The answer
a. Vigil lamps: They remind us of the light of Christ who shines through His saints.
There is no lamp in front of the icon of the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the Light who illuminates the entire Church.
b. Ostrich eggs: They are suspended between the icons in front of the iconostasis. It is
said that when St. Mary Magdalene was asked by Pontius Pilate how Jesus rose from the dead, she responded by asking him back, “how does a chick emerge from an egg?” For this reason colored eggs have been linked to the Resurrection (as they bear a
symbolic meaning of hope and resurrection). Also marble eggs have been found in ancient tombs.
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty