They ask them (not it) for their prayers, just like I could ask you to pray for me
Candles are symbolic of our requests for prayer. According to Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki:
- As the candle is pure (pure beeswax), so also should our hearts be pure.
- As the pure candle is supple (as opposed to the paraffin), so also should our souls be supple until we make it straight and firm in the gospel.
- As the pure candle is derived from the pollen of a flower and has a sweet scent, so also should our souls have the sweet aroma of Divine Grace.
- As the candle, when it burns, mixes with and feeds the flame, so also we can struggle to achieve theosis.
- As the burning candle illuminates the darkness, so must the light of Christ within us shine before men that God's name be glorified.
- As the candle gives its own light to illuminate a man in the darkness, so also must the light of the virtues, the light of love and peace, characterize a Christian. The wax that melts symbolizes the flame of our love for our fellow men.
Besides the six symbolic representation above, Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite gives us six different reasons why Orthodox light candles:
- To glorify God, who is Light, as we chant in the Doxology: "Glory to God who has shown forth the light..."
- To dissolve the darkness of the night and to banish away the fear which is brought on by the darkness.
- To manifest the inner joy of our soul.
- To bestow honor to the saints of our Faith, imitating the early Christians of the first centuries who lit candles at the tombs of the martyrs.
- To symbolize our good works, as the Lord said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the heavens." The priest also gave us this charge following our baptism.
- To have our own sins forgiven and burned away, as well as the sins of those for whom we pray.
The Use of Candles in the Orthodox Church | MYSTAGOGY RESOURCE CENTER
If you were someone who had the ear of God, you would have my utmost respect. That the Saints have a particular boldness before the throne of God has been demonstrated again and again throughout the history of the Church. They have God's ear, so we treat their images with respect.
Do you not have a picture of a loved one placed in a special or prominent place?
We talk to them, not it, asking their prayers, which is the first item in your list. You are getting redundant.
Never heard of anyone doing this, except for pagans in Japan