The Orthodox Pages

 

 ASK AN ORTHODOX PRIEST

Homepage

 

   Back                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Question 337

I would like to know why we keep a light burning in the tomb they are buried in. My parents have been dead 9years and 6 years and I still go every week but out of Curiosity I would like to know why we do it thanks 

   

 

Answer to Question 337

 

There are many symbolisms associated with lighting a candle or vigil lamp (kantilla) according to where and why we light them. In all cases the first explanation must be that the flame represents Christ who is the light of the world (John 8:12) who illuminates our souls. Lighting a vigil lamp at a grave also represents the light of Christ shining and leading the way for the departed souls to find their way to paradise through the darkness of death. 

Lighting a candle or vigil lamp is at the same time a prayer offered on someone’s behalf. For a candle we say that as the wax melts so also may the sins committed by someone be dissolved. For a vigil lamp we have a play with the Greek word for oil and mercy which although spelt differently sound exactly the same. Ἐλαιος means oil and Έλεος means mercy and we say that as the Ἐλαιος (oil) burns may the Lord’s Έλεος (mercy) be upon those for whom the lamp was lit.