Incense

Aromatic resin burned in liturgical worship — the visible symbol of prayer ascending to God.

Incense (thymiama) is the aromatic resin burned in the censer (thymiaterion) throughout the Divine Liturgy and other services. The theological symbolism: the rising smoke images prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2: 'Let my prayer arise in your sight as incense'). The priest censes the icons, the altar, and the faithful at specific points in the Liturgy, enveloping the entire assembly in the fragrance of prayer. The censing of persons treats them as icons of God — the image of God in each person is being honored.