In the tradition of the Old Testament, the use of incense in worship was prescribed by God and controlled by the strictest regulations (Ex. 30:34–38). It was only performed in the Holy Place, and only by the priests.
In the divine Liturgy, the priest offers incense around the altar, at the door of the sanctuary, at the lectern, in front of the icons and the bishop. Then, he greets his fellow priests, goes down to the nave of church and offers incense amongst the worshippers and then finally he returns back to the altar. Our offerings and prayers are acceptable because they are offered through Christ’s sacrifice. The priest’s circuits gather the prayers and blessings of the word of God, bishops, priests, deacons, and the entire congregation together with those of the saints and returns them to the sanctuary to offer them on behalf of each one. The custom of censing the bishops may have been adopted from Roman customs who used to carry torches and incense before the emperor.1255
The Fathers of the first three centuries severely criticized the use of incense in public worship1256 because it was an essential sacrifice offered in pagan worship. In pagan worship, censing had seven religious uses:1257 as a sacrifice to the gods; as a sacrifice offered to the ghosts of the dead; as a way of honoring living individuals, especially the Emperor; in casting out evil spirits from the living or the dead; as a method of cleansing or healing; in processions
1254 Alfred J. Butler, The Ancient Coptic Churches of Egypt, Volume 2 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1884): p. 50.
1255 Davies: p. 356.
1256 St. Justin Martyr, First Apology 13 (ANF 1:166); Tertullian, Apology 30, 42 (ANF 3:42, 49); St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor or Christ the Educator 2.8 (ANF 2:255); and Origen, Homilies on Leviticus 1–16 13.5.2 (FOTC 83:242) and Exhortation to Martyrdom 45 (ACW 19:188).
1257 Davies: p. 197.
carried out in feasts or similar rituals; and to create an atmosphere for worship. Any Christian who refused to offer incense to the idols was condemned to death.