Seamus Hammond
Incense is a vital part of Orthodox Christian worship, engaging the senses and creating a deeper spiritual experience. The incense ball, or thurible, is a metal censer suspended from chains, which is swung gently by the priest or thurifer to spread the fragrant smoke. The thurible is typically gold, silver, or brass, and is adorned with religious iconography. The incense ball is an integral part of Orthodox liturgy, enhancing the connection to the divine and serving as a mark of reverence and purification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Incense |
| Used by | The Eastern Orthodox Church, the Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches, Eastern Lutheran Churches, and Anglo-Catholic churches |
| Composition | Frankincense, a tree resin, combined with various aromatic oils |
| Container | Censer, a metal container with a lid, suspended on chains |
| Symbolism | Sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, prayers of the Saints rising to heaven, a symbol of prayer, a mark of reverence and purification |
| Usage | Divine Liturgy (Eucharist), Vespers, Matins, funeral services, memorial services (Panikhida), and other occasional services |
| Purpose | Engage the senses and draw the faithful into a deeper spiritual experience |
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What You'll Learn
Incense in Orthodox Christianity
Incense is an important part of Orthodox Christian services, engaging the senses and enhancing the spiritual experience. The use of incense in Orthodox Christianity is steeped in symbolism and holds a deeper significance beyond mere tradition.
The practice of burning incense during Orthodox worship is believed to have predated Christianity, with references to it in the Old Testament, such as Psalm 140, Verse 2: "Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." The use of incense in Orthodox services is believed to have originated from early Judaic practices, where incense played a regular part in temple rituals.
In Orthodox Christianity, incense is burned in a censer or thurible, a metal vessel that hangs on chains and has a sliding cover to regulate the burning of charcoal. The censer is often ornate, adorned with religious symbolism such as images of the four Evangelists or other sacred iconography. The chains from which it swings are said to represent the prayers rising to heaven. The censer may also have bells attached, creating a jingling sound as the priest uses it, further engaging the sense of hearing.
The incense itself is typically made by grinding organic materials such as herbs, flowers, or resins into a fine powder and mixing them with a binding agent and a moistening agent like rosewater or distilled water. Common scents used in Orthodox incense include frankincense, myrrh, and rose.
During services, the priest or deacon offers incense, symbolising the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints rising to heaven. The act of lighting the incense marks a transition from the temporal to the divine, serving as a sensory call to prayer and reflection. The incense is believed to sanctify the environment, creating a space set apart from the mundane world outside.
The use of incense in Orthodox Christianity varies depending on the liturgical calendar and specific church service. For example, more incense is typically used during high feasts, accentuating the sacredness of holy days, while less is used during regular services. The offering of incense is considered a sacrificial act, with propitiatory and expiatory elements, and it serves as a symbol of prayer, marking reverence and purification.
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Incense as a symbol of prayer
The use of incense as a religious practice has a long history, dating back to 3600 BC in India and the Indus Valley Civilisation. It has been used in various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Mandaeism, Judaism, and Christianity.
In Orthodox Christianity, the use of incense holds significant meaning and is more than just a fragrant offering. It is seen as a vital part of worship that engages the senses and creates a deeper spiritual experience. The act of lighting incense marks a transition from the temporal to the divine, and the rising smoke is believed to symbolise prayers rising to heaven. This belief is supported by biblical references, such as Psalm 141:2, which states, "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee."
The Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Lutheran Churches, incorporate incense into their liturgical practices. During services, the priest or deacon offers incense, which symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints rising to heaven. The censer, a metal container with a lid suspended on chains, is often adorned with religious imagery, further emphasising its significance.
The type of incense used in Orthodox Christianity is carefully prepared, combining frankincense, a tree resin, with various aromatic oils to create a unique scent. This attention to detail reflects the care and devotion inherent in Orthodox worship. The lighting of incense during Morning and Evening Prayers in the home is also a common practice, where the head of the household may bless the Holy Icons and family members with a hand censer.
The use of incense in Orthodox Christianity is not just a tradition but a powerful symbol of prayer. It serves as a sensory reminder of faith, enhancing the worship experience and creating a sacred space that facilitates a deeper connection with the divine.
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Incense as a mark of reverence and purification
The use of incense in Orthodox Christianity is steeped in symbolism and ritual. Incense is burned during worship not only as a biblical act but also as a tangible representation of petitions to the Lord. It is a mark of reverence and dedication, honouring holy people and things. Incense is also used during funeral services, where it symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven.
The practice of burning incense during religious services is not unique to Orthodox Christianity. It is also used in Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican churches, among others. The use of incense in these traditions is often seen as a guide to how "high" or "low" the individual church is, with more "high" churches using incense more frequently and in larger quantities.
The act of lighting incense marks the beginning of a transition from the temporal to the divine. The smoke rising towards the heavens visually embodies the prayers elevating to God, as described in Psalms 141:2: "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee." The sensory impact of incense serves to sanctify the environment and create a space that feels separate from the outside world.
The process of preparing incense is also symbolic. Priests or their assistants combine frankincense, a tree resin, with various aromatic oils to create a specific scent. This act represents the care and intention placed into Orthodox worship. The incense is then burned in a censer, a metal container with a lid, suspended on chains. The chains from which the censer swings are said to represent the prayers rising to heaven.
The use of incense in religious ceremonies has a long history, dating back to ancient times. It was commonly used in Near East countries for its perfume and was also employed in the worship of pagan gods. Incense was also used in Judaic practices, where it was a regular part of temple rituals. In Christian tradition, incense is associated with Christ and was one of the gifts of the Magi.
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The use of incense in Orthodox worship
The practice of burning incense in Orthodox Christianity is believed to have originated in ancient times, with references to its use in sub-Apostolic Christian worship in Revelation 8:3-5. However, the exact origin is uncertain, and it may have first been used in Sumerian and Babylonian cultures, where resins of aromatic trees were imported for religious ceremonies. Its use was also common in the pagan worship rituals of ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Assyrians.
In Orthodox services, the incitement of the senses is considered paramount, and incense plays a central role in creating a sensory experience that draws the faithful into a deeper spiritual encounter. The smoke rising towards the heavens is seen as a symbol of prayer, embodying the idea of petitions rising to God, as referenced in Psalms 141:2: "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee". Incense is also believed to serve as a mark of reverence and purification, sanctifying the environment and creating a sacred space.
The type and amount of incense used can vary depending on the liturgical calendar and specific church service. For instance, more incense is burned during high feasts, accentuating the sacredness of holy days, while less is used during regular services. The process of creating the incense blend, combining frankincense with aromatic oils, is also symbolic of the care and intention placed into Orthodox worship.
The act of lighting the incense marks the transition from the temporal to the divine, with the smoke signalling a call to prayer and reflection. The censer is employed by the priest or deacon to venerate the altar, the Holy Gifts, the clergy, the congregation, icons, and the church structure. The use of incense in Orthodox worship is thus a vital and distinctive part of the faith, engaging the senses and enhancing the connection to the divine.
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Incense burners
In Orthodox Christianity, incense is burned in a censer, a type of incense burner. The censer is a metal container with a lid, suspended on chains. The incense burners are often adorned with religious iconography, such as the images of the four Evangelists. The chains from which the censer is hung represent prayers rising to heaven.
In Orthodox worship, incense is a vital part of engaging the senses and creating a spiritual experience. The smoke rising towards the heavens is said to symbolise the prayers of the faithful elevating to God. Incense is also used to sanctify the environment, creating a space that feels separate from the outside world.
The use of incense burners and the practice of incense burning vary across different denominations and liturgical traditions. For example, in Anglican churches, the use of incense is a guide to churchmanship, indicating how 'high' or 'low' the church leans in terms of liturgical style. Anglo-Catholic churches tend to use generous amounts of incense, while some middle-of-the-road Anglican churches use incense sparingly for special occasions.
The process of preparing and burning incense in an Orthodox context is also significant. Priests or their assistants combine frankincense, a tree resin, with aromatic oils to create a unique scent. This act symbolises the care and intention put into Orthodox worship. The lighting of the incense marks a transition from the temporal to the divine, similar to the lighting of candles.
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Frequently asked questions
The incense ball is called a thurible.
A thurible is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services.
A censer is a metal container with a lid, suspended on chains.
Incense is a vital part of worship that engages the senses and draws the faithful into a deeper spiritual experience. It is a symbol of prayer and a mark of reverence and purification.
Incense is burned in a censer, and as the charcoal glows red, incense granules are placed on it. The smoke rising towards the heavens is believed to visually embody prayers elevating to God.
