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epy

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Candles could be used for comfort, to show the sanctity of something, to represent a prayer, or simpley as an interesting light source. The list is as long as the imagination can take it.

Jerusalem has a special place in Jewish tradition. To some if not many, it symbolizes God's presence with Jews(or even Christians). That is why there isn't really an Israel without Jerusalem. Short of the city, Israel might as well be located in some remote part of China. ("To some" should be applied to the rest of the paragraph that followed it.)

Christians recognize Jerusalem as where Jesus walked. A place that He lived. Some people more than others have a connection to it.

There are probably numerous better answers out there, but I hope it was somhow useful.
 
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heron

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This is a short description of why Catholics light candles:
http://www.cptryon.org/ask/ask/candles.html

Here's a history of candles in the church:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03246a.htm

From the bottom of this article, referring to Catholics, "Candles were, and are, commonly used to burn before shrines towards which the faithful wish to show special devotion. The candle burning its life out before a statue is no doubt felt in some ill-defined way to be symbolical of prayer and sacrifice."

I have attended Protestant churches, where candles are only used at weddings and Christmas, for the symbolism of joining together in unity and letting His light within us shine; and Advent, symbolizing each week. (Festival of lights concurrent.)

Did someone do something offensive? I could imagine it would be strange and questionable for guests to perform an unusual ritual in someone's sanctuary.
 
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Jerusalem is a major city to all of Christainity as that is where Christ was crucified and it was a Holy City since it's foundation. It has been a major center since the beginning of the religion. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is one of the five major Patriarchates in Eastern Orthodoxy. The main Website is being revamped but HERE is the JP-USA website.

As far as why Orthodox Christains light candles? Candles are a symbol of our prayers. They represent the coming of the light - Christ - into the world. There are many reasons why. HERE is a series of an introduction to Orthodoxy and the very first lesson at minute ~8 discusses the use of candles.



 
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