jerusalem candles not be lit?
Jerusalem candles should not be lit during mourning days, on Christmas, or on Great Friday of Holy Week.

How to store the candles?
They should be carefully stored wrapped in linen cloth near icons, at temperatures between −15 and +25 degrees Celsius (without direct sunlight hitting the bundle of candles).

IMPORTANT!
To ensure that Jerusalem candles, consecrated by the Holy Fire, last long, they should not be burned completely. It is enough to light a church candle from the bundle of Jerusalem candles, and then immediately extinguish the Jerusalem candles. Through the flame of the church candle, all the properties of the Holy Fire are transmitted, and the inexplicable magical power works miracles.

Before sending the candles, I bless them on the Stone of Anointing and ignite them with the Holy Fire, so when you light them later, they will burn with that same Holy Fire, bringing Divine Light into your home.

May they bring a part of the Holy Fire into your home 🙏