The "kantilaki" (καντηλάκι) is a small oil based candle that Greek Orthodox Christians light in their homes for the same reason they light them at church, to symbolize the light of God.
When my husband and I first lived on our own, my mother told me to keep a kantilaki lit in the house. I didn't want to use olive oil because it was expensive, but my mother told me not to be cheap with God. She was right. Vegetable oil creates black smoke when it burns, it dirties the "kantilaki" with soot. Here are links for items you need for the kantilaki...
Click the materials above for links on where purchase
Directions
1. Fill a small glass, or the καντηλάκι if you have one, with 1/4 of the way water and the rest olive oil
2. Pass the wick through the holder with only 1/4" wick sticking up (to keep a low flame)
3. Place the the holder in the oil and light
TO DISCARD:
1. Use the tongs to take out the wick, save the wicks in a small shot glass somewhere*
*Burn them later on outside or discard them someplace where nobody steps (i.e. under shrubs)
TIPS:
-Clean the glass every few refills
-Let the candle burn the oil completely before filling, do not pour oil in while the candle is lit
-Place on a saucer on top of your stove, should be fine there.