How to choose an icon as a gift?
Giving icons is an ancient tradition. For example, the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir was presented to Prince Mstislav from Patriarch Luke. And the Cossacks from Sirotin presented the icon of the Mother of God to Grand Duke Dmitry. Usually parents give the holy face to their children. If you decide to give a holy gift and don’t know how to choose an icon as a gift, our article will help you figure it out.
What to give for a wedding?
If you are the closest relatives of the newlyweds and know that they do not have wedding icons necessary for the sacrament of marriage, then the best gift would be if you present them with a Wedding Couple (two icons, see details).
The Kazan Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the patron saint of the family. On the margins of the icon you can make gilded inserts, in which the Patron Saints of man can be inscribed according to your order. These could be the Patrons of the husband and wife (then this icon will be a unique gift for a wedding or a marital anniversary). One saint can also be written - the patron saint of the person to whom you are giving this icon and the holy Guardian Angel. Don’t forget that you can give the icon to yourself.
An icon of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom will always be an excellent gift. These saints are considered the patrons of family life. The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Unfading Color is also the patron saint of family life and the hearth.
Home iconostasis. The family is a small Church, as the Orthodox faith teaches. To strengthen a family, a spiritual foundation is needed.
The Feodorovskaya Icon is a faithful Helper to expectant mothers, Patron of family life and raising children. Icon of the Intercession. Since ancient times, newlyweds have been striving to get married on the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Why? Everyone wants family life to take place under the Protection of the Mother of God.
With the wish for the grace of God to descend on a young family, you can give an icon of the Most Holy Trinity. Abraham and Sarah, depicted in this icon, received Angels (the Holy Trinity) in their home. It is amazing that God Himself came to the couple’s house in the form of three Angels. This is the blessing of the Lord, after which Sarah gave birth to her firstborn, which the Angels announced to Her. The appearance of the Holy Trinity to Abraham and Sarah is a blessing, the grace of God. Such an icon in the house is a wish that just as the Lord blessed the house of Abraham and Sarah with his visit, he would also bless your house with his grace.
If you want the newlyweds to have a large, strong family, many children, give the icon “Image of the Holy Forefathers.” This icon is a wish for a young family to become the ancestor of a large family line, maybe even an entire nation. The icon illustrates the text of the Bible, how God talked with Abraham: “And Abram fell on his face. God continued to speak to him and said, “This is my covenant with you: you will be the father of many nations, and I will make you very, very fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.” (Genesis 17: 3-6) Look carefully at this icon, and you will see that the image shows Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, who became the founders of an entire nation. But they are depicted not just as elders, but as the wisest men, forefathers: many children born to them, their children and grandchildren stand behind them. We see many many children inside the womb of each father - these are children not yet born, but whose life path has already been prescribed by God. The forefathers are shown in Paradise, so we wish the newlyweds who purchase this icon as a gift a decent, honest life, so that their life together will be permeated with the grace of God and become bright and joyful, like the one in heaven.
The holy parents of John the Baptist, Zacharias and Elizabeth, did not have children for a long time, but they persistently prayed to the Lord to give them a child, after which, in their old age, they had a son - a great saint. Childless couples who want to have children pray to the saints. In Rus', the iconography “Kissing of Zechariah and Elizabeth” or “The Conception of John the Baptist” became widespread, where the saints are depicted reverently touching each other against an architectural background. On some icons, the already adult John the Baptist is depicted nearby, as the “fruit of the womb” of the holy parents. Such an icon will be a good gift for a family wishing to have many children.
An icon of the holy parents of the Mother of God, the guardians of marriage, will be a wonderful gift for a married couple. Saints Joachim and Anna did not have children for a long time and grieved greatly about this. But for their righteousness, the Lord honored them in their old age to become the parents of She, through whom God Himself subsequently became incarnate. In Orthodox liturgical tradition, Joachim and Anna are called holy godfathers, as half-relatives of Christ. The saints were revered as helpers in resolving marital infertility. The saints also prayed for the fertility of the earth during sowing and harvest.
Saints Guria, Samon and Aviv are revered as patrons of marriage and guardians of the fulfillment of marital vows, as well as helpers in resolving family troubles. The icon of these martyrs used to be in every home. In former times, when marriages were concluded out of obedience to parents, and not of their own free will, giving their daughters in marriage, mothers often gave them an icon of the holy martyrs Guria, Samon and Aviv as a wish for a peaceful family life. Saints were believed to have the special grace to help a wife when her husband mistreated her. Saints are also revered as exposers of untruth, theft, and perjury.
From the life of the Hieromartyr Blasius, it is known that he asked the Lord for the grace to help people and said to one woman: “Commemorate my memory every year, then nothing of what you need in your house will become scarce; If someone else is like you and performs my memory, he will receive the gifts of God in abundance and the blessing of the Lord will remain on him throughout his life.”
Spyridon of Trimifuntsky became famous for his help both in healing the sick and helping in material well-being, finding work and purchasing housing.
General meaning
An icon is a special attribute. Since ancient times, it has been passed down from generation to generation: such a legacy was not fraught with danger. New images were purchased for a specific purpose. A special ceremony was also performed. First, they asked for advice from a clergyman or spiritual father, and only then did they purchase the image. A lot of attention has always been paid to such a gift. If a person sincerely believes in God, the icon brought as a gift is a special thing that shows a good attitude towards the person, love and respect for his family. Even a hundred years ago, an image received as a gift, even from a close friend, was perceived as a prediction of imminent disaster. Superstition warned that it would not be possible to avoid danger. As soon as the face of the saint was placed in the house (if the person accepted the gift), conflicts and problems began in the house. Children got sick, and adults had problems at work.
The general meaning of a gift from loved ones (relatives and loved ones) is that changes are coming. This is a long-awaited transformation that the individual has been striving for for a long time.
Young parents should know whether it is possible to give icons to children. This is a lucky omen. The image of a saint is a blessing for a newborn. This is how parents give their baby protection and help him grow up without illness. The negative meanings of the image of a saint as an unusual gift come from the person’s message: what he puts into the gift and how he presents it. Conventionally, signs about donated icons are divided into positive, negative and warning of danger.
Icons are traditionally passed down from generation to generation.
Positive
The icon symbolizes the holiness of man. This is his desire and desire to be better, kinder, more compassionate. By bringing an attribute of the church into another person's house, the guest declares good intentions. Receiving such a birthday gift is a sign of quick success. A person will be able to move up the career ladder, find like-minded people and new business partners. An image of a saint given for the birth of a child promises health. The baby will be less sick if the icon depicts the Mother of God or St. Nicholas is written.
The meaning of the sign is favorable when the image of the saint whose name is chosen for the child is presented. Such an icon will serve as a talisman for the baby for many years to come. A gift where the image is in light colors is positive. It should be taken into account that dark images are not given to children and unmarried women.
Negative
The image that is given on the days of the waning moon is negative. During this period, negativity is sent to the person’s family. The icon also has a negative effect when an ill-wisher brings a gift in discreet packaging. If the frame with the image is covered with cloth, then it will soon bring a severe illness from which it will be difficult to recover. Other negative signs associated with the present:
- the donated icon immediately fell - financial problems lie ahead;
- the donated image of the saint has chips (on the frame or glass) - quarrels and conflicts will begin in the family, which will not end for a long time;
- there are stains on the glass or under the glass - expect illness (in most cases children and pets will suffer).
Signs of a negative omen may appear in the first days.
If the icon was placed in the living room and quickly became covered with dust or cobwebs, you should expect unpleasant news. If it constantly falls, but the glass remains intact, expect betrayal or betrayal.
The meaning of the sign is also negative if the image of the saint darkens within a few days. Superstition promises trouble: minor troubles will ruin your mood and lead to loss of vitality. You need to beware of enemies in cases where the gift is constantly hanging crookedly.
Danger warning
A sign associated with a gift can also serve as a warning of danger. If it is difficult for the gift to find a new place (there is not enough of it or it is impossible to drive a nail under the icon), constant negativity is sent to the person’s family. Proof of superstition is constant troubles. To avoid danger, you need to clean your home and take a closer look at your surroundings.
The omen also foretells danger when a gift is brought by an unclean person. Stains or dirt on the glass indicate the tricks of competitors: they act behind a person’s back or spread rumors. If action is not taken, the situation will only get worse.
What to give for a housewarming?
Since ancient times, a cross was always installed above the entrance to a house so that a person with bad thoughts could not enter this house. When a room is consecrated, crosses are drawn on the four cardinal directions (or stickers are glued) as a barrier against evil spirits. This icon with a cross can be installed above the entrance door indoors.
This is a small home iconostasis. (Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and John the Baptist)
A daily prayer rule in front of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon will protect your home and create peace and prosperity in your family. This icon will become the “wall and fence” of your home.
When we enter the temple, above the entrance we see the icon of the Miraculous Image of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the image can also be above the central arch inside the temple. The image shows that the temple is filled with the divine spirit, just as the cloth brought to the face of Christ became an icon. To fill our home with grace, we can hang an icon of the Miraculous Image of Jesus Christ above the entrance to the house. The miraculous image on the ubrus is the first icon that the Lord Himself gave us.
The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “House-Builder” is the patron saint of family and home. This icon is purchased for the home in order to pray before the image for wise management of the household, for the increase of good and wealth. The Mother of God always helps! On the margins of the icon there are inserts, gilded with white gold leaf, in which the Patron Saints can be inscribed according to your order. These could be the Patrons of the husband and wife (then this icon will be a unique gift for a wedding or a marital anniversary). One saint can also be written - the patron saint of the person to whom you are giving this icon and the holy Guardian Angel. Don’t forget that you can give the icon to yourself.
Why and for what purpose do they give an icon?
In the old days, similar surprises were made by close relatives or godparents. The occasion was significant events - the baptism of a child, a wedding, a housewarming. After consecration in the temple, the image of the saint protected the home and its inhabitants from the evil eye and other misfortunes. Nowadays, little people believe in the miraculous power of shrines. They are given for the sake of fashion.
Not every image of a saint makes a successful gift. An icon-intercessor is suitable for a close relative. She is chosen by the name of her Guardian Angel or based on her date of birth. The Mother of God of Pochaev is suitable for healing mental anguish or getting rid of physical illnesses. She returns to the path of Orthodoxy and cures diseases.
You can give an icon to a relative to bring him to God. But here you need to take into account how loyal his attitude to religion is. Otherwise, the surprise will become a reason to break off the relationship. In general, Christian icons, presented for significant events, bring a long life filled with happiness.
What to give to your boss?
The Holy Trinity is the beginning of everything. The Most Holy Trinity is the Steward of wisdom. Give your boss the image of the Holy Trinity, which is a model of perfect wisdom. Appealing to this image will help your boss make timely and wise decisions. He needs to make such decisions to conduct business wisely and successfully. The gift of an icon of the Holy Trinity is a royal gift; such an icon is good to give to wealthy gentlemen and bishops.
Saint George the Victorious is depicted on a horse, defeating the serpent; the serpent personifies evil. So this icon is a symbol of the victory of goodness and justice over the forces of darkness. Saint George is depicted on the coat of arms of Russia and the coat of arms of the city of Moscow. This icon is also the patron saint of the military. Before this image we pray for protection from enemies visible and invisible.
Daniil Moskovsky is considered the patron saint of Moscow - people turn to him to resolve housing problems.
Icon of the Lord Almighty. The Lord Jesus Christ in this icon is shown as the Almighty - the Wise Ruler of the whole world. The Lord will help in making the right decisions. Icon of Vladimir. In front of the ancient icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, all Russian tsars swore an oath of faithful service to the Russian State. For a patriot of our state, such a gift will be priceless. The icon can be decorated with semiprecious stones, pearls, white and yellow gold leaf or enamels.
Home iconostasis as a symbol of world order and order. Just as the Lord wisely rules the world, so the boss works in his place. The Lord will be a mentor and helper.
For a man with business qualities and purposefulness, you can always buy an icon of St. Joseph of Volotsk. Saint Joseph of Volotsky is the Patron of Orthodox entrepreneurs, Helper of management, affairs, economy, business.
If a Man constantly drives a car, on the road, on business trips, or simply travels a lot, give him a folding icon. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Guardian Angel will protect their owner. The workshop always has in stock road folding frames made of Karelian birch with gold-plated fittings. You can always carry such a fold with you and it will always remind you of the person who gave it.
Every man is a hunter and breadwinner, so you can always give an icon of St. Tryphon - who is customarily revered in Orthodoxy as the patron saint of hunters.
If a man is interested in fishing, he will be glad to see the icon - the patron saint of fishermen. The icon of the holy apostles Peter and Andrew patronize successful fishing. These saints are approached with a request for a good catch. The apostles were fishermen, and twice the Lord Jesus Christ filled their nets with fish, so much so that they even broke.
In the modern world there are a lot of dangers that not only threaten a person physically, but also spiritually, tempting him to commit various sins. The Holy Guardian Angel always protects a person and helps in making decisions. In the workshop you can always purchase both an icon and a travel case with the holy Guardian Angel, who always wakes up next to its owner and will always remind of the person who gave it.
You can order an icon as a birthday gift from the icon-painting workshop “Creating a Heritage”
In the icon painting workshop “Creating a Heritage” at the Church of St. Basil the Great, they will be sincerely happy to help you prepare such a bright gift as an Orthodox icon. Our artists are followers of the largest, oldest and most revered school of Russian Orthodox icon painting - Vladimir. Each “Creating a Heritage” icon painter is sincerely in love with his work and, when creating an image, puts into it not only his talent, but also a part of his soul. After the icon is painted, it will be consecrated by the rector of the Church of St. Basil the Great, Father Arkady.
Today we have made thousands of icons. Each image is a genuine work of Orthodox art, which we create for you and for your sake. At “Creating a Heritage” you can order either an individual painting of an icon or select a finished work from stock.
What to give a woman?
Well, of course, the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Fading Color”! This is one of the most beloved icons of women's patrons. This icon is the patron saint of femininity, chastity, and unfading female beauty.
If a woman is a mother and has small children, then the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Education” will be very useful. The “Education” icon is an assistant in the upbringing and guidance of children in the journey of life.
An icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Mammal” would be a good gift for a nursing mother. This icon wishes that children grow up well-fed and in abundance. The Mother of God feeds us with her milk, grace, we turn to her in prayer and receive spiritual and physical help.
For a woman who is a good housewife, who cooks well or spends a lot of time in the kitchen, give an icon of St. Euphrosyne the Cook - an assistant in cooking. The woman will be happy to be at the stove, because now Saint Euphrosynus will cook with her, and together with Saint Euphrosynus. With the blessing of God and the prayers of the saint, all dishes will turn out delicious.
A woman is a fragile creature and needs protection. You can give the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Protection” - the protector of those praying. The Mother of God will always hear and shelter those who suffer under her protection.
What icon should I give to those who have recently become parents? Who should they turn to now in prayer for their child? This question is asked by the baby’s grandparents and other relatives, as well as his godparents. After all, new parents, in addition to concerns about the health and development of the baby, will now have to face raising their child in the Orthodox faith, and without God’s help this is of course impossible. A wonderful gift in this case could be the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Education” or “Theodore”, in front of which they pray for children. For children, they often pray to their Guardian Angel, as well as to St. Nicholas. An excellent example of raising children in the faith were the holy martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia, who, despite their young age, did not renounce Christ and accepted a martyr’s death.
Who should you not give an icon to?
The faces of Orthodox saints are not given to strangers. He may be unbaptized or profess a different faith. The image of a saint will not be appreciated by people who are indifferent to God. They will not pray before him, he will not bring joy.
Images with already written wishes are not suitable as a religious gift. You cannot carry donated icons with you in your wallet or bag. They are necessary for reading prayers so that the spoken words are heard by God, and not as a magical attribute or a talisman for good luck.
What to give to a child?
For baptism, you can give a baby an icon of “St. Guardian Angel" or "St. Stylian "A small child is defenseless and needs protection. The Invisible Angel is always next to him. St. Stylian is the Patron of children (he is even depicted with a baby in his arms and on a scroll they write: I am the guardian of children) Often, on the occasion of Christening, a measured icon is ordered to be painted (more details) and they are given an Icon Order (they are given a Gift Certificate indicating that over Icon painters are already working on creating a measured icon.
If the baby has grown up. A good gift: icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh. He is a mentor in studies. If the child is a young man and is preparing to enter a university or is already studying at a university, you need to give an icon of St. Tatian. Tatiana Patron of students.
If a young man is of military age and is preparing to serve in the Armed Forces, give him the icon “St. George the Victorious" or "holy Archangel Michael" - he leads the Heavenly Host and is the patron saint of military personnel. He is a guard and protector from all evil.
Let's sum it up
Family and friends are the most precious thing we have. When peace and love reign in a family, everyone is happy. Peace and joy reign in our souls. Sometimes trials come into our lives, and we often don’t know how to help our loved ones. We try to do this with money, with some real deeds, but we often forget that there is a prayer that can move mountains if pronounced with faith and trust in the mercy of God. Therefore, giving an icon for a name day is the best care for loved ones and dear people.
Many believers are concerned about whether it is possible to give icons. Icons are an important attribute of Christianity. They symbolize faith as a part of human life. They depict saints, and their face can help a sick, married or lonely person.
Giving an icon should be done with caution
What to give to parents?
It is best to give your parents: dad and mom a family icon (more details) with the patron saints of the people closest to them. Such an icon unites the family line. It is important for parents that they did not live their lives in vain; they are the founders of a large family. If the Anniversary, or some kind of family celebration is very soon, and you did not take care of the gift in advance, in this case they often give a Personalized Gift Certificate (which states that the icon has been ordered and is being painted), i.e. the order itself, and the icon will appear later. Such icons are the most difficult to paint and require a serious approach.
Is it possible to give icons - the opinion of the church
The clergy condemn the belief in bad omens regarding the donation of icons. It is not forbidden to give them. On the contrary, such actions are welcome. A shrine presented as a gift by a believer strengthens faith in God. After receiving such a gift, the soul is cleansed, peace and joy reign in his home. If the donor's heart is filled with good intentions and love, the face of the saint will bring only good things.
What to give for Easter?
You can also purchase Easter cards (see cards >>>)
For the Bright Holiday of Easter, you can order Easter porcelain eggs painted using the hot enamel technique with gilding.
At Easter it is customary to give Easter eggs as a sign of resurrection and eternal life. Just as a living chicken hatches from an egg that looks like a dead stone, so we, thanks to the Savior’s death on the cross, are born for Eternal life.
The origin of the tradition of Easter eggs is associated with Mary Magdalene. It is known from the life of the saint: when Mary came to Emperor Tiberius and announced the Resurrection of Christ, the emperor did not believe it and said that it was as impossible as it was for a chicken egg to be red. After these words, the chicken egg that Mary Magdalene gave him turned red.
