What are the red votive candle stands on either side of the Sanctuary used for?
A number of years ago, we began to have Remembrance Services and on St. Luke, the Physician Day, healing services. At that time worshippers were given the opportunity to light a candle to remember loved ones who had died or to light a prayer candle to remember their prayers for healing. Candles used on the high altar during each worship service remind us of many things. We celebrate with their burning the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. The large Christ Candle functions especially to remind us that Jesus is in our midst; the altar candles remind us of the holiness of God. They are seven in number on each side. Seven is a number from the Revelation of St. John to recall God’s completeness – that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Votive candles, lighted by the person of faith, remind us that we can come near to God and ask to bear our burdens, hear our prayers, help us and our loved ones in times of trouble and sometimes they can be lighted as a sign o
