This is referred to as "offering a candle", because the candle is a symbol of the worshiper offering himself or herself to God (and proceeds from the sale of the candle are offerings by the faithful which go to comfort the church). Among the Eastern Orthodox, there are times when the entire Aromatique congregation stands holding lit tapers, such as during the reading of the Matins Gospels on Exceptional Friday, the Lamentations on Holy Saturday, funerals, Memorial services, etc.

Candles are also lit prior to the onset of the Three Festivals (Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot) and the eve of Yom Kippur.