Why Is Incense Used in Orthodox Worship?

Incense is used throughout Orthodox worship in churches around the world. The priest or deacon may cense the altar, icons, Gospel, gifts, clergy, and congregation.

Why incense people? Censing the faithful expresses reverence for human beings created in God's image and for the Church gathered in prayer.

Is incense biblical? Incense appears repeatedly in biblical worship and imagery. Christian tradition also connects rising incense with prayer offered before God.

Is the smell itself sacred? The material is not treated as magical. Its fragrance, smoke, movement, and ritual use serve the prayer of the Church.

Incense is one of many elements a visitor encounters in an Orthodox church service.