The History of Greek Incense: A Sacred Fragrance in Orthodox Churches and Monasteries

A tradition rooted in Orthodox liturgy

Incense occupies an essential place in the liturgical rites of the Orthodox Church. Used for centuries, it symbolises prayer ascending to God, an offering of devotion and purification. The use of incense has its origins in the Old Testament, notably in the ritual prescriptions of the Temple of Jerusalem, and has been perpetuated in Christian tradition, particularly in the Orthodox Church, where it takes on particular importance.

In Orthodox churches and monasteries, incense is omnipresent during religious services. Its fragrance fills the sacred space, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and spirituality. The smoke that rises symbolises the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, according to the words of the psalm: "Let my prayer rise before You like incense" (Psalm 141:2).

Greek Incense: High-Quality Monastic Craftsmanship

The incense used in the Orthodox Church often comes from monasteries or specialist workshops, particularly in Greece and Mount Athos, famous for its age-old skills in making incense. The monks of these monasteries make incense using traditional methods, mixing the natural resin of the Boswellia tree (the incense tree) with essential oils of flowers and precious spices.

The manufacturing process follows a rigorous procedure. The resin is first ground and then mixed with fragrant essences. The resulting paste is then shaped into small grains or sticks before being coated with a fine powder of magnesia to prevent sticking. This painstaking work, often carried out in the silence of monasteries, is a form of prayer in itself, where each gesture is performed with recollection.

The Different Varieties of Greek Incense

Greek incense comes in many varieties, depending on the fragrances and compositions specific to each monastery. Among the best known are:

Jerusalem incense: a sweet, floral blend often used on major liturgical feasts.
Mount Athos incense: made with natural essences and renowned for its purity and refined fragrance.
Rose incense: appreciated for its delicate, soothing fragrance, evoking the presence of the Virgin Mary.
Encens with jasmine: a floral scent that invites contemplation and prayer.
Encens with myrrh: a deep, resinous aroma, often associated with penitence and the offices of Holy Week.

Each variety of incense has its own spiritual significance and is chosen according to the liturgical celebrations. The faithful can also use these incenses in their personal prayer at home, by burning them on a specially designed incense burner.

The Role of Incense in Orthodox Services

In Orthodox services, incense is used at several key moments. The priest or deacon incenses the icons, the altar, the sanctuary and the faithful as a sign of blessing and sanctification. This gesture symbolises the presence of the Holy Spirit and reminds us that all creation is called to be sanctified.

The thurifer, or altar server, handles the censer, a vessel suspended from chains into which burning charcoal is placed and the grains of incense are deposited. As the incense burns, it releases a fragrant smoke that fills the church with a heavenly atmosphere. The tinkling of the censor's chains often accompanies the singing of hymns, reinforcing the sacred nature of the celebration.

In monasteries, incense is also used during night services, immersing the church in an atmosphere of deep prayer. It is an inseparable element of Orthodox liturgy, where the senses - sight, smell, hearing - are called upon to encourage the soul's elevation towards God.

Greek Incense, A Spiritual Experience

The use of incense in the Orthodox Church is more than just a ritual element. It is a truly spiritual experience, involving the whole being in prayer. Its bewitching fragrance, its slowly rising smoke, the movement of the priest as he incenses the congregation and the icons, all contribute to a moment of grace and connection with the divine.

Many of the faithful like to take a little Greek incense home with them, to continue this experience in their daily prayer. Burning incense at home, in front of an icon, can be a way of meditating and feeling in communion with the living tradition of the Church.

In the final analysis, Greek Orthodox church and monastery incense is much more than just a perfume. It is an invitation to prayer, a tangible link between heaven and earth, a tribute to God through the beauty and harmony of the senses. Whether in the majesty of a Byzantine cathedral or the intimacy of a monastic hermitage, its sacred fragrance reminds us that our whole life is called to be a pleasing offering to the Lord.