To Fr. Serge (bless) or anyone who knows the answer,

Is it permissible for a layman to swing a chained mini-censer at home, or is it more acceptable to have one of those chainless handled censers?


(if anyone is aware of the Syriac custom specifically, I'd be grateful.)

Those chainless handled thuribles are usually considered more appropriate at home. On the other hand, if someone prefers to swing the censer at home, I doubt that the police will arrive! But do be careful of the fire hazard.

Christ is Risen!

Fr. Serge

Slightly off-topic, but still on the topic of incense and the Syriac Church, the Indian Orthodox parish I visited on Sunday had a subheading in their Liturgy Book, with the title 'Blessing of the Censor'.

You know they're authentic Orthodox if they have cute typos like that!

Dear Edward,

I treasure my copy of the English translation of the Liturgy of St. Basil published by Holy Cross Press, and all for one word, which occurs in the line:

"we have seen the typos of Your Holy Resurrection".

So that's how it was done!

Fr. Serge

It is practice in some Carpatho-based parishes for the one acolyte to allow the censor to swing itself during the Great Entrance. It's not like he is actually "censing" like clergy, merely allowing it to swing back and forth and the bells aren't being forced to ring.
I'd be more worried about the fire hazard it the house. All it takes is one bump and parts of the coal or the whole coal can and does fly out. Not only does this burn several, I mean several holes in a carpet it also may start something worse in such a small area (not to mention getting the spouse rather mad).
Get a nice little hand censor.

Will do! But thankfully when the good Fathers come over for house blessings, I'm glad I have all wood floors!

The Syriac/Indian Church doesn't always have that restriction. The (sub)deacon or altarboy in his place swings the censer quite furiously throughout the entire Liturgy!