Is it possible to pray to a saint if there is no icon of him in the house?

What icons should be in the house

Red corner: where to hang icons in the house?

How to place icons in a home iconostasis?

How to pray in front of an icon?

What to do if the icon has become unusable? Using holy water and prosphora

How to use blessed oil

Photo: shutterstock.com

An integral part of a Christian's life is daily prayer at home. At home, the morning and evening rules, prayers before meals, prayers to the guardian angel, and following to Holy Communion are read. Akathists and canons can be read at one’s own request or with the blessing of the priest. You can pray in any conditions, but it is better to do it in front of the icon. The icon, being a visible image of the invisible Prototype, helps to pray more concentratedly and promotes the unity of the people standing in front of it during joint prayer.

Icons must be in the home of an Orthodox Christian.

What icons should be in the house?

There are no special rules about what kind of icons should be in the house. Since most Christian prayers are addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God, a pious tradition has developed to have at home the image of the Savior (for example, the Savior Not Made by Hands, the Lord Pantocrator) and His Most Pure Mother (Vladimir, Kazan, Feodorovskaya, Three-Handed or any other icon of the Mother of God). If a married couple got married, the main icons in the house may be the wedding couple, since it consists of the icons of the Savior and the Mother of God.

Otherwise, the choice of icons for the home depends on individual needs and preferences . At home, believers usually have an icon of their heavenly intercessor , whose name they bear, as well as icons of other saints revered in the family and icons of holidays.

Here are just some of the saints whose icons are especially revered by Russian Orthodox Christians:

It is also useful to acquire a family icon, that is, an icon that depicts the patron saints of all family members.

If you have to travel a lot, you can carry with you a folding bag with icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary. A folding icon is an icon consisting of two or three parts, with doors that can be closed so that the images are inside.

Icon as a tool

Praying to the icon itself is a delusion, although many of them are considered miraculous, you need to clearly understand that miracles are performed by a saint with the permission of the Lord, or by the Lord himself, but not by a piece of wood, even if it has a beautiful design on it. Of course, you need to respect this image, but because it includes holy images.

For a better understanding, a metaphor with a window will be useful.

Imagine a window through which you see the beautiful outside world. This landscape pleases and pleases you, causes admiration, and to some extent you should thank the window for this fact, but it is not the source of the beauty of the world, but only a tool that allows you to look. In the same way, the icon becomes for the believer a way to turn to the spiritual world, to direct his own gaze there; one should be able to use this tool, but one should not confuse the tool and the true goal of spiritual work.

Red corner: where to hang icons in the house?

Photo: Photoxpress

Icons in the house need to be given a special place , visible and spacious , where the whole family can comfortably sit in front of the images for prayer. In the old days, such a place was called the “red corner”.

Orthodox churches are built with the altar facing the east, and in prayer it is also customary to face the east, so at home it is recommended to place icons against the eastern wall . However, if space is limited, you can hang icons on any side of the room - the main thing is that they are in a clean, open place and you can stand in front of them for prayer.

Prayer requires concentration and solitude, so it is wise to hang home icons in the bedroom. This will make it convenient to read morning and evening prayers.

It’s good if there is at least one icon in every room of the apartment , especially in the living room , where the whole family gathers, and in the nursery , so that the child can see the image of the Lord to whom he prays.

An icon (for example, an icon of the Savior) is also needed in the kitchen

An icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, an icon of the Trinity, or a Crucifixion is traditionally hung above the entrance to an apartment

Russian Orthodox Church

Chairman of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan of Rostov and Novocherkassk Mercury answered questions from visitors to the website of the Synodal Information Department.

— How does the Russian Orthodox Church relate to weapons, such as invention, production, trade? (Gennady, Kaliningrad)

— According to Christian doctrine, weapons, like any other inanimate object, in themselves are not subject to moral assessment. It all depends on whose hands it falls into and how it is used. Using guns against people is a great evil, but using guns to save people from criminals can be a great blessing. The prophet and Forerunner of the Lord John the Baptist testifies to this in the Gospel. To the question of the soldiers who came to him: “What should we do?”, he did not invite the soldiers to lay down their arms and stop fulfilling their military duty, but advised them not to offend anyone, not to slander and to be content with their salary (Luke 3:14). The holy apostles directly and decisively affirm that warriors are intended by God to protect the peace and security of people from their enemies by force of arms, to protect family, homeland, and shrines. In this case, weapons serve as a guarantee of peace and tranquility. The thoughts of people bent on destruction, the thirst for power, the desire to impose, to enslave, make weapons an instrument of murder. There is probably no need to say that this is a violation of the commandment and a crime before God and people. The point is not in weapons, but in the intentions and actions of people. Even a word, a small action, said or done in a destructive way can become a terrible weapon.

- Hello! I want to baptize a child, but, unfortunately, I don’t have anyone to play the role of godmother and godfather. What should I do, please tell me. (Svetlana, Khabarovsk)

— The presence of godparents (godparents) is not a prerequisite for performing this Sacrament. There are cases where Baptism had to be performed in such conditions that not only was it impossible to find godparents, but there was also no water (in the desert they baptized with sand). One way or another, start by visiting the temple, communicating with the priest, he will definitely tell you a way out of this situation.

— Tell me, is there any harm in adopting electronic IDs, which have now been introduced all over the world at great speed, and now they are going to introduce them in Russia and Greece? I read that Paisius the Holy Mountain warned about this in his message about the signs of the times, and that it would be dangerous. (Christina, Moscow)

— Neither electronic IDs, nor passports, nor any other documents can harm a person who sincerely believes in God and loves His creations. Do not look for Satan in everything that surrounds you - rather, look for God. The Lord gave us everything so that we could be happy, strive to know Him and have the opportunity to correct our sins and rejoice in everything that He has given us. Instead, we wait with trepidation for the devil and look for him in everything. Can a plastic card, which is just a carrier of information, really stand between God and a person striving for Him?

You should not perceive the works of any spiritual writer as the teaching of the Church. Rather, it is a guide to a certain positive experience, a lesson. Paisiy Svyatogorets, indeed, had a negative attitude towards some “trends of the times,” but this is his private opinion, moreover, arbitrarily interpreted in a certain context.

- Your Eminence! As the chairman of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis, the problem of the Unified State Exam is probably close to you. Now even to enter the seminary, Unified State Examination results are required. Therefore, I have a question: what is your attitude towards the unified state exam? (Danila Kolesnikov, St. Petersburg)

- Everything needs to be done wisely. The Unified State Exam is a test for graduates. But it does not completely objectively reflect the abilities, level of erudition, experience and knowledge that a particular student possesses. It is impossible to find out how developed a person is with a test. I think the road that the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation has taken has just begun. There are still many discoveries, corrections, and rethinks ahead. In my opinion, it is necessary to leave a bit of “humanity” when taking exams.

The Unified State Exam is, first of all, an exam to identify the special knowledge that has been formed in students who have reached a certain qualifying level in their education. And that is why I really hope that defense-industrial complex will never be included in the Unified State Examination as a subject.

As for theological schools, seminaries, academies and Orthodox universities, then, of course, in addition to the Unified State Exam, mandatory interviews are held there to determine the level of knowledge of Orthodox dogma, catechism, and Church history.

- Your Eminence! From 2000 to 2009 You managed the Patriarchal parishes in the USA, and are now the ruling bishop of the Rostov and Novocherkassk diocese. Your path is somewhat reminiscent of the path of Metropolitan Veniamin (Fedchenkov), who, some time after returning from America to his homeland, was also appointed to the Rostov See. Unfortunately, we know very little about the American period of Bishop Benjamin’s ministry; he did not leave detailed memories of this period. Knowing about your literary works (the book “Field of Life” is proof of this), and also that in one of your interviews you talked about the idea of ​​​​publishing the book “200 Letters from America,” can we hope to see the publication of this publication in the near future? or distant (and for how long) time? Thank you. (Rostislav Prosvetov, Tambov)

— I accept criticism. However, church obediences do not leave enough time for me to sit down at the table and write. But I am planning publications. I am working on an expanded edition of the book “Field of Life” - it will include both stories from the previous edition and new ones - about the restoration of the New York Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Nicholas, memories of Father John (Krestyankin), about Mother Abbess Varvara (Trofimova) and others. I hope that we will soon be able to publish “Letters” and some other publications. In any case, they are in the plans. Pray that the Lord will assist me in this matter.

- Your Eminence, Lord Mercury! I would like to ask you a question about how the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis, which you head, is organized. (Andrey, Moscow)

— The Department includes two general and three specialized sectors. The information and analytical service is working on a system for distributing information from the Synodal Department across dioceses, receiving and analyzing appeals, developing a system of interaction with dioceses and the teaching community, and publishing the church-wide magazine “Orthodox Education.” The sector for organizing conferences, readings and competitions oversees the three main events held annually by the Department - the International Christmas Educational Readings, the competition “For the Moral Deed of a Teacher” and “The Beauty of God’s World”, and also coordinates other events held by the Department or with its participation. The sectors of the defense industry and Orthodox education and catechesis, respectively, are working in these areas. All work of the Department is coordinated by the chairman, and in his absence - by the deputy. The structural divisions of the department are presented on our website https://otdelro.ru

— Father, my parents didn’t baptize me and didn’t take me to church. At the age of 23, I was baptized by Jehovah's Witnesses, but after a couple of months I stopped attending meetings of this organization and completely withdrew from communication with them. Last year, at the age of 18, my daughter independently expressed her desire and was baptized into the Orthodox Church. I am sure that the Orthodox Church is the true Apostolic Church. But I doubt whether I need to be baptized again, won’t it be repeated? That is, is my baptism valid or not for the Lord? Father, pray for me and answer, please. (Elena, Orsk, Orenburg region)

—The act that Jehovah's Witnesses call "baptism" is essentially a public declaration that a new member has become a full-fledged servant of Jehovah and His visible theocratic organization. Naturally, there is no talk here of repentance and forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ, much less Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. Naturally, the Church does not recognize the truth of this action. Therefore, according to church canons, you need to undergo preparatory (civic) conversations and accept the Sacrament of Baptism in the Orthodox Church.

- Your Eminence, good afternoon! I am a student at the Faculty of Church Arts of the Orthodox Institute “Assistance”. I entered there already having a higher education. The institute provides additional education, which is very convenient, because... manages to devote more time to core subjects and practical classes. It seems to me that it is good to study theological subjects together with a specific profession. Are there similar educational institutions in other regions? (Valeria, Moscow)

— In many large cities of Russia there are universities that train secular specialists while simultaneously teaching theological disciplines. For those who wish to receive a serious theological education, Orthodox theological schools - colleges, seminaries and academies - are widely represented.

— Vladyka, is there an official catechism of the Russian Orthodox Church that currently guides the Church? If yes, please tell me where I can find it? (Vasyl, Ternopil)

— For almost 200 years, the Russian Church has been using the Long Catechism compiled by St. Philaret (Drozdov). Its text can be found in the library of the church-wide information portal “Orthodox Education” (section “Materials for catechist teachers”). In addition, currently, under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, much work is being done to present the modern Catechism of the Russian Orthodox Church.

- Hello, Lord Mercury! I have friends who studied at theological seminaries in different cities. One finished, the other quit. Both independently say that it is difficult to endure the “wrong side” of church life. Is it their pride, or is it really that bad? (Ksenia)

— Seminary is the beginning of a spiritual achievement that requires constant work of sacrifice and dedication from the seminarian who enters it. For some, this turns out to be a calling, a blessing for pastoral service to people, but for others, it is an unbearable burden. The conditions of spiritual life are such that a beginner will certainly face a test. And the further a person goes along the chosen spiritual path, the more actively the forces of this world take up arms against him, since they are evil and oppose the right choice of a person. And, of course, there are people who can’t stand it and leave the chosen direction: let’s not blame them. Perhaps they will serve God and the Church in some other area, in something for which they are best suited.

- I am 38 years old. I never went to confession or received communion. This year I endured Lent and fasting days of the week. How to properly prepare for Communion and how often is it recommended to take communion? (Natalia, Odessa)

— The time of Lent for every Orthodox Christian is a serious test of soul and body, the purpose of which is spiritual growth and preparation for Easter. The connection between Lent and Easter is inextricable. On Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Easter is much more than just one holiday. The New Life, which shone forth from the tomb almost two thousand years ago, was given to all who believe in Christ. However, the old life, the life of sin, is not so easy to overcome and change. Even the apostles, when listening to their Teacher, asked: “How is this possible?” In fact, it is not easy to give up the petty ideal of life, consisting of daily worries, seeking means for a secure existence, pleasures, everything that is so far from the goal - perfection: “... be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5: 48). Christ in the Gospel tells us: follow the narrow path, the path of struggle and suffering, because this is the only path to true happiness. We live as if Christ never came, as if Christ had not risen from the dead. Sometimes we recognize our various sins and repent of them, but we do not surrender to that New Life that Christ has revealed and given to us. Fasting is a helping hand extended to us by the Church, a school of repentance that prepares us for the meeting of Easter, for the final transition into the New Life in Christ and union with Him in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Savior Himself speaks about the need for communion: “If you do not eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you will not have life in you. He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood abides in Me, and I in him” (John 6:53,56). Thanks to the communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, a Christian has the opportunity already here on earth to be in direct communication with God. By receiving communion, Christians become members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church.

People who, being healthy, for a long time did not come to general prayer in church and did not receive communion, excommunicate themselves from the Church. According to ancient church rules, those who have not taken the Sacraments for more than three weeks are not members of the Church. Pious Christians begin communion after confession to a priest and the Sacrament of Repentance. Contrition for what has been done, hatred of sin, determination not to repeat it again, fervent prayer to God for forgiveness - these are the steps of repentance. The completion of this spiritual work is confession, when the penitent reveals his spiritual wounds - sins - before the priest, as before a doctor and a witness given by God (Matthew 18:18; John 20:21-23).

Read at home the canons of repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and the Guardian Angel from the Orthodox prayer book.

- Lord, bless. Is it possible to pray in front of an unconsecrated icon? Is it necessary to consecrate an icon? (R.B. Alexy, Gomel)

“For many centuries, there was no special rite for the consecration of icons. The icon was created in the Church, was inseparable from the Church and was recognized as holy by its compliance with the iconographic canon, that is, a set of rules according to which the authenticity of a sacred image is determined.

The modern rite of consecration of icons arose in the era of impoverishment of Orthodox icon painting, during borrowings from secular and Western painting, which were introduced into Orthodox icons, so that in order to confirm the holiness of what was depicted, such icons began to be consecrated. Actually, this rank can be understood as the Church’s testimony to the authenticity of the icon.

Thus, the Church currently has a tradition according to which, after painting, the icon is consecrated in the temple. Special prayers are read and the image is sprinkled with holy water. However, it is important to take into account that if the consecration of any other object is the communication of the grace-filled power of the Holy Spirit to it, which implies that the object is not involved in grace before consecration, then with regard to the icon the situation is different. The icon is holy because it depicts the Lord, the Most Holy Theotokos, and the saints to whom we turn in prayer. Before consecration, the icon must be treated with the same reverence and respect as after. You can pray in front of her. But it also needs to be sanctified.

- Your Eminence! Is it possible to find out how things are going with accreditation and licensing of OROiK locally? Schools today operate under strict control and can only enter into cooperation agreements with organizations operating on the basis of legal documents. (Tatiana, Vladivostok)

— According to the charter, the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Russian Orthodox Church only coordinates the activities of diocesan departments, performing advisory functions, and cannot fully exercise control over their work. We help in the regions to properly organize the activities of Orthodox gymnasiums, schools and kindergartens, and all other issues fall within the competence of the diocesan leadership.

- Your Eminence, sir. At public conversations before Epiphany, when the Last Judgment and eternal torment are discussed, some of those who came to listen ask a question that I find it difficult to answer. The question is the following: “You are talking about eternal torment for sinners, but Professor Osipov on the Soyuz TV channel says that this is not so, that the Lord will have mercy on everyone.” The Orthodox catechism says one thing, Osipov says the opposite. And Osipov’s authority turns out to be greater in the eyes of people who want to be baptized. Vladyka, what should I answer, what should I do? In my opinion, Osipov’s entire teaching contradicts the tenets of faith. He also opposes infant baptism. And there are disagreements with people who watch Osipov on TV. That's the problem. What should I do? (Daniil, Ukraine)

— A.I. Osipov develops not a heretical, but a private theological opinion about the universal salvation of St. Gregory of Nyssa. His teaching was not anathematized, although it was not accepted by both the Eastern and Western Orthodox Churches. That is why Saint Gregory was not included in the rank of “Ecumenical Great Teachers.” Origen had a similar teaching. And in his presentation it was anathematized by the Fifth Ecumenical Council. I advise you to adhere to and present traditional church teaching on this issue. As St. John Chrysostom says: “Here we are presented with a question that is not unimportant, but one that concerns the most essential subject and is being investigated by all people: will the fire of hell have an end? Christ revealed to us that: “their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:46). I see that you shudder when you hear this; but what to do? God commands us to continually proclaim this: “show it,” he says, “to my people” (Is. 58:1). We are assigned to the ministry of the word, and therefore we need to speak unpleasant things to the listeners; although against desire, it is necessary. ... So, Christ taught that the fire of hell has no end...” (Conversation 9 on 1 Corinthians).

- Lord, bless! The practice of holding public conversations before baptism is being revived. What recommendations can the ORIK give for the fruitful conduct of such conversations? (Alvian, Volgograd)

— General recommendations for conducting public conversations are contained in the document “On the religious, educational and catechetical ministry of the Russian Orthodox Church,” approved by the Holy Synod on December 27, 2011. It is also planned to publish a manual for catechists “On catechism at the present stage” and “A Catechist’s Handbook” containing recommendations for conducting catechism. A number of methods are posted on the media portal of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Russian Orthodox Church. Quarterly, the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis publishes a magazine for teachers and catechists, “Orthodox Education,” in which you can learn about the most interesting developments, including the method of catechism.

At the same time, it must be taken into account that each diocese has a large degree of independence in determining the forms and methods of catechesis. The diversity of such methods is a positive phenomenon, since even in each specific parish the conditions are different: national composition, social groups, etc., which requires different approaches. It would not be worthwhile to limit the freedom of a clergyman or a lay catechist in the forms and methods of catechetical activity, if, of course, it is consistent with traditions, Orthodox teaching and is presented in the correct form.

How to place icons in a home iconostasis?

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Icons can stand on a shelf or hang on the wall; you need to place or hang a lamp in front of them. If there is no free corner and all the walls are occupied, and it is undesirable to disturb the interior, then the icons can be placed on a bookshelf, chest of drawers or piano. In this case, you should check whether the books on the shelf match the shrine standing above them - sometimes it is better to remove or cover the books.

You should not hang icons as decoration on the wall between paintings and panels.

There should be nothing on top of the icons. Clocks, photographs, and television are inappropriate next to and under icons. There should be no photographs or paintings between the icons, even if they are photographs of respected pious people, and the paintings have a religious plot. However, consecrated objects can be stored next to the icons: prosphora, candles, oil from the relics (that is, from the lamp above the relics), wedding candles, candles from the Holy Sepulcher and other shrines.

When arranging icons, the principle of hierarchy should be observed . The image of Christ (on the right) and the Mother of God (on the left) or the wedding couple is always placed in the center; these are the main icons. Above them can only be the Holy Trinity or the Last Supper.

It is customary to place a small beautiful napkin - a shroud - on the shelf under the icon. According to folk tradition, the red corner with icons can be decorated with an embroidered towel or flowers.

How to use a lamp for a home iconostasis

There may be a lamp in the red corner. Depending on the design, it is placed or hung in front of the icons. The lamp should be lit while the whole family is reading prayers together in front of the icons, as well as on Sundays and holidays.

There is a pious custom to have several spare glass cups for lamps of different colors in the house and change them depending on the period of the year: red - from Easter to Ascension, blue - during Lent, green - the rest of the time.

How to pray if you don’t have the icon you need in your house

You can always pray, even if there is no icon. After all, prayer is an appeal to God, and not to an icon. The icon only helps us focus on prayer. As Archpriest Dmitry Smirnov said, an icon is like a photograph of a beloved departed mother. We look at this photo and talk to mom. The icon also helps us talk with God and the saints.

I want to say again that we pray not to the icon, but to God. And we treat the icon with reverence, since it depicts the Lord, the Mother of God and the saints. So, if the icon is not nearby, then this is not a reason to stop the prayer.

As a rule, you can use all the same rules that I described to you here, only with certain amendments:

As a rule, the most common iconless prayer is the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner). This prayer is unceasing, i.e., one that should always be done with the mind.

The number of icons in the house increases, sometimes unnoticed by you. We visited an Orthodox exhibition, went on one or two pilgrimage trips. We heard something from friends, and then search the Internet for the necessary information, or by reading the teachings and instructions of the elders, find advice or examples of the action of holy icons. Etc. and so on. And you are drawn into this search, your thoughts are occupied not only with deeds, but also with thoughts about the faces of saints who, according to your established conviction, can help you and your family and solve your problems. So it was with me.

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Often on pilgrimage trips to monasteries and churches in Siberia and Russia, I noticed that when I was in a holy place, looking at the images, I did not want to part with them. You feel peace in your soul, hope appears, and you experience an unusual feeling of God’s mercy. And you want to take with you a piece of where you’ve been. And not only. Each icon is connected with the history of a given monastery, temple. There is a desire to buy at least some from the Orthodox stall.

Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov:

But we forget that we imperceptibly create problems for ourselves and our loved ones who live next to us in the same house, in the same apartment, and sometimes have a negative opinion of ourselves by moving away from our loved ones.

We start placing icons first in the bedroom, then gradually move to other rooms, hang icons above doors, place them on windows without asking the opinions of loved ones or consulting them.

It turns out that we took into account only our desires and aspirations. Being carried away by buying icons, we forget the main thing: do not interfere, do not harm, do not impose. Everything is good in moderation.

Saint Theophan the Recluse:

The choice of icons for your home is always individual and here you should listen to the voice of your heart. It happens that the feat of this or that saint sinks very deeply into the soul and encourages you to imitate him in your life.

Icons can and should be placed in different rooms. The icon should also be in the kitchen. There must be a holy image in the children's room. For example, an icon of a Guardian Angel or an icon of a child’s Heavenly Patron.

According to tradition, it is customary to hang an icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary above the entrance to a house or apartment. Although it could be any other icon or cross.

The main place is occupied by the icon of the Savior. It is often the largest in size. Usually this is the Savior Not Made by Hands or the Savior Almighty. Next to the image of Christ there is an icon of the Virgin and Child. If you stand facing the home iconostasis, then the icon of the Savior should be on your right, and the icon of the Mother of God on your left. These are the main icons, they must be in the red corner. Above these icons you can only place the icon of the Holy Trinity or the icon of the Last Supper.

Archbishop Methodius of Constantinople:

Below the two main icons or to the side of them, you can place personalized icons, i.e. icons of saints whose names are borne by family members, as well as other icons - patrons of professions, saints especially revered by you, etc.

In any case, you should remember the principle of hierarchy. For example, an icon of a saint cannot be placed above the icon of the Trinity, the Savior, the Mother of God and the apostles. It is advisable to crown the home iconostasis with an Orthodox cross.

My grandmother always said: icons should be kept in the red corner, near the easternmost wall of the house, so that the light from the windows falls on them. She did this, my mother did this... But when I moved to live in a separate apartment, it turned out that on the east side in my new home there was only a bathroom and a toilet. Where to hang a shelf for icons? Father suggested

Yes, traditionally in Russian huts the red corner (that is, the place where icons and amulet were hung) was located in the eastern corner. Moreover: every house was built with this angle in mind.

Today's apartment buildings (and private ones too) are created by engineers, and religion is the last thing they are guided by when planning the future premises. Fortunately for modern Orthodox Christians, there is no clear church instruction regarding the placement of icons on a particular wall.

You don't need to collect a huge collection. The main thing is that each of the icons placed in your red corner is revered in your family and every child knows who is depicted on it, how and when to pray.

Some people hang images they made with their own hands (or gifts from loved ones). Embroidered or painted icons are not a sin. But before you start praying to her, the icon must be consecrated. And ideally, before starting work, you need to visit the church and receive a blessing for embroidering/drawing such an icon.

But calendars and posters (even with saints) are not icons; they should be stored separately from the red corner. But remember: when such a calendar has served its purpose, do not throw it away. Either burn it or take it to church. After all, it depicts the face of a saint - it should not be lying around in a landfill.

The images of the Savior and the Virgin Mary are hung above other icons. If you have an old image that, say, you got from your grandmother, place it in the center. If the icon is old and the paint on it has almost worn off, you can place it a little further than the other icons, lock it in an icon case for a while, or even give it to the church.

Are all the images on the same shelf? In this case, the most revered one (Jesus) is placed in the center, the Holy Trinity and the Mother of God are on the right and left, the rest are on the edges.

You can also use a bedside table, table or console instead of a shelf. It is not necessary to place icons under the ceiling. But since you are using a bedside table, it should only be for icons - you can also place photos of your relatives here; you cannot put a cup of tea down casually.

You cannot place or stack icons on top of each other.

Some icons have a loop for hanging, others do not (they are placed on a shelf). If there is no loop, the icon cannot be nailed, piercing through it (it is especially blasphemous to drive a nail into the image of a saint or his clothes).

There is an opinion that all icons should be painted in the same manner. Although, of course, this is a more stylistic remark (after all, people often collect images throughout their lives - they receive them as an inheritance, a gift, or bring them from pilgrimage trips).

And one last thing. It is believed that it is better not to hang images on the wall, but to place them on a shelf. Although this is an older tradition than church rule. Otherwise, icons with special loops for a nail would not be sold in church shops.

In the old days, grandmothers hid money behind icons, hoping that thereby they would protect them from thieves. But worldly pieces of paper and holy faces are not the best neighbors. If you want to be sure to save your funds, it is better to keep your money on deposit.

Do not hang icons in rooms with high humidity or very hot conditions. Here, the paint on the images can quickly crack and fade. A battery and a window are not the best neighbors for the red corner. Also, do not allow direct sunlight to illuminate the icons all day.

Even if, according to tradition, they need to be hung in the most illuminated place of the hut, no one has yet canceled curtains on the windows (and embroidered towels are hung on icons for a reason).

Many people like to decorate icons with napkins and fresh (dried, artificial) flowers. But if you light a lamp near the images, all flammable objects should be removed.

This is a special shelf or glass box designed for storing icons. They are sold in temples and can also be ordered online.

Such a repository can also be called a shrine.

But what are we all about an apartment, a house and an office... After all, some people spend many hours a day behind the wheel of their iron horse. Is it possible to hang an icon in a car? This video will tell you about it:

But the church does not approve of wearing icons in a wallet. Yes, they, small and laminated, are sold even in church shops. But - so that such an image could be taken with a soldier or a traveler in order to pray in his free moment. As for the wallet, it is better to leave it for money and credit cards.

The Holy Father will tell you about this in more detail:

Tell your fortune for today using the “Card of the Day” Tarot layout!

For correct fortune telling: focus on the subconscious and don’t think about anything for at least 1-2 minutes.

How to pray in front of an icon?

Photo: RIA Novosti

They read before the icons

• morning and evening prayers,
• prayers before meals
• holiday prayers on the day of the holiday,
• prayers to patron saints on name day.

in front of the icon in your own words .

To pray, you need to dress carefully, approach the icon with reverence, and stand straight, leaning on both feet. You can pray on your knees. During home congregational prayer, one person can read prayers, and everyone else repeats his words to themselves. On holidays, a candle or lamp is lit in front of the icons.

What to do if the icon has become unusable?

Photo: rublev.com

An icon, even if it is a paper reproduction, is a shrine, not a piece of furniture. If an icon is dilapidated or damaged and cannot be restored, it should not be thrown away . You need to take the icon to the temple , where it will be burned in the church oven. If this is not possible, then you can burn the icon yourself and bury the ashes in a place that will not be desecrated (for example, under a tree in the garden).

It is important to know: if the icon is damaged due to careless handling, this is a sin that must be confessed.

Using holy water and prosphora

Prosphora is a special consecrated church bread that is used during the Divine Liturgy: particles of health and repose are taken from the prosphora, which at the end of the service are immersed in a vessel with the Holy Gifts. The prosphora themselves are distributed to those praying. By submitting a registered note at the candle box before the service begins, you will receive a prosphora at the end of the Liturgy.

Holy water is consecrated in the church either at the Great Blessing of Water (January 18 and 19 - Epiphany Eve and Epiphany of the Lord), or at the small consecration, which takes place during some church holidays or, at the request of those praying, at a water-blessing prayer service. Holy water is taken from a special container in the temple, where it is stored after consecration.

Prosphora and a bottle of holy water are also kept in the red corner along with the icons. Prosphora is consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, holy water can be drunk throughout the day . There is a special prayer for accepting prosphora and holy water.

How to use blessed oil

During a pilgrimage to shrines, a believer can purchase oil consecrated from the relics of one or another saint or near one or another miraculous icon of the Mother of God: for example, oil from the blessed Matrona or from the icon of the Mother of God “The All-Tsarina.” Sometimes it is sold in church shops. According to the testimony of the saints, blessed oil, like holy water, can have great power if used with sincere faith.

The sick parts of the body are anointed with consecrated oil in a cross shape . If a person endures sorrow or temptation, the chest (to sanctify the heart and feelings) or the forehead (to sanctify the mind and thoughts) must be anointed. Before this, you need to read a prayer (troparion or kontakion) to the saint at whose relics the oil was consecrated, or a prayer to the Mother of God if the oil was consecrated in front of a miraculous icon. Blessed oil can also be used to light a lamp .

Hello, Vladimir! First of all, I want to tell you the good news: Christ is Risen! Sorry for such a late letter. On your part there must be a full-fledged Christian life. You must visit the temple, read patristic literature. Try to go deeper into the Christian life. Read the Bible, read any patristic literature; reading the Lives of the Saints, compiled by St. Dmitry of Rostov, helps a lot. The Holy Spirit lives in such books, and when a person reads them, he lives with this Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 2:17). Pray morning and evening, read the Psalter. Psalms read in despondency: 26, 36, 101, 39, 53.

Prayers against despondency:

Prayer from the works of St. Dimitry of Rostov

God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our sorrow! Comfort everyone who is grieving, saddened, despairing, or overwhelmed by the spirit of despondency. After all, every person was created by Thy hands, wise by wisdom, exalted by Thy right hand, glorified by Thy goodness... But now we are visited by Thy Fatherly punishment, short-term sorrows! “You compassionately punish those you love, and have mercy generously and look upon their tears!” So, having punished, have mercy and quench our sorrow; turn sorrow into joy and dissolve our sorrow with joy; Surprise us with Thy mercy, wondrous in counsels, Lord, incomprehensible in destinies, Lord, and blessed in Thy deeds forever, amen.

Prayer for deliverance from despondency, St. John of Kronstadt

The Lord is the destruction of my despondency and the revival of my boldness. Everything is Lord for me. Oh, truly this Lord, glory to You! Glory to Thee, Life Father, Life Son, Life Soul, Holy One - Simple Being - God, who always delivers us from spiritual death caused by passions to our souls. Glory to Thee, Trinitarian Master, for from one invocation of Thy name you enlighten the dark face of our soul and body and bestow Your peace, which surpasses all earthly and sensual good and all understanding. Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

O all-praised saint and saint of Christ, our Father Tikhon! Having lived as an angel on earth, you, like a good angel, appeared in your long-ago glorification: we believe with all our souls and thoughts that you, our merciful helper and prayer book, through your honest intercessions and grace, abundantly given to you from the Lord, ever contribute to our salvation. Accept therefore, blessed servant of Christ, even at this hour our unworthy prayer: free us through your intercession from the vanity and superstition that surrounds us, the unbelief and evil of man; strive, speedy representative for us, with your favorable intercession to beg the Lord, may He add His great and rich mercy to us sinners and unworthy His servants (names), may He heal with His grace the unhealed ulcers and scabs of our corrupted souls and bodies, may He dissolve our petrified hearts tears of tenderness and contrition for our many sins, and may He deliver us from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna; May He grant to all His faithful people peace and quiet, health and salvation, and good haste in everything, so that having lived a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, let us be worthy to glorify and sing the all-holy name of the Father with the Angels and with all the saints and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Prayers before the icons of the Mother of God “Quiet my sorrows”

Hope to all the ends of the earth, Most Pure Virgin, Lady Theotokos, our consolation! Do not disdain us sinners, for we trust in Your mercy: extinguish the sinful flame burning in us and water our parched hearts with repentance; Cleanse our minds from sinful thoughts, accept the prayers offered to You from the soul and heart with sighs. Be an intercessor for us to Your Son and God and turn away His anger with Your Mother’s prayers. Heal mental and physical ulcers, Lady Lady, quench the illnesses of souls and bodies, calm the storm of evil attacks of the enemy, take away the burden of our sins, and do not leave us to perish until the end, and comfort our broken hearts with sadness, let us glorify Thee until our last breath.

Prayers before the icons of the Mother of God “Unexpected joy”

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city and holy temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon, You did not despise him, but You gave him the unexpected joy of repentance and You bowed Your Son to His many and zealous ones. intercession for the forgiveness of this sinner and erring one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and beg Thy Son and our God, so that all of us with faith and tenderness who worship before Thy celibate image will grant unexpected joy for each need: as a shepherd to the church - holy zeal for the salvation of the flock; a sinner mired in the depths of evil and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; those found in troubles and bitterness - their complete abundance; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; in the joy and contentment of those living - unceasing thanksgiving to God the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in God's mercy. Oh, Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your honorable name, and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession; abide in piety, purity and honest living until their last death in goodness; create evil good things; guide misconceptions onto the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, invisible help and admonition were sent down from heaven; save from temptations, seductions and destruction; protect and preserve from all evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; floating float; for those who travel, travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; be the Cover and Refuge for those without shelter and shelter; Give clothes to the naked; for those offended and suffering from untruths - intercession; invisibly justify the slander, slander and blasphemy of those who suffer; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; Unexpectedly grant reconciliation to those who are bitterly at odds, and to all of us towards each other love, peace and piety and health with long life. Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; to mothers and children giving birth, grant permission quickly; educate infants, young ones to be chaste, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching, instruct the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect from domestic strife and enmity of half-bloods with peace and love. Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn them away from every vice and defilement and teach everything good and pleasing to God; those who have been seduced into sin and uncleanness, having revealed the filth of sin, bring them out of the abyss of destruction. Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be a rod of old age. Deliver us all from sudden death without repentance, and grant us all the Christian death of our life, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the terrible judgment of Christ, having ceased in faith and repentance from this life with the angels and all the saints, create a life; To those who died a sudden death, beseech Your Son to be merciful; for all the departed who have no relatives, who beg for the repose of your Son, be a constant and warm Prayer Book and Intercessor; Yes, everyone in heaven and on earth leads You as a firm and shameless Representative of the Christian race, glorifying You and Your Son with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayers before the icons of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”

Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, blessed Mother of Christ God, our Savior, joy to all who mourn, visitation to the sick, protection and intercession of the weak, widows and orphans, patroness of the sad, all-reliable comforter of sad mothers, strength of weak babies, and always ready help and faithful refuge for all the helpless! You, O All-Merciful One, have been given grace from the Almighty to intercede for everyone and deliver them from sorrows and illnesses, since you yourself have endured fierce sorrows and illnesses, looking at the free suffering of Your beloved Son and Him crucified on the cross, seeing, when the weapon predicted by Simeon, the heart Yours has passed: in the same way, O Mother of children, listen to the voice of our prayer, comfort us in the sorrow of those who exist, like an intercessor faithful to joy. Standing before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, at the right hand of Your Son, Christ our God, you can, if you desire, ask for everything useful to us: for the sake of heartfelt faith and love, we fall to You, as the Queen and Lady: hear, daughter, and see, and incline Your ear, hear our prayer and deliver us from current troubles and sorrows: You are the Joy of all the faithful, as you give peace and consolation. Behold our misfortune and sorrow: show us Thy mercy, send comfort to our hearts wounded by sorrow, show and surprise us sinners with the riches of Thy mercy, give us tears of repentance to cleanse our sins and quench the wrath of God, and with a pure heart, good conscience and With undoubted hope we resort to Your intercession and intercession. Accept, our All-merciful Lady Theotokos, our fervent prayer offered to You, and do not reject us, unworthy of Your mercy, but grant us deliverance from sorrow and illness, protect us from all slander of the enemy and human slander, be our constant helper all the days of our life , as if under Your maternal protection we will always pursue goals and preserve Your intercession and prayers to Your Son and God our Savior, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His beginningless Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayers before the icons of the Mother of God “Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the Highest Powers, Queen of Heaven and Earth, our city and country, our all-powerful Intercessor! Accept this singing of praise and gratitude from us, unworthy Thy servants, and lift up our prayers to the Throne of God Thy Son, that He may be merciful to our iniquities and add His grace to those who honor Thy all-honorable name and with faith and love worship Thy miraculous image. We are not worthy of being pardoned by Him, unless You propitiate Him for us, the Lady, for everything is possible for You from Him. For this reason, we resort to You, as to our undoubted and speedy Intercessor: hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection and ask God Your Son as our shepherd for zeal and vigilance for souls, as a city ruler for wisdom and strength, for judges of truth and impartiality, as a mentor reason and humility, love and harmony for a spouse, obedience for children, patience for those who are offended, fear of God for those who are offended, complacency for those who grieve, abstinence for those who rejoice: for all of us is the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. To her, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on Your weak people; Gather those who are scattered, guide those who have gone astray onto the right path, support old age, educate young ones with chastity, raise infants, and look upon us all with the care of Your merciful intercession; raise us up from the depths of sin and enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the vision of salvation; be merciful to us here and there, in the land of earthly arrival and at the Last Judgment of Your Son; Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, our fathers and brethren began to live with the Angels and all the saints in eternal life. For you are, Lady, the Glory of the heavenly and the Hope of the earthly, You, according to God, are our Hope and Intercessor of all those who flow to You with faith. We therefore pray to You and to You, as the Almighty Helper, we commit ourselves and each other and our whole life, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen. Remember that despair is a mortal sin, and mortal sin falls on the sinner's race, it is scary. Cheer up!

Christ is Risen! Sincerely, Father Alexey