The word “lampada” is of Greek origin and means “a lamp.” It refers to a small vessel with a wick filled with fragrant oil — holy oil (chrism).

The lighting of a lampada before a holy object was commanded by God in the Old Testament,

The early Christians used lampadas to illuminate their places of prayer, which were arranged in underground caves — catacombs — to avoid persecution. Over time, the lampada became an integral part of Christian worship. It is lit before icons in churches and homes. The light of the lampada symbolizes the fire of faith, dispelling the darkness of evil and disbelief.

Since ancient biblical times, oil has been a symbol of joy and a sign of God’s blessing. In the Old Testament, priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with holy oil, through which they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive sacrifice of the Savior removed the veil that separated believers from the Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could enter once a year. Therefore, in the New Testament Church, anointing is performed over all Christians. They receive the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of chrismation.

There is a pious custom, in cases where a household member is ill or in unfavorable circumstances, to make a cross-shaped anointing on their forehead with lamp oil — following the example of St. Seraphim of Sarov, who had the practice of anointing with oil from his lamp all who came to him for help. Modern ascetics believe that a burning lampada cleanses the space around it from all impurity, drives away evil spirits, and brings special grace from the Lord to the dwelling where it burns.

This exhibit was transferred to the Museum of Sarov in 1967 from the State Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism in Leningrad.