Photo by Andriy Tod on Unsplash
Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee. ~ Psalm 141:2
Recently, at an evening service, and through the golden glow of candlelight… smokey tendrils of incense swirled as wreaths of living halos about the holy icons, before wafting upwards as billowing clouds – the noetic breath of our prayers… and the setting sun’s beams pierced through the church windows to ignite the mosaics’ gold tessera like fiery embers. Immersed in all this spiritual beauty, my cup overflowed. It took my breath away.
I’d love to share these beautiful reminders listed from St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church – of the rich symbolism and significance of Church incense and the Censer.
What is the Censer?
The censer is a covered dish suspended on four chains. It is used to convey the fragrant smoke of the incense to holy objects. It’s parts represent all of God’s creation.
What does it represent?
- The ring (symbol of eternity) represents GOD.
- The top represents ‘Alpha’ (A) the beginning.
- The four chains represent the Four Evangelists.
- The twelve bells represent the Twelve Apostles, and their teaching.
- The Cross reminds us of the cross of our Lord.
- The top of the bowl represents the Heavens.
- The firepot (where the incense and charcoal go) is the earth, and the charcoal is man who requires the fire of the Holy Spirit to give him light and life. We blow on the charcoal to set it afire just as God put life in man by breathing on him.
- The bottom of the cup is the universe of which the earth is a part.
- The base of the censer is the ‘Omega’ (Ω), the end.
May we continually blow breath to spark our own noetic charcoal – keeping it afire with the Love, Zeal, and the Fragrance of Christ.
