Candles in Orthodox Christian tradition

You can see candles burning peacefully in front of the icons of the cathedral. Lighting a candle signifies a prayer, to God, Virgin Mary or any saint of your choosing. You can purchase candles at the church shop desk, and you may light them up for the candle stand of your choosing. Candles lit in front of the icons are for the living, and the white table on the left side of the cathedral is for the prayers for the dead. Some saints are associated with different sort of prayers. For example, Saint Nicholas is regarded as the Saint of merchants, travelers and children.