St. Volodymyr's Parish

Candles play a major role in our Liturgical Rite. We use candles at Easter, candles at Christmas, candles at Theophany, candles at baptism, candles at weddings, candles on the Altar table, candles before icons, candles during processions, candles everywhere. So why do we use candles and what is their significance? Candles, lamps, light and flames represent the visible presence of God as the Light of the World. To understand the meaning of candles in our worship, we must look to the Bible where God is so often described in terms of fire and light.

The blessing of homes constitutes an invocative blessing, meaning that by his prayer and by the sprinkling of Holy Water the priest invokes God’s blessings and protection upon the home and those living in it. We bless homes for many reasons: