Who is present at the terrible judgment. Gospel of the Last Judgment
Not a single church service passes without the incense of oliban, because this oldest form sacrifices to God in their peaceful appearance. Together with the smoke of incense, the prayers, tears and aspirations of Orthodox Christians, their gratitude to the father of the Savior, are carried into the sky. What is incense will be discussed in this article.
Frankincense - what is it?
Frankincense (Oliban) is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. This is a component of Incense, which includes 11 incense used for incense in the Temple. The trees used for its production grow in the Arabian Peninsula, Syria, Cyprus and Palestine, but Somalia is the main exporter of resin. They collect it in the same way as pine resin, making cuts on the bark of a tree and waiting for the entire trunk to be covered with dried juice. Then it is broken off into pieces and divided into varieties.
What is church incense?
This is an invariable component of Divine Services, which emits a pleasant, sweetish balsamic smell when heated, and emits smoky smoke when ignited. This property is due to the composition of the material, because what is myrrh and frankincense is in both cases the frozen juice of plants. The first is the resin of the styrax tree. In the Gospel, they are mentioned as part of the three gifts that the Magi presented to Jesus at his birth. He received gold as a King, incense as God and the son of God, and myrrh symbolized death, because the Savior was to die for people.
What is church incense made of?
From the same tree sap. Those who are interested in what incense is made of can be answered that to obtain it, pieces of resin are ground into powder, added fragrant oils and water, crumple, form sausages, grind and dry. So that they do not stick together, sprinkle with magnesia. The composition may include ground herbs and other aromatic resins, but all of them will be called in one word - incense. It is used not only in temples, but also in dwellings.
Church incense - use at home
Churched Christians and Catholics who pray in front of the icons in their apartment also prefer to do this with incense. Church incense tunes in to prayer, helps to concentrate and think about the message sent to God and the Saints. In addition, the resin is used in meditation and aromatherapy to relieve stress and emotional arousal, tension.
Can you burn incense at home?
Its use is allowed, but for this special dishes are used - a censer. If you set fire to the resin in ordinary dishes, you can spoil it and not get the desired effect. In addition, strong smoke can provoke such a phenomenon as an allergy to incense, especially if you “overdo it” and smoke too many pieces. It is especially dangerous to do this before going to bed, because instead of calmness and tranquility, it is easy to get headache, cough and sore throat.
How to kindle incense at home?
This is done just before prayer rule. Those who ask how to light incense at home should be answered that for this, charcoal, better self-igniting, is placed in the censer, ignited with matches or a lighter, and pieces of resin are laid out on top. You should not put them immediately on hot fuel - it is better to let it cool down a little, otherwise the smell of incense will be very thick, the room will smoke very quickly and it will be difficult to breathe in it.
Another way involves the use of a "spider" - a special device that looks like a small bowl with three legs. Filled with pieces of resin, it is placed on top of a burning lamp, and judging by its popularity among Christians, it helps to get an unobtrusive delicate aroma without an abundance of blue smoke. Alternatively, you can use sticks with the addition of resin, which are convenient to set on fire from one side.
How to cleanse the house with incense?
You can improve the energy in your home by inviting a priest to bless the apartment. If this is not possible, then you can do it yourself. Those who ask how to fumigate an apartment with incense can be answered that for this it is necessary to set it on fire and starting from the front door, moving from left to right, go around all the rooms, reading, "50th Psalm", "Creed" or any other prayer to Lord, what the owner knows. At the same time, it is important to overshadow all corners, doorways and windows with the sign of the cross.
Those who are interested in how to use incense more can sprinkle walls, floors and ceilings with holy water to enhance the effect, spraying it in the form of a cross. The ideal time for the ceremony is great, but if you wish, this can be done on other days. The main thing is to believe in the power of prayer and then it will be more pleasant and calmer to be at home, and in the future try not to quarrel with household members, especially with the use of swear words. Then the atmosphere in the dwelling will be no worse than in the temple.
How to extinguish incense?
At the end of prayer or cleaning the house, the incense must be stopped. It is advisable not to interrupt the fumigation of the house with incense, that is, to put new pieces of resin in advance, and if the ceremony is over, and it still exudes aroma, then it is better to wait until it all burns out. Those wondering how to put out the incense, if due to circumstances this has to be done before complete evaporation, it is recommended to use holy water. In the future, the remaining pieces can be set on fire again.
Where to put used incense?
Completely burnt-out coal and resin are poured into an impregnable place or into running water, or a river. Those who ask what to do with burnt incense can be advised to take it to a church shop. There it is put in a special place and disposed of in accordance with the rules. Anyone who finds all these actions too tiring can be recommended to light special candles at home - nuns, which already contain wood resin.
Can I carry incense with me?
To date, on sale you can find amulets, which look like a small box, a compact handbag or a pouch. Inside is tree resin, which is designed to protect its owner from both spiritual and physical threats. The incense is worn around the neck along with pectoral cross or cling to clothes with a pin, but always above the waist. Those who are interested in how often it is necessary to change the incense in the amulet should answer that it cannot be changed, just remove the bag before bathing, and when it becomes dirty, transfer the contents to a new one and carry on.
If for some reason the incense has become unusable, then it must be burned, the ashes buried in the ground and a new one purchased. Some believe that worn on the body for 3 months and buried in the territory active monastery resin can increase the protection of a person, but this is already an element of the occult and it is not approved by the church.
Incense from evil spirits
Everyone knows the expression "afraid like the devil incense." By itself, tree resin does not save from demons, and its burning without any purpose either. Those who want to know why the devils are afraid of incense should answer that incense is the oldest ritual of turning to God. In this way, the believer makes the Lord pleasant, attracts him, and where there is grace and the Holy Spirit, it is bad for demons and devils. The fragrance of Christ is unbearable for the brethren of the devil, which is why they flee from it without looking back.
Why does the smell of incense make you sick?
Not everyone likes the smell of burning tar, and this is normal, but the fact that smoke has an antidepressant effect on the body has already been proven. The properties of incense are due to its composition, and it contains incensol acetate, which some narrow-minded people compare with marijuana. It is not clear whether this is addictive, but there are those who specifically attend services to breathe and experience the euphoria effect.
Frankincense is a psychoactive substance, but so are the essential oils used in aromatherapy. Some are designed to calm, others to cheer up. Another thing is that the smoke rising from the censer is a symbol of prayer ascending to God. After all, what it is - incense, is clear only to true believers, glorifying Christ. And the one who came to the temple to “breathe” and get pleasure is a spiritual voluptuary, and not a humble Christian. The essence of worship is prayer and union with the Lord, but nothing else.
Frankincense is an aromatic tree resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia (Incense tree) that grow in the Arabian Peninsula.In February or March (depending on weather conditions), small incisions are made on incense trees, from which resin flows out for a long time. When the resin completely covers the trunk of the tree and dries, collection begins. The process of collecting and processing incense is done manually.
Usually incense is used in worship services in Orthodox churches. But you can incense at home, especially considering beneficial effect incense fragrance per person. How to do it right - read our article.
What is incense for?
The tradition of using incense in liturgical practice and in household use refers to ancient times. Thus, the Ishmaelite merchants, together with Joseph, brought balm and incense for sale to Egypt (Gen. 37:25). Incense incense in Jerusalem Temple It was prerequisite serving God (1 Chr. 9:29, Neh. 13:5). And in the Gospel, incense, along with gold and myrrh, was brought as a gift to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Magi from the East (Matt. 2:11).
Boswellia tree and bits of hardened resin used to make incense
Frankincense is also widely used in perfumery, aromatherapy and cosmetics. In addition, aromatic oils are made from frankincense. Frankincense is also used in medicine as an additive to ointments.
Frankincense calms the nervous system. Frankincense smoke contains incensol acetate, which has an antidepressant effect.
Some people note that when using incense, the process of recovery from diseases is faster. In this case, it is recommended to use Bishop's incense. About the types of incense - below.
What is required to kindle incense
You can buy incense in almost any candle shop. Orthodox church or order in the Orthodox online store. Frankincense in its smell may differ from each other. There is nothing wrong with this, since incense is made in various places where they try to give it their own unique aromas. So, for example, Jerusalem, Athos, Rosny and other types of incense are found on sale. Boxes for sale usually contain from 200 to 500 g of incense. With daily use, such a box lasts an average of 2 weeks.
To most easily kindle incense, which is sold in the form of solid pieces, you will need incense, a censer, a censer, or a lamp with a spider.
If there is a metal spider - coal is not needed
AT church service are used different kinds incense. The use of varieties of incense depends on the type of worship. So, on the Resurrection of Christ, you can incense "Paschal" with incense. On the Twelfth and Great Feasts, Fragrant incense is used. On Sundays, they incense, mainly, with incense "Bouquet of Athos" and "Holy Mountain". AT weekdays when there are no big holidays, a simpler incense is used - "Pine", "Cypress" or "Rose".
Among the types of incense stand out "Bishop", "Altar" and "Secret".
Bishop's incense is the most expensive in terms of value. It has a solemn and rich bouquet of fragrant aromas. Most often it is used at bishop's services or on the Twelfth and Great Feasts.
Altar incense is fragrant with a bouquet of bright aromas. It is used to incense the altar and the entire temple on any holidays, except for the Twelfth and Great.
Cell incense is used by monks for censing in cells, as well as during church posts, when making "The follow-up of the Prayer to drive away sorcery (witchcraft) and magical charms (temptations, demonic attacks) from a person". This type of incense is the most ascetic. It is quite discreet and does not contain strong aromas.
Everything you need can be ordered in our store with delivery:
1. Do not leave the used coal unattended. Extinguish it with water.
2. Smell the incense before buying. Buy only the incense that you like and that does not make you feel worse.
3. Check yourself for the presence of diseases in which the burning of incense is contraindicated.
4. Keep incense and charcoal out of the reach of children.
5. Do not touch burning incense and coal with your hands.
Don't throw coal in the trash. This can not only lead to a fire, but from the point of view of Orthodoxy, it is irreverent. It is better to take it to the temple or consult with the priest on this matter.
Now we are all set to burn the incense. Let's start and “May my prayer be corrected, like a censer before You”(Ps. 140:2).
Frankincense is a substance that is widely used in ritual ceremonies. Since ancient times, mankind has used it in the rituals of worship as incense. It has a calming effect, slows down the work of the respiratory system, thus setting a person to a state suitable for prayer and meditation. But the ethereal is not only distinguished by its ecclesiastical purpose, it is also widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. AT Ancient Egypt rejuvenating masks for the body and face were prepared with it, and were also often used for embalming. Today, the range of its use is also very extensive.
What oil looks like, what it is extracted from and a little historical chronicle
Frankincense oil is a greenish or pale yellow liquid. The substance has a sweet warm aroma similar to camphor.
The substance is obtained from a small tree that grows in a number of Arab states and in North Africa. Incisions are made on the bark, from which a substance of a resinous consistency is released. When exposed to air, it thickens and solidifies into large orange-brown or amber droplets. Frankincense essential oil is obtained from the resin using the steam distillation method.
Frankincense-based essential oil got its name from the Greek word ladanon, which translates as "to become god-like." In ancient times, it was believed that the aroma of this remedy makes the mind clearer, propitiates the soul and relieves it of bitterness and fear.
In ancient Babylon, the product was equated with a sacred substance, with the help of its smell they cleansed the soul. In those distant times, incense was incredibly valued, perceiving it as an exotic treasure, more expensive than gold itself. In the myths of Egypt, it is said how the phoenix brought incense to the Egyptians in its claws.
A long time ago, the cost of such an essential oil was incredibly high, and therefore the substance was considered a gift for the kings. Maybe that's why this product was among the offerings to the newly born Messiah. Rich people knew the characteristics of the oil very well, and therefore they were ready to give fabulous money for it.
Emotional, erotic and bioenergetic properties
Frankincense oil has a variety of properties. To begin with, consider its emotional, erotic and bioenergetic qualities.
- emotional impact. There is an opinion that incense helps to break ties with past life and can be an invaluable help for those who are obsessed with the past and do not appreciate the present. Since it has a calming effect, it can be used during the treatment of asthma, where attacks are often provoked by feelings of anxiety. In addition, frankincense oil can eliminate nighttime fears, insomnia.
- Erotic impact. It is an aphrodisiac that elevates pleasure to the highest degree.
- bioenergy properties. Frankincense is one of the most valuable and oldest substances in fumigation. He returns the energy to its true owner, thereby resuming the energy "lawfulness". If a person feels the evil eye on himself, then he can use this substance and thus return the polluted energy imposed on him to where it came from. Each person will get what he deserves. Frankincense is a tool to meditate and achieve a sense of nirvana. It contributes to a more powerful resistance of a person to evil, makes his strength and faith stronger, helps to receive cosmic energy. With this incense, you can find your love and start a family. It closes energy gaps, helps to align the aura.
For body
Essential oil of frankincense properties for the body is simply invaluable. The tool helps to cleanse the lungs and has a positive effect on all mucous membranes. The oil helps breathing: eliminates shortness of breath and, as mentioned above, helps people with asthma. Also, this substance in mild forms of inflammation reduces pain. With the help of oil, you can get rid of a cold.
It has been established that the use of incense is an excellent prophylaxis for cystitis, nephritis, with the penetration of infections into the organs of the genitourinary system. The astringent function of the substance is manifested during heavy menstruation in girls or when a woman begins uterine bleeding. The oil is considered a wonderful birth aid, in addition, it successfully fights postpartum depression. These properties are provided by the sedative function of the product.
Frankincense prevents the appearance of mastitis. It also eliminates belching and improves digestion.
Cosmetic properties
Frankincense oil, the properties and application of which we are considering, is good to use for any type of skin. It ennobles the epidermis, smoothes all the wrinkles and folds on the skin, produces a whitening effect. If acne and pimples are present on the skin, then it is recommended to apply the product pointwise, and existing boils, ulcers and scars must be lubricated no less carefully.
If you have an oily skin type, then frankincense will reduce the appearance of sebum. By applying the product to dry skin, you can tone and renew it. Age spots and freckles can also be removed with the help of this magical incense. The oil is extremely effective for various skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema and other diseases.
Frankincense can also be used for nails and hair. Oil makes hair stronger and accelerates its growth, revives follicles, helps get rid of dandruff and makes braids elastic. It makes exfoliating and brittle nail plates healthy and strong.
In the fight against cancer
According to scientists, frankincense oil is effective against cancer. The tool contains monoterpenes - special compounds that help eliminate cancer cells in the early stages of development and during the progression of the disease. Regardless of the stage at which the disease is detected, the remedy will be an ideal option for cancer patients.
The use of such oil can make a real revolution in the study and treatment of the disease. Whereas chemotherapy affects the area around the tumor, thereby destroying healthy cells, frankincense will only act on cancer cells, leaving healthy ones intact.
Oil application
Frankincense oil, the properties and application of which we describe in the article, is used both in pure form and in combination with essential oils of other shrubs and trees, such as vetiver, geranium, sandalwood, cinnamon and others. As an additional component, the product can be added to hair conditioners and shampoos.
For hair loss, experts recommend using the following mask: mix two drops of frankincense with five drops of rosemary, twenty drops of lavender and 50 milliliters of jojoba oil. Braids are lubricated with this composition and wrapped with a towel for a more powerful effect.
Other uses
A lot of different ways use has frankincense oil. It can also be used for bathing. A bath with this oil is wonderfully soothing and relaxing. You can make such a font like this: sea salt or four or five drops of frankincense oil should be dissolved in cream. The mixture is poured into the water prepared for taking a bath. You can bathe in this solution twice or thrice a week for 15-20 minutes. Lavender essential oil can be added to frankincense oil, which will help overcome insomnia and forget a deep and restful sleep.
If you want to prepare a face mask, you will need 30 milliliters of clay, two drops of lavender oil, frankincense oil and carrot seed oil. All this is mixed and applied to the face for 10-15 minutes.
Women suffering from severe menstrual cramps can relieve them by rubbing a mixture of six drops of frankincense, three drops of rose oil and 25 milliliters into the abdomen.
Restrictions for application
Frankincense essential oil (applications and properties described above) is practically safe for human body. But still, experts recommend dropping a small amount of it on the skin before use to make sure there are no allergic reactions.
Children under the age of six should not use the product inside. Nursing mothers and pregnant girls are strictly prohibited from using incense. It is forbidden to take incense and persons who use anticoagulants, and people who have impaired blood clotting.
The Bible says that after the birth of Jesus Christ, the Magi came to him with their gifts. They brought gold and the most valuable incense - frankincense and myrrh.
Followers of Christianity actively use incense during worship. It is an integral part of the incense that is burned in temples as a bloodless sacrifice to God. With fragrant smoke, prayers and aspirations of believers rush to the sky.
What is incense
The Arabs compared it to the tears of the gods. The Chinese called the fat of the sacred flower. Europeans in the Middle Ages called "incense of the Franks". The well-known word "incense" comes from the Greek word "ladanon" (become god-like). Many have heard about it, but they don’t know for sure what incense is and what incense is made of.
Botanically speaking, frankincense is the hardened resin of some tree species. Most often it is extracted from the Lebanese cedar Boswellia. The main regions of tree growth are East Africa, the Somali Peninsula, the Arabian Peninsula.
For getting aromatic substance deep cuts are made on the tree trunk at the end of winter. Milky juice begins to ooze through them. It tightens the notch and freezes in the air. The dried substance is called gum. About 400 grams of gum are collected from one tree. By type, it can be:
- selective;
- ordinary.
Selected or "dewy incense" is shaped like droplets of matte pink or pale yellow. It has a balsamic aroma and taste. When grinding from selected oliban, a white powder is obtained.
Ordinary olibanus has dark opaque color. Its pieces are irregular in shape and large in size.
What is church incense made of, its types
church incense, used during religious ceremonies, is made according to special recipes from natural olibanum. Pieces of gum are ground into powder, mixed with water and essential oils. Oblong "sausages" are molded from the resulting dough-like mass. Then they are crushed and dried.
Especially appreciated oliban made by monks Athos Monastery in Greece. Depending on the appearance, aromaticity, applications, there are several types of church incense:
- Bishop or Royal.
- Altar.
- Private.
Each type has its own purpose. The most valuable and most fragrant is the royal oliban. It is lit on large church holidays or during a bishop's service. The altar is incense in the altar part of the temple on weekdays, and on holidays throughout the church premises. Cellular oliban is intended for ignition in monastic cells, as well as in the church during the period.
Church incense application
For use at home, it is better to use the altar or bishop's variety, or mixtures thereof. In Russia, special “nun” candles are made from aromatic resins and olibanum. They are designed for home or cell use.
Incense is lit in special censers, which are hardly found in everyday use. At home, they can be replaced with metal or refractory dishes. First, the container is filled with charcoal and lit. After burning, pieces of oliban are placed on a hot surface. From heating it starts to melt and give off smoke with a pleasant balsamic aroma. If the oliban ignites, then a thick strong fumes begins to fall. Its inhalation can cause discomfort, up to suffocation.
Burning incense is done:
- in time ;
- to purify the air from harmful energy;
- to enhance the solemnity during the service in the temple;
- at funeral rites.
Incense is preceded by words "Lord, bless this censer".
According to religious rules, the oliban must burn itself to the end. If necessary, it can be extinguished with holy water. The remaining ashes should be taken to the church or poured into running water.
O healing properties Frankincense has been known since ancient times. In ancient Egypt, it was used to relieve joint pain, and cosmetic masks were made to rejuvenate the skin of the face. In China, oliban was part of the medicines for scrofula and leprosy. The ancient Indian medical teaching of Ayurveda recommends the use of frankincense for bronchitis and arthritis.
Modern research confirmed that oliban has a complex of useful properties. It has an anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, regenerating, soothing effect. It is actively used in medicine, pharmacology, perfumery, aromatherapy. Oliban is part of plasters, toothpastes, ointments, creams, elixirs, etc. Inhalation of fragrant smoke helps to relax the body, calms the nervous system. Therefore, the burning of oliban is practiced during meditation. The aromatic substance helps to be in shape, maintain a high vitality.
Frankincense is able to have a powerful effect on almost everything. internal organs and systems of the human body. It is used:
Oliban as a medicine is used externally and internally. For internal use, a small grain of dry incense is sufficient. It helps with dysentery, headache. It can be rubbed into the gum to relieve toothache. An ointment based on oliban and fat (1-2 tablespoons per glass) cures lichen, is applied like a patch on a hernia. A mixture of frankincense with red wine (1 tablespoon per 0.5 l) improves hair growth on the head.
Harm and contraindications
Excessive inhalation of odorous incense can be harmful to the body in a number of cases. Incensol acetate contained in it has a psychotropic effect on the human brain, appears feeling of bliss, deep euphoria. Some people may have hallucinogenic visions. Abuse of oliban can lead to addiction, similar to drug addiction.
Everyone knows about the healing properties of incense as a means of destruction negative energy. But only a select few can light a piece of it and walk around the house to drive away evil spirit and fill the native corners with church aroma. Read the article carefully, use these recommendations, and you will not have more doubt how to use incense at home.
Frankincense and its properties
A piece of wood resin, which emits a specific smell when burned, has long been used in. It is believed that the fragrance of incense can permeate any room. positive energy liberate the person from the influence dark forces, banish disease, restore spiritual and physical balance.
The dark forces that triumph over any misconduct take away from a person not only health. The positive attitude decreases, the desire to act disappears, faith in one's own potential is lost. The person ceases to be active, cannot cope with life's difficulties, begins to get sick and sad.
The smell of incense helps to calm down and relax, the mood rises, and contributes to the appearance of good thoughts. The body, cleansed of the influence of demons, returns to its previous mode and begins to work with a vengeance, trying to make up for lost time. After recovery, the main thing is to direct the energy on the right path.
If you carefully review the list, you can see the incredible power of incense. It turns out that it is used not only as an exorcism of darkness. In oncology, it is a companion in the fight against tumors, with burns and ulcers - an additional tool for wound healing. Dysentery, lichen, gum disease will submit to an unusual remedy in competition with microbes and bacteria.
The only thing that needs to be emphasized: inside is accepted special kind- Athos incense. These are fragrant balls mixed with myrrh (oil). The manufacturing technology is very simple - crushed resin plus aromatic oil. But the main advantage lies in the prayer that the monks say. Carried away by work, they do not stop uttering the sacred words.
To light incense at home, you need to purchase three things: a censer, charcoal and incense. A home censer differs markedly from a church one. It is smaller in size and has a handle for convenience. Charcoal is made in the form of tablets that are easily ignited with a match.
The tablet is taken with forceps. Heat it with fire on all sides. Wait until she sparkles. The smoke and sparks will pass in a few seconds. This means that harmful chemical compounds have evaporated. You can put burning coal in the censer. As soon as it cools down a bit and becomes covered with ashes, incense is placed.
After all the preparations, the lid of the censer is closed. The aroma of incense seeps through the holes and the cleansing of the house begins. The first object is Entrance door, which lets the negative into the room. The movement of the hand clockwise along the perimeter, and finally the triple cross - this is the program of action for each room.
Do not forget about secret corners and hard-to-reach places. Everything is carefully fumigated with a sacred aroma. During the cleansing procedure, "Our Father" is pronounced. The room must be well ventilated. Do not rush to close the windows. Perhaps somewhere unclean forces lurk and it takes time to expel them.
That's the whole simple instruction on how to use incense at home. Take care to purchase quality incense to prevent suffocating smoke and bad mood. Purify spend as much as you see fit and well-being in the family.
