[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III



Incense represents clouds or dark clouds reminding us of God's presence and the glory of God. It is written: “Clouds and darkness surround Him” (Ps.97: 2). Therefore incense has numerous spiritual meanings for whoever wishes to benefit from it. It is a form of worship in itself. It was not connected with the Old Testament sacrifices thus not necessitating its termination with that of those sacrifices
Lastly, we say that there is not one single verse in the New Testament commanding the cancellation of incense: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev.2: 7).