Altar Candles (Traditional 51% Beeswax)

Drawn or Traditionally-Made Altar Candles 51% Beeswax

These hand-crafted candles are made using time-honoured techniques. A wick is repeatedly dipped or drawn through molten wax, gradually building up the candle’s thickness layer by layer. Each immersion coats the wick with a new layer of wax. The candle is allowed to cool slightly between dips to ensure the wax layers adhere properly and form a smooth surface. This method requires meticulous control of the wax temperature and timing of immersion to achieve a consistent thickness and a high-quality finish. The resulting candles have a uniform, smooth texture and are recognised for their long steady burn and durability. Drawn candles have a dense highly regular structure similar to the concentric growth lines found in trees which imparts a predictable and long burn. A wide variety of waxes can be used with this process including beeswax which is especially valued for its clean long burn, bright flame and sweet aroma. This has made beeswax the wax of choice for church candles for many centuries. 

The preference for natural beeswax reinforces the Church's connection to creation and the natural order, with beeswax being a renewable and environmentally friendly material. The requirement for candles to be made with at least 51% beeswax specifically is rooted in the symbolic meanings of purity, light, and the tradition of the Church. The Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on maintaining ancient traditions and the use of 100% beeswax candles is part of this continuity, reflecting practices that have been handed down through generations.

Aside from its symbolic importance, beeswax candles burn longer and cleaner than candles made from paraffin. They produce less smoke and drips which is important in maintaining the cleanliness and atmosphere of the church during services.