In Orthodox tradition, a candle lit before an icon symbolizes prayer. The wax from which candles are made represents a person's repentance for their sins and their readiness to serve God.
Approaching the candlestick, one must light a candle from other candles and place it in a free spot. After that, one should cross oneself twice, bow to the holy relic, cross oneself again, and bow. There is a specific order that must be followed when placing candles.
The first candle is placed for the Lord Jesus Christ and in front of the icon of the feast. Then, a candle is lit for the Mother of God, followed by candles for the Archangel and the holy saints.
The candles purchased by the faithful in the church have another important spiritual significance: they become a voluntary sacrifice of a person to God and the Church. Therefore, one should not bring candles from other places, as buying a candle is a sacrifice specifically for the church that the person has come to pray in.
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