the importance of incense in church service, clarifying that it is not merely an external custom but a rite with biblical roots and deep spiritual meanings.

Biblical and historical evidence

The His Holiness reviews verses from the Old Testament (Exodus and Numbers) and examples from the New Testament (Luke and Revelation) that show the existence of an altar of incense, the description of sacred incense and that it was kept burning constantly before the Lord, and that it was not abolished but continued as a sacred action.

Symbols of incense and fire

He explains that fire symbolizes the divine presence and that the union of fire (divinity) with coal (humanity) symbolizes the union of divinity with humanity in Christ; incense burns with fire so burning is a symbol of sacrifice and giving oneself for God.

The spiritual function of incense

Incense is a symbol and a means to raise prayers to God and the aroma of incense represents God’s acceptance and pleasure; also incense teaches self-giving and union with God, and indicates that the believer’s life and prayers are presented as a sweet smell before God.

Liturgy and priesthood

He clarifies that the service of incense was and still is reserved to the priests alone, and that its use is regulated with specific materials and altars, and that there is a connection between incense and the prayers, liturgies, and chants that accompany it.

Incense as instruction for the senses and the people

His Holiness affirms that incense sanctifies the senses and helps children and people who do not understand theological terms to receive spiritually; it awakens the spiritual soul and gives a sensory lesson about God’s presence.

Spiritual conclusion

Incense in the church is not merely an external rite or a remnant of pagan worship, but it is a sacred worship with biblical and spiritual meaning: lifting prayers, giving oneself in love to God, and manifesting God’s presence in the church assembly.

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