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Incense

Incense Explained

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Incense is used in the Divine Liturgy to represent the prayers and praises of the saints and angels

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  • “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:3-4)

 

  • “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,”Says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 1:11).

Altar of Incense

  • Aaron received instructions from God concerning the ritual of burning incense as an act of worship every morning and night. This reflects the continuous prayers of the faithful ascending to God (Exodus 30: 7-10).

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  • This is why there is morning and evening raising of incense in the Coptic Orthodox church.

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  • The burning of incense on the altar represents the prayers of the people, rising like the sweet-smelling incense to Heaven, an offering that is pleasing to the Lord.

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