The candles
burning on the altar represent the noncreated Light of the Trinity, for the
Lord dwells in an unapproachable light. They also represent the fire of
Divinity which destroys our ungodliness and sins.
The candles
lit before the icons of the Saviour signify that He is the True Light which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world (Jn 1:9); at the same time, He is
a Fire which engulfs and revives our souls and bodies.
The candles
lit before the icons of the Theotokos are a symbol of the fact that She is the
Mother of the Unapproachable Light, and also of Her most pure and burning love
for God and Her love for mankind.