Church Practice
In all Orthodox Churches we see oil lamps, both suspended in front of icons, and affixed to candle stands where the faithful offer prayer in the temple.
We also keep them in our home church where we live, in front of our icons and places where we pray.
The word “kantili” (oil candle lamp) comes from the Latin candela = wax candle. The lamp in scripture comes up constantly, both in the Old and New Covenant it has deep Christian symbolism with the Light of Christ that enlightens every human being, warms gives hope and comforts and accompanies people in the endless hours of loneliness.
The olive oil that burns in our candle lamps has many interpretations and is related to many passages of scripture.  the prime example comes from Noah’s Ark. The mercy of God was revealed when Noah’s dove returned to the Ark to denote the end of the flood, having on its beak an olive branch, it was a sign of reconciliation between God and His people or when Jesus, as he was praying extensively, was watering with his sweat the olive tree, under the branches of which he knelt that martyrdom night, on the Mount of Olives. Of course, we all know that infinitely superior to material lighting is the inner, spiritual enlightenment that every soul that unites with God in prayer, and through the grace of the mysteries in the church
The oil symbolizes God’s infinite mercy; however the lamp that holds the oil symbolises the Church, which is the transmitter of Divine mercy, and enlightens. Of course, they symbolize the saints themselves, whose light shone, according to the word of the Lord, “before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, who is in Heaven.”
There are many reasons why we Orthodox Christians should light the oil candle lamp; to remind us of the need for prayer; to illuminate the space and dispel the darkness where the forces of evil prevail; to remind us that Christ is the only true Light and that faith in Him is Light; to remind us that our life must be bright and that as the oil candle lamp requires our own hand to light, so demands the soul the hand of God, His Grace; to remind us that our will must be destroyed and sacrificed for the love of God. Of course, the oil in the oil candle lamps must be olive oil and of the best possible quality. After all, the Lord prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives and the church turns into a new garden with the oil candle lamps and to mercy [the words “Εleos” (mercy) in Greek and “Elaio” (olive oil) are homophones.
Their oil reminds us of God’s mercy and their light in our lives, which must be bright and holy.
When we light our candles from the lamp we are united to the source. We are united to Christ and through Him one another.
Fr Michael Smolynec