Orthodox Christening Candles
Handmade Orthodox christening candles from $80 AUD for Greek, Serbian, Macedonian and Russian Orthodox baptisms. Seven colours, finished with a cross, dispatched from Australia.
What Is an Orthodox Christening Candle?
An Orthodox christening candle is the large decorated candle carried at the baptism, usually by the godparent. It stands for the light of Christ that the child receives in the sacrament, which is why it is kept afterwards rather than burnt down. Many families light it again on the anniversary of the christening or on the child's name day.
I make them by hand at home in Australia, and each one is finished with an Orthodox cross. Prices run from $80 to $130 AUD depending on the decoration.
Who Buys the Christening Candle?
In most Orthodox families the candle is the godparent's job. In Greek families that is the koumbaros or koumbara, in Serbian and Macedonian families the kum and kuma. The godparent usually brings the candle and the cross, and the parents look after the christening outfit and the rest of the day.
If you are the godparent and unsure what your parish expects, ask the priest before you order. I will match the candle to whatever you are asked to bring.
Greek Orthodox Christening Candles
The same candles are used for Greek, Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox baptisms, so there is no separate Greek range. What changes from family to family is the colour, usually chosen to suit the child's outfit, and how much detailing sits around the cross.
Every candle below is finished with a cross. If you want a specific colour you cannot see here, contact me and I will tell you plainly whether I can do it.
The Christening Candles I Make
Seven colours, all made by hand and listed on my Etsy store.
Want the candle and the cross made to match? My luxury christening bundles include a matching candle with a personalised acrylic cross and accessories.
Are Greek, Serbian, Macedonian and Russian Baptism Candles Different?
Not in any way that changes what you buy. The candle does the same job in every Orthodox baptism, and the same candle is carried at Greek, Serbian, Macedonian and Russian services here in Australia. The differences are in the words, not the wax:
- Greek families call the godparent the koumbaros or koumbara and often choose a candle in the colour of the outfit.
- Serbian families call the godparent the kum and kuma. The candle and cross are the kum's gift, and a keepsake with the child's name usually comes from other guests.
- Macedonian families follow the same pattern as Serbian ones, with the kum bringing the candle.
- Russian Orthodox parishes vary in how decorated they like the candle to be. If yours prefers something plain, tell me and I will keep the detailing to the cross.
If you would like a name or date added to the candle, ask me before you order. Spell it exactly as you want it to appear and I will confirm it with you before anything is made.
How to Order an Orthodox Christening Candle
- Pick a colour from the candles above and open it on my Etsy store
- Add any personalisation in the order notes
- Check out on Etsy and I will post it to you anywhere in Australia.
Need it by a date, or want a colour I have not listed? Contact me first and I will tell you what is possible.
Looking for the rest of the day's items? See the Orthodox christening gifts and bundles or the Orthodox wedding candles.