The best housewarming icons
Before purchasing an image of the Lord or a saint as a housewarming gift or for a personal new apartment, it is worth finding out what Orthodox priests advise and which icon is considered most suitable for a given occasion. Most often, the first image that is brought into a new home is the face of Christ the Savior or the Blessed Virgin Mary.
However, if a person plans to live in a house alone, and he does not yet have a family, you can buy an image of the saint who patronizes him and consecrate it before offering it in the temple.
Images of Jesus Christ
When choosing an image of Christ the Savior for a new home, it is recommended to pay attention to the following options:
"Burning bush"
Since ancient times, believers have turned to the Queen of Heaven for help and asked for her protection from various adversities. According to tradition, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is hung above the entrance to an apartment or house. The Virgin Mary patronizes people whose professions involve danger. Also, the image of the Queen of Heaven “Burning Bush” protects an apartment or house from robbers, fires and other accidents. The patronage of the image also extends to the spiritual and physical health of the inhabitants of the new home.
If the owners plan to leave their home for a while and go on vacation, the presence of the Burning Bush icon in the apartment will protect the home from ill-wishers. Also, the image of the Mother of God becomes an obstacle for envious people who use black magic to harm the owners of the apartment and sow chaos in their home.
"Semistrelnaya"
The “seven-arrow” icon of the Most Pure Mother of God is considered one of the most powerful and protects a person from troubles and problems. According to legend, which has survived to this day, this image of the Queen of Heaven was written from the words of Simeon, which he said on the 40th day after the birth of Jesus in the temple, thereby recognizing him as the Savior of mankind.
In a new apartment, the “Seven Arrows” icon is most often placed opposite the front door, thus the Most Holy Theotokos will protect the house from all evil that enters through the doors. Also, the presence of the image protects the inhabitants of the house from the following problems:
"Protection of the Holy Mother of God"
This image, brought to a new apartment, will protect its inhabitants from the main human vices - laziness, pride, envy and gluttony. Also, the Most Holy Theotokos is a kind of spiritual shield that reflects all the evil directed against new settlers. Thanks to the icon, peace and mutual understanding between family members, love between spouses and respect for the older generation will reign in the house.
It is recommended to give the icon “Protection of the Holy Mother of God” as a housewarming gift to a person who is unsuccessfully trying to find his soul mate and has already despaired of starting a family.
The Virgin Mary will bless you with a reliable life partner and, through prayer, give you children.
"Impenetrable Door"
"The Bread Wrangler"
If a family has purchased or built a new house in the countryside and is planning to grow crops, this image of the Virgin Mary will bless the work of their hands and help them collect a large amount of fruit for their own needs and for sale.
Moving according to the laws of Orthodoxy
When choosing an icon for yourself or as a gift for new residents, you must take into account that some of the holy faces can be especially strong protectors. Orthodox priests name among the first images of Christ the Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos.
But, if a new resident lives alone and does not yet plan to start a family, you can purchase an image of the saint who is considered his patron. To do this, it is better to visit the temple, where already consecrated icons are offered for sale.
Which icon should be brought first into a new apartment?
If a housewarming is planned for a married couple, then the best gift for this event will be an icon of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, which in Orthodoxy is considered a symbol of a happy family life and love between spouses. Peter and Fevronia passed the test of their feelings and became an example of a pious married couple. The image depicting this married couple blesses:
You can also be the first to bring into the new house the icon of another married couple - Joachim and Anna. Thanks to the intercession of the saints, healthy and obedient children will be born into the family, and love and mutual understanding will reign between husband and wife.
According to Orthodox customs, a coin will attract good financial condition in a new home
In order for new apartment residents to have a good life, psychics advise paying a little attention to the material side. Before performing the ritual on the threshold of a new house, do not forget to leave a few kopecks in a secluded corner of the old place of residence, as a tribute for living in this place. Then throw a few coins (white) on the floor of your new apartment to gain good luck in financial matters that will be resolved within these walls.
For the sign and ritual to work, do not forget to place one large coin under the dining table, it is better to hide it under the tablecloth or in the cracks, this will attract prosperity and great opportunities to those who regularly eat at this table. It is advisable not to throw away or remove the bill. If this happens, then spend it on something from your household, and put a new one in that place.
More useful icons for the home
In addition to the icons described above, which are most often purchased for new homes, you should also pay attention to the following options.
"Ostrobramskaya Mother of God"
One of the rare icons of the Holy Virgin Mary called “Ostrobramskaya” differs from other images in that it does not have the Baby Jesus on it. The Mother of God has her arms crossed and her gaze lowered; a radiance emanates from the figure of the Queen of Heaven. In Orthodox Christianity, it is believed that this icon depicts the Virgin Mary at the moment when she heard the Good News from the Archangel Gabriel.
Nikita Novgorodsky
The Novgorod bishop, Saint Nikita, went through many spiritual trials during his lifetime, and for his fidelity he was blessed by the Almighty gift of miracles. The image of the monk will protect the new home from fires and other accidents.
Matrona of Moscow
Matrona of Moscow is considered one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox religion. She is an example of spiritual achievement and selfless service to God and people. The girl was born blind, and later lost the ability to walk independently. But, despite this, the fire of love for people burned in her heart, and she helped them, despite her pains and infirmities.
John the Warrior
It is customary to give the face of St. John the Warrior to those new residents whose family includes a defender of the Fatherland. It is generally accepted that the saint blesses warriors in a special way and protects them from injury and death. Also, the icon of John serves as a talisman against the evil thoughts of robbers and accidents. It has been noticed that in those apartments where there is this image, people sincerely believe in the Lord and live a pious life.
"The Unbreakable Wall"
The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Unbreakable Wall” is usually hung in a new home opposite the front door or directly above it. It is believed that in this case the Queen of Heaven will protect the apartment from everything evil that is trying to get inside. The blessing of the image also extends to family relationships between spouses and children.
What icon to give for housewarming
Icons occupy a special place in the life of believers. They serve as a guide for a person’s prayer to the Almighty. In addition, images of saints help believers cope with difficult life situations and become support in everyday affairs.
Almost every believer has icons in their home. Orthodox icons fill the house with a special atmosphere and serve as amulets for the family. We believe that together with them we will find grace and protection from harm.
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Icons for women and men
It is believed that icons corresponding to a person’s gender can be given as a gift.
For women
:
- Kazan Icon of the Mother of God - for family well-being and healing from illnesses;
- Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God - for the well-being of children;
- Three-Handed Icon - to protect the home and liberate from depression;
- Iveron Icon of the Mother of God - for deliverance from sins;
- The Bethlehem Icon of the Mother of God is for those who want to start a family.
For men
:
- Savior Not Made by Hands - for home prayers;
- Icon of St. Nicholas - for those whose work involves traveling;
- Icon of the Guardian Angel - for protection from troubles and temptations;
- The image of the patron saint is for family well-being and choosing the right path in life.
Is it possible to accept an icon as a gift from a stranger?
If doubts arise about the sincerity of the donor, you need to take the shrine to the temple for consecration. The church servants will perform the consecration ceremony, and the icon will bring goodness.
When accepting a shrine as a gift, do not forget to thank God.
After the words of thanksgiving, apply the forehead to the icon. Remember that you cannot burn or throw away the shrine. As a last resort, take it to church.
Home icons
The red corner (or home iconostasis) is usually located in the living room. The main icons that are placed in it are considered to be the images of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and several other important icons.
Today the editors of “So Simple!” I have prepared a selection of the main icons for home protection. These are the images everyone should have!
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Pay attention to which of your friends or neighbors does not want to cross the threshold of the house.
With the help of the right words, you can ask the saints for the protection of the premises and family. To do this, you need to light seven church candles, let go of all negative thoughts and say the words of the “Seven Crosses” prayer, which is used to protect your home from negativity. The prayer must be read seven times, and the space around must be crossed the same number of times as it is read.
When there are minor losses in the house, the saint will help to find out who is to blame.
An icon can ward off troubles from your family, and your home will be avoided by ill-wishers, thieves and fires. It also helps to strengthen family well-being and happiness. Many say that thanks to this shrine their family is healthy, friendly and strong.
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In Christianity, it is generally accepted that each of us has a personal guardian angel, who can be identified by the person’s name or date of birth. I suggest you find out by your date of birth which icon you need! Adversity will bypass your home...
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Of course, there are no strict regulations about what icons should be in the house. This may be a personal choice of a believer, which he makes based on his preferences and spiritual attachment to certain Orthodox saints .
The same applies to the placement of icons: it does not matter where you will store the image, but it is important that this place is convenient for prayer. You should not be distracted by foreign objects (for example, a working TV) or touched by passing household members. Prayer is an intimate process that requires a peaceful and comfortable environment.
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Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
This saint has long been revered as a protector of children. The life story of St. Nicholas is full of examples of his selfless care for children. Even at a young age, he gave the children small gifts, which he left on the windowsills of their houses. Nikolai especially supported those in need.
Placing the holy face of Nicholas in the house will not only protect children, but will also support adults if they have problems at work. It is believed that the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker contributes to successful business.
Icons in the apartment: where to hang icons? What icons should be at home?
In the home of every Orthodox Christian there must be an icon of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Cross. This is the main icon for each of us.
Also in the home iconostasis it is good to have an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and saints revered in the family - the patrons of those who live in the house and those to whom they often pray. You should not have too many icons; in your home iconostasis it is better to have icons of those to whom you regularly pray.
There is no need to put photographs of loved ones - living or dead - in the iconostasis.
Jesus Christ
When choosing an image of Christ the Savior to decorate the iconostasis in a new house, priests recommend the following options.
The image of the “Savior Not Made by Hands” is one of the first images of Jesus Christ to appear on earth. The origin of the image can be judged by its name. Icon painters did not work on its creation. The icon owes its appearance to the touch of Christ, who wiped his face with linen.
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The icon “Savior Not Made by Hands” will protect the inhabitants of the apartment so that they are not exposed to serious illnesses, strengthen the household’s faith in the Lord and help in finding a way out of difficult situations.
“The Good Shepherd” is the personification of the main purpose of Christ, who came to our world to save people - the lost sheep. If you purchase the “Good Shepherd” image for your new home, relationships in the family will improve between both adults and children. And family members who have not yet accepted God's laws will be able to correct this mistake.
“The Good Silence of the Savior” is an image characterized as a rather rare image of the Savior. It depicts the period before the incarnation of Jesus in the human body. The presence of this icon in the home iconostasis will protect residents from physical and mental illnesses.
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BOOK by Archpriest Sergius Nikolaev about HOME ICONOSTASIS
The material world that surrounds us, the world of objects - daily witnesses of our life - is not silent. A person’s home will tell about the owner, perhaps more than the owner himself. And if an Orthodox person on the street, on a bus, in a store does not stand out in any way outwardly, then his home still has its own characteristics. Therefore, it would not be superfluous to talk about the aesthetics of an Orthodox home.
The parish priest often visits the homes of his parishioners. He is called upon to bless the apartment, serve a prayer service at home, and is invited to perform the sacrament of consecration of oil (unction) to the sick person. During such visits, I always pay attention to what place is allocated to household icons, how they are kept, whether there are lamps or a candlestick in front of them. Is there a Gospel or spiritual books in the house?
It is a joy to encounter a beautifully decorated, kept clean, living holy corner with icons, a lamp lit in front of them, a clean veil under the images. How much love there is in such care! Yes, this is natural. The most precious thing for us is God. That is why images of the Savior, His Most Pure Mother, and saints of God—holy icons—are dear to us.
But it’s a pity for the owner or mistress of a house where a warped paper image the size of half a palm, covered with dust, leans forlornly from a chest of drawers or sideboards, leaning against a random vase.
Sometimes, especially in those families where the Orthodox church tradition was somehow interrupted, believers and completely pious owners do not know how best to arrange new holy icons, lamps, and candlesticks for their home. After all, an icon is a shrine, but it is also a product that has its own shape, appearance, and price. How to “fit” it into the current familiar environment?
Where to hang an icon in an apartment?
Previously, all the decoration of a peasant's upper room came from the red, or holy corner with icons. Even the name “upper room” itself probably comes from a mountain place (in Russian - heavenly, upper), that is, the place where part of the sky is located - holy icons. And today it is better to determine a convenient, beautiful place for icons in a free corner or on the wall, even if this requires some rearrangement.
During prayer or on holidays, a lamp or candle is lit in front of the icons. The flame of a burning lamp, rushing upward, is a symbol of our prayer, our burning towards God. You can see that the lamp is safer in everyday life. But still, for special occasions or special occasions, it is good to have a candlestick and candles in the house. Lamps come in several types: hanging and standing. The owner of the house, based on aesthetics and convenience, can choose one or the other.
It is customary to place the icon not directly on the shelf, but on a small beautiful napkin, or, as it is called, a shroud. It can be decorated with embroidery, lace, frill. Here the imagination, taste and skill of the housewife can fully express themselves.
If there is no free corner or convenient part of the wall and at the same time it is a pity to disturb the existing interior, then the icons can be placed on a bookshelf, chest of drawers, low sideboard, piano. Temporarily, of course. In this case, you should pay attention to what books are on the shelf, whether they are completely combined with the shrine standing above them. Maybe it would be better to remove them or at least cover them with something. Look to see if there are porcelain dogs, gift cups or other household decorations that are not very necessary here next to the icons. The TV also looks ridiculous under the icons. And one more condition: nothing is placed above the icons. Clocks, paintings, photographs and other decorative elements should take place somewhat to the side. So once upon a time it was not allowed to build a building higher than a temple in close proximity to it.
The presence of a shrine in a house obliges the owners to take care not only of the external splendor of the interior, but also of the internal contents, that is, it moves them towards piety. Be sure to check whether everything in your house is in accordance with the shrine and whether there are any contradictions.
In the “Ancient Patericon” you can read an incident that happened to one hermit. Once, while praying, the monk saw the Most Holy Virgin standing on the threshold of his cell. She seemed to be about to enter, but then she moved away and disappeared. The vision was repeated, and the saddened hermit turned to the Mother of God: “Mistress, why don’t you want to enter my home?” To which the Mother of God answered: “How can I enter where my enemy is.” The hermit pondered for a long time over the words of the Most Pure Virgin and remembered that in his cell, among the books, there was a book with the works of a certain heretic, which the monk forgot to give to the owner. Immediately the hermit took the book out of the cell.
If the family is friendly, then such “enemies”, after discussion at the family council, can also be taken out of the house. And almost everyone has them. In this regard, I remember two cases. Last year they invited me to serve a prayer service in one house, where, according to the owners, it was “not good.” Despite the fact that the house was consecrated, some kind of oppression was felt in it. Walking around the rooms with holy water, I noticed the room of the young men, the sons of the owner, where an artistically executed poster dedicated to a famous rock band hung on the wall. Moreover, it is known for its satanic orientation.
After the prayer service, over tea, I carefully, knowing about the fanatical devotion of some young people to their idols, tried to explain that “bad things” in the house could well come from even such posters, that such images seemed to be trying to resist the shrine. The young man stood up silently and removed the painting in question from the wall. The choice was made right there.
But in another house, the indecisiveness of the owners deprived them of a wonderful shrine. A pious old woman gave one person a beautiful icon - “The Appearance of the Mother of God, St. Sergius of Radonezh.” The icon was beautiful in itself, and besides, it was painted and presented to its owner by a famous hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, which gave it some specialness. The new owner found a place for the precious shrine on the wall in the living room, but, unfortunately, three engravings hung opposite. Old engravings in beautiful frames, three female portraits: Venus, Leda and Cleopatra. Relatives persuaded the owners to remove these three images of the world's harlots so that they would not hang in front of the Virgin Mary, but the reluctance to destroy the interior and the not entirely correctly perceived concept of culture did not allow them to make the right choice.
The next morning, early, as early as decency allows, the phone rang: the pious old woman begged for the icon to be returned to her and returned as soon as possible. “I didn’t sleep all night, it seemed to me that something had happened to my icon. I’ll give you another one, but bring this one to me, I’ll give it to you later,” she asked. Of course, the shrine returned to its former owner, and lovers of ancient engravings received another icon as a gift. It was placed in another room on a shelf among other icons, since it was more suitable in size and design there. I don’t know whether Lyubov Timofeevna chose a replacement by accident or on purpose. This was also an image of the Mother of God, it was called “Mammal.” Perhaps there was a hint here about the spiritual age of her friends? True, the lesson was not in vain; after a while, three landscapes took the place of dubious portraits.
Signs about icons
Signs stating that icons cannot be given as gifts appear due to ignorance of Orthodox canons. For example, a well-known popular belief says that giving images of saints leads to a quarrel. Perhaps the roots of this “wisdom” come from an incorrect interpretation of the Bible. After all, the Savior’s commandments say that you cannot give a shrine to sinners and unbelievers. So a quotation from Holy Scripture became a household sign, declaring that “giving icons is a quarrel.” But against the background of “obscurantism”, expedient and reasonable arguments stand out that should be followed in individual cases and life circumstances.
Because of the mass of signs, many people are simply afraid to give icons even to their believing loved ones. However, it should be noted that the superstitions that came to us from our ancestors contain a rational grain. Let's remember some of them.
- During a disaster, icons are taken out of the house first.
This unspoken law is quite justified, because in a moment of danger or natural disaster, first of all, a person saves what is most dear to himself. And for religious people, the faces of saints, like other symbols of faith, have always remained one of the greatest values.
- The person who finds the icon should consecrate it in the temple and only then bring it into the house
Sound enough advice. Icons are a mandatory attribute of Orthodox funerals. Also, patients are often begged before them. No one knows in whose hands the shrine was previously, and why it was left, so it is better to immediately take it to the church and consecrate it. If you cannot dispel fears associated with the find, you can leave it there, in the temple.
- A cracked icon is a harbinger of trouble
At any time, holy faces served as conductors between higher powers and our world, and incidents associated with them were perceived as a sign. Therefore, the slightest external change in the icon, be it a sharp darkening of the coating, a crack, or, on the contrary, the extraordinary brightness of the colors, is interpreted as a kind of message to people.
- Icons cannot be inscribed
No personal inscriptions are made on the images, as well as on other spiritual objects (holy books and scrolls). It defiles them. If you give an icon or a Gospel, give up the desire to leave a memorable text and your autograph on them.
- Icons cannot be hung
An icon hanging on the wall may fall, and as mentioned above, any incident involving it is considered significant. Fall is one of the worst. In addition, to hang an icon, you need a fastening, which, in turn, can damage its base.
My cousin gave me 3 icons and candles for home prayer. Icons: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justina; Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helen (my name is Helen); and some other thing (I can’t make it out) that protects the house from fire (bush). Everything would be fine, but they were given to me by a person who, about 2 years ago and previously, often insulted me, did nasty things to me, accused me of something that didn’t actually happen, and other bad deeds. For a little over a year now, everything seems to be fine, we communicate and don’t fight. She strongly believes in God, attends church on Sundays, fasts, and has many icons in her apartment. I’m not a strong believer, but I believe in God, I’m baptized, and, of course, there are fewer icons. I accepted the icons, although I was not very happy about this gift, because... I’m afraid that the person cursed them, etc., passing on only bad things to me through them. I'm still afraid to hang them, as well as use candles. If I return the icons, she will be very offended. Yes, and I would gladly hang them if...
Narine wrote: Let's throw away all fears based on superstition and think together: what “bad” can an icon carry? There is an image of the Savior or the Mother of God, or a saint! I once found an icon on the street in the mud while I was walking my dog. Now it’s in our office at work. Of course, this is not a suitable thing for a gift; I would only dare to give an icon to the closest people. And if the person who gave the icon did it with bad intentions, then who do you think it will harm? Certainly not for you!
I don't think it's fear. That’s not my question, you are advising me to change my attitude towards the situation, but my decision has already been made. I’m not afraid of any negative impact, I just don’t like this person, I can’t give the icon back to him, I could have refused the gift right away, but the moment was well chosen. I just don't want anything from this person in my house, you know? And I feel very bad because this is an icon. I want to give it away definitely, even a second time...
It happens that you bought a house or you inherited it. And in the house there is some furniture and old icons. The furniture is clear. But the image cannot be thrown away, given to parents in the attic, destroyed or sold for profit. What to do?
Wishing my family and friends well, I want to somehow protect them in this world. Protect from evil intent and sin. Help to find divine protection. Is it possible to give icons?
Do they give icons?
There are a lot of superstitions and myths about gifts. Sometimes they stop the donor. They prevent him from presenting the thing from the bottom of his heart. Do they give wallets, watches, crosses, icons? Will these gifts cause harm?
An icon is an Orthodox shrine. It helps a person focus on the sacred. A lot of thoughts are swarming in my head. It is almost impossible to summon a divine image and turn to it. In addition, the devil will interfere with prayer (as the clergy say). It’s easier for him to get into a person’s head when it’s a mess. No visual...
Victoria, if the appeal was addressed to me, then I can say that my answers are not based on rumors. How will you understand where the truth is and where it is not? Did you want to know what to do with the icon? If you don’t need it, take it to the temple and be calm. If you want to keep it for yourself, go to the temple and ask to consecrate it at the water prayer service, and then take it for yourself and also be calm. There is nothing to be afraid of. If you are a believer, you should know that nothing will happen to you without the will of God. All the evil that can happen to a person occurs due to his separation from God, which makes a person an easy target for demons.
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https://www.taday.ru/vopros/20321/755543.html
https://azbyka.ru/forum/showthread.php?t=2707
In general, you can read about Orthodox icons and their purpose here.
Gifts sound very tempting. Everyone loves to receive surprises, but when it comes to making choices, many people get scared. Especially when it comes to icons. That's what we'll talk about today.
Is it possible to give icons as a gift? This is a rather sensitive question. On the one hand, an icon is something holy, eternal, which connects us all with God. They obviously carry something bright and beautiful. On the other hand, many have a negative attitude towards icons, considering them part of some sect. Therefore, before presenting such a gift, you need to know the person to whom you are going to give it. How does he feel about the church and icons, does he believe in God. You should know about this and more. And if he accepts this gift correctly, then go ahead, feel free to choose the desired icon and go visit.
Do icons give
It is customary to give icons on an anniversary, on the day of an Angel or Birth, on the day of Epiphany, Wedding, and major Orthodox holidays such as Easter and Christmas. The main thing is to give the icon with all your heart, sincerely...
To whom should I give which icon?
We invite you to our workshop! Here we will always be happy to help you choose a good gift for your loved ones for any occasion!
If you want to give a gift to a church, or simply to a dear person, then for that gift we have in our workshop the Bogolyubskaya icon - this is an icon of the Mother of God, affectionately called “God-loving”. The Mother of God is our intercessor and intercessor on the day of the Last Judgment. Through Her prayers humanity lives. On the scroll are the words addressed to Jesus: “O Most-merciful Lord and My Son, hear my prayer for the human race.” Every person needs such help and we come to the temple for it. The icon is large: its size is 50x70 cm. The icon depicts the feasts of the Mother of God - a story about the life of the Mother of God. The icon is decorated with intricate carvings, enamels, stones and pearls. The image is placed in an icon case. I want to fall on my knees in front of him, put a candlestick and light the candles - and this is our gratitude to the Mother of God.
What to give for a wedding?
Sometimes a loved one really wants to give an icon or a cross, but doubts arise - is it possible to give such gifts, does this not contradict the rules of the church? Some superstitions claim that the gift of a cross brings illness, failure and suffering. And the icon presented as a gift becomes the cause of a quarrel.
Is it allowed to give a cross?
In fact, the church not only has nothing against giving a cross, but also strongly approves of such gifts. It is believed that giving a cross to a friend or relative means wishing him God's blessing for many years to come.
Some people claim that only godparents can give a cross. But in reality this is not the case; no restrictions have been established in this matter - parents, relatives and even friends can give a cross.
Before donating, it is absolutely not necessary to consecrate the cross, but in this case the recipient will need to be warned that the cross is not illuminated.
Undoubtedly,…
Is it possible to give an icon? This difficult question often arises among those who would like to give their closest people a gift that would highly symbolize their love for them. In this regard, all other material objects seem so insignificant and “not valuable” that there is simply no desire to give them.
Is it possible to give an icon? What does the church “say”?
In any case, the answer will be positive, since ministers of religion speak only for the spread of faith among the population, the symbols of which are icons. However, this issue has its own nuances. For example, any icon should be given as a gift exclusively with good wishes, kind and sincere feelings. Icons, according to the canons of the church, can only be given to close and dear people who have God in their souls, lead an appropriate lifestyle, pray and confess.
When should you not give an icon?
There is no need to present icons to unfamiliar people...
Finding a good gift is always very difficult. I want to put all the love and care for a loved one into it, choose something that will bring joy and seem necessary and useful. It is not easy to come up with ideas that would combine all this. Among other thoughts, an option with an icon may come up. But not everyone knows how traditional such a gift is, and whether icons are given at all. Everyone knows that there are some items that are not customary to give as a gift for one reason or another, and an icon, on the one hand, is very personal.
In fact, if you want to give an icon, then there is no need to doubt it. There is no reason why you shouldn't do this. On the contrary, the icon is considered a wonderful gift, a symbol of spirituality and love. It speaks of the sincerity and caring attitude of the one who presents such a gift. On the one hand, this is a sublime and noble gift, on the other hand, it is a valuable heirloom that can be passed down in the family from generation to...
Girls, what do you think about this?
I am tormented by vague doubts, since my grandmother, a very pious person, insisted that an icon should not be given as a gift under any circumstances... A person must buy it for himself (or embroider, write, etc., as well as crosses and the like). No, the question is not so urgent for me now, there were enough emotions then, fifteen years ago, but it still became interesting, how is it really?
Just because you depicted something similar to a church icon on a canvas, it does not become a holy relic, just like the works of Michelangelo and many other famous and very famous artists who painted churches with the faces of saints and made paintings with their images. This is a work on a religious theme.
Read about the tradition of donating icons in Russia here https://cossackweb.na.../r_ppimicon.htm. The procedure for how an icon becomes a “Sacred Image” is also described there.
“It is believed that an icon is a very good gift. An icon is a particle of the eternal, intangible, with...
Do you ever have a situation where someone who treats you badly gives you a gift? What do you do in this case?
This is why I ask. I have a colleague who treats me unkindly. She often provokes quarrels. I try not to give in and not stir up conflict. He’s plotting behind my back and telling my bosses. The reason is simple: she wants to take my place. He is jealous because the salary is higher. So here it is. Knowing that this person is essentially my enemy, what should I do with her gifts? It’s common for us to bring trinkets back from vacation. During the holidays, everyone also exchanges souvenirs. I don't want to take her gifts. But not taking it is an open conflict.
I take souvenirs, but I don’t take them home, I just throw them away along the way.
Is it possible to harm a person through a souvenir?
It is known that if an icon falls, this is certainly a bad omen. There are many signs and ancient traditions that are associated with images of saints, and you can get acquainted with them in this article.
In the article:
An icon fell - a sign
If an icon has fallen in your house, or even worse - images of saints are constantly falling, this is a bad omen. First you should pick her up, kiss her and put her back in the place where she was before she fell. And after that, think about why the icon fell, because this sign has more than one meaning.
A fallen icon may indicate the presence of evil spirits in the house. Sometimes icons fall in houses where a very active and strong brownie lives, who, although considered a good creature, is still in a difficult relationship with the church. If you think that evil spirits may have taken up residence in you, then the room needs cleansing. You can read about ways to expel from an apartment what should not be there on...
Is it possible to give icons?
Currently, there are so few people who truly believe in God that many have many questions related to symbols of worship and faith, such as, for example: “Is it appropriate to give icons?”, “Does the church approve of gifts of this kind?”, “To whom?” Can you give such a gift, on what occasion?” and others. After reading this text to the end, you will find answers to these questions.
In order to obtain objective and correct answers to the questions mentioned above, we decided that it would be most reasonable to address them to clergy workers and clergy. And they said that the icon is an excellent gift for a true Christian. Such a gift can be given to a child, parent, grandchild, grandmother, colleague, boss, business partner, since the icon is always appropriate both in the home and in the office. The face of a saint can be presented both for an anniversary and a professional anniversary, for the sacrament of a wedding or for a baptismal ceremony, because, you see, we need the support of the Almighty...
We have already written about whether it is possible to give watches and knives, and today we will talk again about gifts and in what cases it is appropriate to give them. A gift as an icon immediately evokes conflicting feelings, and there are a lot of different opinions, so let’s start to figure it out.
When and what icons can be given?
It’s definitely possible to give icons; it’s impossible to think of a more sincere gift. Usually icons are given to relatives, loved ones, servants of temples, churches, and even work colleagues. The most successful events for such a gift:
— Birthdays/Anniversaries;
- Name day;
— Baptism of children;
— Easter/Christmas and other church holidays;
- Wedding.
Personalized icons and icons of patrons of the profession are suitable for birthdays. At Epiphany, it is customary to give a measured icon. Icons that help in illnesses and needs can be presented without any special reason; they will give faith in recovery. An unusual and very touching gift would be an icon painted for…
Orthodox priests do not recognize omens, since they consider them the slyness of the unclean. The icon is the personification of holiness and purity. Where did the sign come from that a donated icon could bring trouble? In the old days, they tried to refuse donated icons, considering them damaged. Signs: is it possible to give icons as a gift? Let's consider the issue in detail.
There was a popular belief among the people that an icon given as a gift would bring misfortune to the house. After accepting such a gift, quarrels and scandals began in the house, household members fell ill with serious illnesses, or even went to another world. This was due to the damage that evil people caused through the icon.
However, in the modern world there is no need to be afraid of such surprises, especially if the icon is given by relatives or close people with good wishes and from the bottom of their hearts. Representatives of the Orthodox Church believe that a consecrated icon brings God's grace to the house, cleanses from negativity and blesses those living in the house
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Icons must be given according to the rules established by the church:
- on birthdays they present personalized icons;
- icons are given to a sick person to help in healing;
- Colleagues and bosses should be given icons that help in work and business;
- family people are given icons that bless the family hearth;
- young girls are given images of holy saints, and young men are given images of holy saints of God.
It is customary to give icons for a wedding, but this should be done by the newlyweds’ parents or close relatives. For the bride they choose the image of the Virgin Mary, and for the groom - Jesus Christ.
Holy images can be given at any time, however, icons dedicated to an important event - birth, wedding, christening - are endowed with a stronger beneficial effect.
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You should also know where the icon should be located in the house. For this purpose, there used to be a “red corner”, that is, the most prominent place in the house.
Is it possible to give hand-made icons that have not been consecrated in the church? An unconsecrated image does not carry positive energy, so homemade icons must be consecrated in the church.
Where to hang the icon?
Sometimes the question arises: there are several rooms in the house, where is it more appropriate to place icons? There is no special rule. But you pray more often in the room in which you sleep. In addition, prayer requires some solitude. “When you pray, go into your room and, having shut your door, pray to your Father. Which is in secret…” (Matthew 6:6), we read in the Gospel. This means that it is wise to have icons in the bedroom in front of which you will read morning and evening prayers.
If you have a children's room, then there must be an icon in it. A child often turns to “God” in his own, childish way; it’s good if he can see the image. In addition, any holy icon is miraculous, and it will miraculously protect your child.
Remember that the whole family gathers in the common room, a common meal often takes place here, and the holy image should also be located here. Don't forget about the kitchen. The owner spends most of her time in it. The kitchen is the place for everyday breakfasts and dinners. It is better to say a prayer before eating food, turning your gaze to the icon. So, let there be icons in every room and in the kitchen. “...I wish that men would say prayers in every place, lifting up clean hands without anger or doubt” (1 Tim. 2:8), says the Apostle. “Every place...”