Where in the apartment you can hang icons. Tips on how to properly arrange the icons in the apartment? An icon is not just a picture, it is a piece of the holy apartment. Icons in the kitchen
Sometimes they use their wedding icons as these icons if they match the general style of the icons in the house. It is also important that such wedding icons be large enough, and not two or three times smaller than other icons in the home iconostasis.
In the traditions of Russian Orthodoxy, a special reverence for St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, whose icons are found in almost every Orthodox family, has become stronger. Along with the icons of the Savior and the Mother of God, the central place in the home of an Orthodox Christian has always been occupied by the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, who is revered as a great righteous man and a special prayer book before the Lord, as a saint endowed with special grace. Home iconostases have long housed icons of Sergius of Radonezh and Seraphim of Sarov, the most revered saints who shone on Russian soil.
Of the images of martyrs for the faith of Christ, the icons of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious are the most common.
If an Orthodox family has a meal in the kitchen, then an icon is needed there for prayer before and after the meal. It is most reasonable to place an icon of the Savior in the kitchen, since the thanksgiving prayer after eating is addressed to Him: “We thank You, Christ, our God ...”, the icon of the Last Supper is also placed in the kitchen.
When selecting icons, make sure that they are uniform in artistic manner of execution, try not to allow a variety of styles.
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The choice of icons for the home is always individual and here it is worth listening to the voice of your heart. It happens that the feat of this or that saint sinks very deeply into the soul, prompts you to imitate him in your life. An icon of such a saint can be ordered in our workshop in order to be able to offer prayers to him, ask for help in the work of spiritual growth and everyday troubles. If you find it difficult to choose an icon - do not worry! Our site has the most complete information in Runet about choosing an icon, in addition, you can always consult with us by calling or asking your question by e-mail.
How to place icons in a house or apartment
The house is a continuation of the temple, in the past in every Orthodox family - both peasant and urban, in the most prominent place of the dwelling there was always a shelf with icons, or a whole home iconostasis. At the same time, the number and richness of the decoration of the icons indicated the wealth and position in society of the owner himself. The place where the icons were placed was called differently: front corner, red corner, holy corner, goddess, kiot or kivot.
The icon in the apartment is a window into the Kingdom of God. The red corner with icons is the place where the day of an Orthodox Christian begins and ends: morning and evening prayers are read here, and therefore everything should be subordinated to one goal - concentrated prayer to God.
It is customary to face east for prayer, Orthodox churches are built with an altar to the east. Therefore, it is desirable to place the icons on the eastern wall of the room. But what to do if the house is oriented so that windows or doors are in the east? In this case, you can place the icons in any other accessible place, as Psalm 112 says, “from east to west, praise be to the name of the Lord.” The main thing is that there should be enough free space in front of the icons, and the worshipers would not feel cramped during joint prayer.
Some arrange a red corner above the bed - this is how cramped space is used more efficiently, cabinets and windows do not interfere, and you sleep under the shadow of shrines.
You can place icons on a special shelf, and if there are a lot of them, hang them on the wall following a few simple rules. For example, if the icons are hung haphazardly, asymmetrically, without a thoughtful composition, then this causes a constant feeling of dissatisfaction with their placement, a desire to change everything, which very often distracts from prayer.
Icons can and should be placed in other rooms. The icon should also be in the kitchen. There must also be a holy image in the children's room (for example, the icon of the Guardian Angel or the icon of the Heavenly Patron of the child).
According to tradition, it is customary to hang the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos above the entrance to a house or apartment. Although it can be any other icon or cross.
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In this case, the icons should be placed in a separate place from other objects. Icons look extremely out of place in bookcases where books of a secular nature are stored, on shelves next to cosmetics, photographs of loved ones, toys, figurines. You should not place posters of pop singers, politicians, athletes and other idols of this century near the icons. It should not be among the icons and art paintings, even if they are written on biblical subjects. A picture, even if it has a religious content, such as Alexander Ivanov's Appearance of Christ to the People or Raphael's Sistine Madonna, is not a canonical icon.
Sometimes you have to see among the icons photographs of priests, elders, monks, people of a righteous life. Canonically, this is unacceptable, since a photograph is an image that captures a specific moment in a person’s earthly life, even if later glorified by the church as a saint. And the icon proclaims to us about him, precisely as a saint, in his glorified, transfigured state. Of course, such photographs can be in the home of an Orthodox Christian, but they must be placed separately from the icons.
Placement of icons relative to each other in the home iconostasis
When placing icons in a red corner, the same principles are observed as in the church iconostasis. The main place is occupied by the icon of the Savior. It is often the largest in size. Usually it is the Savior Not Made by Hands or the Almighty Savior. Next to the image of Christ is placed the icon of the Mother of God with the Child. If you stand facing the home iconostasis, then the icon of the Savior should be on your right, and the icon of the Virgin on the 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.
Below the two main icons or to the side of them, personalized icons can be placed, i.e. icons of saints whose names are family members, as well as other icons - patrons of professions, saints especially revered by you, and so on.
In any case, the principle of hierarchy should also be kept in mind. For example, the icon of a saint cannot be placed higher than 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.
Do not chase the number of icons in the home iconostasis. Here "quality" is more important - it is better to have only two icons - the Savior and the Virgin, but written in such a way that you really would like to pray in front of them. This will bring much more benefit to your soul than if you cover the whole wall with small printed icons in different styles of writing.
Is it possible to hang icons in the bedroom?
There is an erroneous opinion that spouses should not hang icons in the bedroom, and if they are, then at night they must be covered with a curtain. It's a delusion. First, no curtain can hide from God. Secondly, marital intimacy in marriage is not a sin. Therefore, you can safely place icons in the bedroom. Moreover, many of our compatriots do not always have the opportunity to place icons in a separate room designed for this. Of course, the icon should be in the dining room or in the kitchen so that you can pray before eating and thank the Lord after the meal. Icons can be in every room, there is nothing wrong and reprehensible in this.
But it is naive to believe that the more icons in the house, the more pious the life of an Orthodox Christian. The main thing is that a prayer is offered before the icons.
It is also a mistake to believe that the icon is a kind of accumulator of God's grace, which can be drawn if necessary. Grace does not act from the icon, but through the icon, and is sent down by the Lord to those who believe in Him. One can endlessly apply himself to a sacred image, while not having faith in the real power of God's life-giving grace, and not get anything from it. And you can once kiss the miraculous icon with deep faith and hope for the help of the Lord, and receive healing from bodily and mental ailments.
It is also necessary to remember that the icon is not a kind of amulet that guarantees the absence of quarrels and problems in the family, as well as some kind of invisible protection from evil spirits and bad people. In general, amulets are an attribute of pagan and magical cults. In the life of an Orthodox Christian there should be neither paganism nor magicism.
How to store and care for icons
The rules for handling icons below have been prepared by the Department of Restoration of the St. Tikhon Theological Institute especially for all those on whom the fate of icons depends. These rules contain information not on how to restore them ourselves, but on how to live with icons, how to protect them, how to care for them.
The paint layer and primer on the icons crack and crumble from sudden changes in temperature and humidity. Normal storage conditions for icons: temperature +17°- +20°, humidity 45%-55%.
1. It is best to keep the icon in a *case* (link to the dictionary), as constant changes in temperature and humidity (for example, greasy soot in the kitchen) can soon lead to cracking, peeling and screeing of primer and paint. If it is not possible to place all the icons in icon cases, try to put a lamp or a candlestick with a burning candle so that no splashes of oil and wax fall on the icon. The formed plaque on the icon cannot be removed independently.
2. In no case should you wipe the icon with any substances, you should also not use holy water, holy oil, etc. as a cleaning agent - they penetrate the primer and paint. After that, it will be impossible to strengthen the icon. Do not wash the icon with anything!
3. Do not try to "update" the icon with varnishes, paints, oils, and so on. All these actions cause destruction of the icon, often irreversible.
4. Do not wipe the icon with either a wet or dry cloth. You can remove dust (not often) only if the paint layer does not crumble; do it better with a dry squirrel brush, very soft.
5. You can not put the icon on the window or hang it under the window. Drafts and cold are extremely dangerous for the health of icons. When ventilating the room, try to avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
6. Do not place the icon near a warm wall, radiator or stove, table lamp. The flow of warm air dries out the wood, this causes the boards to warp and crack.
7. Do not allow long-term exposure to direct sunlight on the icon.
8. You can not store the icon in a room where there are flight holes of the grinder beetle in the walls or furniture. A bug can turn an icon board into dust in 1-2 years.
9. Please do not try to treat the icon yourself, ***try to find a professional restorer***.
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Sometimes there is an opinion that since the icon is a shrine, it will be updated (restored) itself. It happens, but it's always a miracle. One cannot consider oneself worthy of a miracle and demand it from God, while simply neglecting the shrine. There is a church tradition associated with the icon "Skoroshlushnitsa". The Athonite monk was punished for smoking Her face with a smoky torch. Out of Her mercy, the Holy Virgin at first warned him with a voice from the icon not to do so, and when he continued to walk past her with a smoking torch, She rebuked him: “How long have you so carelessly and so shamelessly smoked My image ?!” And with these words, the monk lost his sight, which was returned to him after repentance. All the brethren of the monastery found out about this, the icon was duly honored, and later a church was built in its honor.
The treatment of an icon in need of restoration should be the same as with a sick child: parents will not trust treatment to the first person they meet, but will look for a good doctor, a professional. And none of the lovers of self-treatment will independently cut out a hernia or insert a lens. Inept action, interference, rubbing with any substances or rags can bring the icon to the state of a chronic patient, when it will be impossible to cure it. The work of a restorer is very similar to the art of medicine. The main principle in medicine and in restoration is the same: noli nocere (do no harm).
Only a specialist should restore, in no case should you give in to the desire to "wipe, tint" something yourself. Icons damaged by such inept and unintelligent handling often end up in restoration workshops. Such icons - with faces wiped white - are no different from the icons that suffered after the revolution from the theomachists. And it’s even scary to think that the defiled image is the result of the actions of a Christian
Where to hang icons in the house?
The icon is one of the main sacred objects in the life of Orthodox Christians. That is why the holy images today are found not only in all churches or monasteries, but also in the homes of ordinary believers. Traditionally, canonical icons depict: the Holy Trinity (in the images revealed to people), the Lord Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, the Powers of Heaven and the saints. It is to them that Christians mentally turn in their prayers, depending on who is depicted on each specific image.
Icons: meaning and where to hang
Due to the fact that the icon in the house of Christians is already a good, well-established tradition, many, especially novice believers, often have the question - where to hang icons in a house or apartment?
The answer to this and other similar questions is directly related to the church's idea of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact is that in the Orthodox tradition, based on the Holy Scriptures, the Savior is often called the Sun of Truth or the Light of the World. So, for example, in the book of the prophet Malachi about Jesus Christ, the prophetically says the following: And for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise and healing in its rays ...(Mal. 4:2). In the Gospel of John, the Lord Himself says of Himself: I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life» (John 8:12).
The Church directly connected references to the Sun and the Light of the world with the place from where the Sun rises into our world every day – with the east. It was this that played the main role in the question of where icons can and should be hung in a house or apartment. Mostly holy images are hung in the east or southeast side of the dwelling, that is, in the direction from which the sun rises. In many ways, this is also due to the temple tradition of the location of the altar and the main icons, which are also placed in the east.
"Red Corner"
However, icons in a dwelling are hung in the east or southeast for a reason, but in a specially equipped place, which in the Slavic tradition is called " red corner". As a rule, in such a "corner" the most important, most revered images of Christ, the Virgin or saints are placed. It is worth noting that if earlier, for example, in the houses of peasants, there was only one "red corner", since the most important room for housing - the hut - was alone, today such a place can be equipped in every room of the house, apartment or even office.
The “red corner” itself can be a shelf (in one or several tiers), decorated, for example, with a special towel - “rushnik”. However, if this is not possible, then the icons can simply be placed on a cabinet or on shelves inside it, so that they can be seen and you can pray in front of them. Well, the main condition is that this place should be in the eastern or southeastern part of the dwelling.
If we talk about the icons that are usually placed in the "red corner", then these are, first of all, the images of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary ("Kazan", "Vladimir", "Indestructible Wall", "Burning Bush" and others), as well as St. Nicholas the Wonderworker or heavenly patron.
At the same time, answering such questions - where is it better to hang an icon in a room or where should an icon of the Virgin be hung in a house? - it should be noted that such a place can be not only the "red corner". The Church does not have any canonical regulations regarding the rules for placing holy images in houses. Therefore, if a believer asks, for example, where it is right to hang the Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God or any other in the house, then there are no strict rules in this matter. On the other hand, there are advice and recommendations, both ascetics of the faith and modern priests. And, of course, the Orthodox tradition itself testifies to this.
Summary
In accordance with all of the above, the icons in a house or room can be arranged so that, on the one hand, they would not be subjected to involuntary desecration, and on the other, one could pray in front of them at any time. For example, often they are simply hung on the wall, but in special places, for example, above the bed or desk. Often used in this capacity and. All this also has its own meaning, because it happens that it is very important for a person that the sacred image is directly next to him, whether during sleep or work. That is why believers also often put small ones and not only just on a table or bedside table next to the bed.
On the other hand, there are places in the house where it is inappropriate to place images - a bathroom, a toilet, closets, balconies, etc. But the kitchen should have its own “red corner”, since Christians are supposed to pray both before and after meals. And if such a prayer is performed at the place of eating, there is nothing reprehensible in this. It is also good if at least one can be placed in the hallway (for example, on a specially made shelf), since the holy fathers (for example, the Optina elders) always advised to pray before leaving home and upon returning.
Information about the meaning and giving help of various icons of the Orthodox Church.
From time to time, the fashion for various interior details changes, but the presence of Holy Faces in their homes remains an invariable rule for true believers.
Where and how to hang an icon in an apartment, house, on which side, in which corner: rules for placing icons in an apartment, at home according to Orthodox laws
According to the original church canons, it is prescribed to place the images in the eastern zone of the room. Currently, the requirements have softened - it is not forbidden to keep them in any convenient place. However, there are basic rules:
- The religious content of the icon does not allow proximity to secular paintings, books of dubious content.
- The close location of shrines with TVs and computers is not allowed. These items interfere with spiritual meditation and prayer.
- The presence of icons is intended for communication with the Lord. Prayer is read in a solitary state. So, place the image in a place where all family members can freely fit without interfering with each other.
- The holy corner must be kept perfectly clean. Give him an accessible place for timely cleaning.
- Images are incompatible with everyday photographs, talismans and other household items on the shelf.
- Photographs of deceased monks and elders should not be placed next to Christian images. They must be kept separate from the holy face and placed in other compartments.
In addition, icons must be placed in compliance with a certain hierarchy:
- The faces of the Mother of God and the Savior are determined in a central place
- The icon of the Holy Trinity is hung above the image of the Lord Almighty and the faces of the Mother of God (Vladimir, Yaroslavl, Kazan, Smolensk).
- You should not place the last two icons above the others. It is enough to place them on the same level, but not lower.
- Named ones are hung on both sides of the main images. In the absence of these, they put up icons of saints revered in the family circle. In most cases, this is the face of Nicholas the Wonderworker.
What icon is hung above the front door, opposite the front door, in the kitchen?
- First of all, consecrate the dwelling before hanging the holy faces in it
- As already mentioned, icons can be placed in a free direction, in any room, including the kitchen.
- But there are some preferences:
- It is customary to hang a cross over the entrance to the apartment
- Opposite the door, it is recommended to place the icon of the Mother of God of Seven Arrows
- Hang in the kitchen - Secret of the evening
Is it possible to hang icons, wedding icons in the bedroom, above the bed?
- It is not forbidden to place an image at the head of a bed
Is it possible to hang icons in front of a mirror?
- In addition to those discussed above, there are no requirements for the placement of holy faces in social life, including prohibitions on reflecting icons in a mirror.
- This sinful superstition has nothing to do with the Orthodox Church.
Icon of the Seven Arrows of the Mother of God: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- The grieving heart of the depicted Mother of God with arrows, meaning sins from which the laity are in no hurry to be freed, is tormented by pain for us.
- A legendary icon that can heal from a deadly disease.
- The most powerful energy of the image makes it possible to resolve the most difficult sorrows and defeat evil spirits.
- The holy face discharges difficult family relationships, filling them with a positive charge.
Prayer of the Holy Virgin in question:
- Helps with a split within family relationships
- Removes irritation and rejection of loved ones
- With prolonged depression, it clears bad thoughts
- Protects from robbers and terrible envious people
With upcoming important matters, she should always be with her.
- The icon placed in front of the entrance gives great protection. Everyone who enters the house stumbles upon the gaze of the Virgin - bad thoughts remain outside
What icon is hung opposite the Seven-shot icon?
- It is recommended to install the Ostrobramskaya icon above the entrance, and the Seven-Arrow icon opposite the entrance. The intruder finds himself in isolation created by both shrines.
The Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God, the Theotokos: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- The crossed arms and the head tilted down, depicted on the miraculous icon, are a symbol of the acceptance of the Holy message.
- Helps to help:
- Getting rid of infertility
- Return of stolen children
- Search for the missing
- The miraculous face is appropriate in a comfortable, for contemplation and prayers, area of \u200b\u200bthe living quarters.
Icon of the Guardian Angel: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- One of the sought-after faces
- The Guardian Angel is chosen in accordance with the Orthodox rules
- His image is a protection for a particular person.
- Responds to any help Holy protector, to those who turn to him in holy prayer
- For everyone, she has her own. Someone is looking for healing, another love, and the third is salvation from the sins committed
- There are no special canons for placing in a dwelling, as in most other cases.
Icon of the Last Supper: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- It is difficult to find a person who is not familiar with this icon. The Orthodox turn to her when visiting a church; for a common person, she is available for viewing on a fresco by Leonardo da Vinci.
- The main idea of the icon is the acceptance of the sacrifice of Christ passed through the soul and unity with him, Orthodox Christians. After all, the depicted biblical story describes the last day of Jesus, shortly before his crucifixion.
- Referring to this holy image:
- Makes it possible to remove a heavy stone from the soul from the difficulties that have piled on, through communication with God
- Blesses the food preparation process
- Allows you to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of food
- Gives repentance in case of great falls
- The icon, actively revered by parishioners, is placed higher in hierarchy than the faces of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Savior.
- In what place of the apartment to install it is not so important, but it is preferable to hang it in the kitchen or dining room.
Icon Indestructible Wall: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- Named due to its integrity, for over eight hundred and 800 years, despite the numerous damage to the St. Sophia Cathedral, which is its abode.
- As a mountain separates the one who prays, and the evil that comes upon him.
- The most revered relic among Christians, it is most consistent with the entrance to the dwelling or the location opposite it.
Icon of the Slayer of Bread: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
Father Ambrose doomed the holy picture with this name. The meaning invested by the hieromonk in the name is the desire to explain to people that the Holy Virgin helps not only in spiritual matters, but also takes care of the daily affairs.
One should turn in prayer to the Mother of God the Conqueror of Bread in order to:
- Protect crops from natural disasters: fire, drought, hail, heavy rains, severe frosts
- Prepare delicious food
- Get a blessing for a successful business
- Have harmonious family relationships
- Protect your environment from sorrows and misfortunes
Place the shrine in a family-friendly area - there are no strict rules for the location at home.
Icon of the Holy Trinity: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- The depicted angels convey a special meaning. They show the possibility of a strong connection between people and the Lord, in the presence of sincere service to him.
- A prayer for help to the icon is most often sent to:
- In difficult moments of life's trials, in order to find the right path
- The face will help, and see the desired and necessary ray of hope, and take away oppressive experiences
- To solve numerous problems
- For cleansing from committed sins or existing negative conditions, mainly at confession
- They place the appearance in society according to general rules, preferably in the east of the dwelling
- Hang at the head of the bed for protection.
Icon with the crucifixion of Christ: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- This guise is a symbol of the connecting link of the Divine and worldly being. It is a virgin-pure sign of the faith of all Christians.
- Before the hypostasis of the Lord, they fall on their knees with a prayer:
- On the healing of serious spiritual and physical ailments
- About participation and calm in any disasters
- On the direction to the right path, when solving an important issue
- About support during difficult periods of life
Holy face of Jesus Christ in the house:
- Helps and protects from any influence of evil spirits, from dishonest and evil persons
- Gives peace to the home and family
- Light up the icon before placing it in the dwelling. The power of the image is incredible. The face of the Lord must necessarily be in the worldly dwelling of the believer.
- They place it in a place of honor in the living quarters and allocate a dominant place.
Icon Fadeless color: meaning, what helps, where to hang in a house, apartment?
- The most beautiful miraculous icon is considered to be a sign of immaculate virginity. The white lily makes a special emphasis on the purity of the Unbrideed Bride.
- The soft and gentle features of the Queen of Heaven from one glance at her bring peace and tranquility to the soul.
- Prayer to the image:
- Gives strength, guides along the righteous path
- Helps maintain beauty and youth
- Promotes understanding when people communicate with each other
- Helps build family relationships
- Enables desperate couples to keep their love alive
- Eliminates temptations that have appeared in the camp of the family
- Fills with confidence and hope for the future of the desperate
- Frees the supplicant from unbearable and grave doubts
- Very often, unmarried girls turn to the Most Pure, with a call for the right choice of a life partner. Sincere prayer grants the fulfillment of desire
- The icon is considered a true helper of women, but does not refuse help to men.
- There are numerous cases of healing of children with speech problems. There was a child who completely got rid of dumbness after visiting the temple and the prayers of his parents before the image.
- The Shrine helps female believers who sincerely ask: to endow their marriage union with happiness and for the salvation of the integrity of the family
- Place the image in a convenient corner for prayer reading
Each Holy Face bestows the power and stronghold of the Lord. But this does not mean that, having hung all the walls with miraculous faces, everything in your life will become surprisingly beautiful. No! Without true faith and a sincere state of prayer, not a single, even the most powerful icon will help.
Video: Where should the icons be located in the house?
For a believer, it is important how to properly place icons in an apartment. However, in Russia for a long time religion was under an unspoken ban. Therefore, today few people know about the traditions that allow them to competently approach the solution of the issue.
First of all, you need to decide which images of which saints you need. This is an individual decision, which often depends on which of the Saints is the patron of the person, what the believer is going to ask the Lord for.
Most often, naturally, a half-length image of Jesus and the Virgin Mary is chosen. You can use your own wedding icons if they fit the size of the common home iconostasis. Among the most popular images in Rus' are the appearance of Sergei Radonezhsky, as well as Seraphim of Sarov, the Great Martyr George the Victorious, the healer Panteleimon.
It is also recommended to have an image in the kitchen if the family gathers for a meal in this particular place, since the prayer to the Holy Saints is offered immediately before and after the meal. Images should be selected carefully, trying to adhere to the general style of performance and approximately the same size.
General rules on where and how to hang icons in an apartment
Previously, in each apartment or house there was a place of honor for images, which was called "Red corner". It was believed that the home iconostasis is a kind of window into God's heavenly Kingdom.
The wealth of the owner was often judged precisely by the design of the Red Corner:
- The place was chosen so that during prayer the person's face was turned to the east, where the day begins. By the way, in Orthodox churches the altar is located on the eastern side;
- If windows and doors are placed in this place, it is better to arrange an impromptu kiot in another place where there will be enough space for prayer;
- Often a believer prefers to make an iconostasis over his own bed, feeling more secure under the protection of the Saints at night;
- If there are few images, it is recommended to make special shelves for their installation or purchase a closed-type cabinet - an icon case. But with a large number of icons, they should be hung extremely carefully, creating a meaningful symmetrical combination;
- Without fail, the image of the Saint is placed in the children's room. The icon of the Patron of the baby or the Guardian Angel is best suited for this;
- Traditionally, an image of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is hung over the entrance to the house;
- An Orthodox Christian who rarely visits churches can be easily distinguished from a true believer by placing icons close to inappropriate, secular things. For example, placing icons on bookshelves or near toys, cosmetics is considered a big mistake. The image will lose its power, being in the wrong place;
- The iconostasis should not contain artistic paintings on biblical themes. Of course, the works of famous artists deserve a place of honor. However, unlike the images of the Saints, they do not have power and can disrupt a person’s communication with the Almighty.
The canons of Christianity do not allow the joint placement in the iconostasis of images of recognized Saints and photographs of monks or elders recognized as Saints after death. You can not include a photo in the icon case.
How should the icons be located in the apartment relative to each other
For the scheme, it is necessary to take the principle according to which the icons are located in the Orthodox church:
Where in the apartment is it not recommended to hang icons? You can often hear the opinion that it is forbidden to place an icon case in the bedroom, since this place is reserved for sinful pleasures. Even having placed the image of Christ or the Holy Great Martyr in the bedroom, one should cover their images with a curtain at night.
In fact, marital intimacy is not considered sinful, and it is impossible to hide from the Lord with a piece of cloth. Therefore, the placement of images in the bedroom is not considered forbidden in Christianity.
How to take care of images
These rules were developed at the Department of Restoration of the Theological St. Tikhon Institute.
The ancient Orthodox tradition - to arrange a goddess or prayer house in the house - has existed in Rus' for a long time. Today, even in cramped living conditions, believers try to have at least a few images at home. The place where the icons should stand in the apartment is chosen according to the established custom: the holy faces turn to the worshiper from the east. Thus, the room becomes like a church, which always orients its altar to the rising sun.
Home icons
In the old days, the first icons that a young family brought to a new home were wedding icons. With them, parents blessed both the young and their future home. Shrines, as a rule, were inherited. As a blessing, the icons of the Savior, the Holy Trinity and the Mother of God were transferred.
Icons were given to children at birth with the faces of their heavenly patrons. As a gift, the family could be presented with a family image with several saints. Postcards with temples and monasteries were brought from pilgrimages, merchants tried to order a richly decorated face of their patron, St. Nicholas. All this was placed in the red corner, which served as an integral part of the interior of the house or hut. The duty of the children was to wipe the goddess from dust and read prayers at the same time.
The location of the iconostasis in the apartment
In the old days, already at the beginning of construction, they knew where the icons should be located in the house. The facade with three windows led to the east, the entrance turned to the west. The iconostasis was placed in one of the eastern corners. Because of the luxurious arrangement of this corner, it was called red, that is, beautiful.
During the construction of modern high-rise buildings, the least of all think about the shrines, so the corners and walls that are convenient for them often turn out to be oriented to other cardinal points. Some believers are confused however the problem is easily solved. In this case, the following considerations should be taken into account:
If it is not possible to allocate a free corner, the shelves of the iconostasis can be placed on a wall free from paintings and photographs. In extreme cases, the images are placed in a bookcase under glass. In this case, it is necessary to free the part of the shelf where the shrines are placed from foreign objects.
How to compose and arrange a deity
What items does the home iconostasis consist of, how are the icons, photos of holy places, lampadas, candles and other shrines - all this should contribute to the main thing: concentrated prayer.
If the family does not have a hereditary shrine, then this tradition must be started by ordering a canonical icon of the Savior or the Mother of God on the board. For better preservation, the image is placed in a case - a box with a glass lid. The shrine should be placed in the center of the corner shelf, opposite to place the lamp.
The faces of the saints must be correctly placed on the right and left, observing their ranks. Closer to the Savior, determine a place for John the Baptist and the Angels; martyrs, saints, and reverends are placed behind them. With a small number of icons, this order is optional. Observing the pious folk custom, you can decorate the red corner with towels.
Images of the Savior and the Virgin should be larger than the others. If the family has a large old icon of the saint, then it would be more correct to place it separately, in another room. In extreme cases, a second shelf is being built, under the main one.
In addition to the lampada, on the shelves of the iconostasis are laid out shrines donated or brought from pilgrimage trips, photographs of temples, vessels with holy water, consecrated willow, pieces of prosphora.
It happens that over time, a lot of small paper icons accumulate on the shelves, which can scatter from a gust of wind. They can be glued to plywood and make a common frame.
Instead of a lamp it is permissible to use candles without neglecting safety precautions. A burning candle must be extinguished before going to bed. The flame of the lamp is not dangerous, but gives a lot of soot. Items that make up the deity must be wiped from dust and burning with a clean, unused cloth.
Old icons and consecrated plants, that have lost their sight and crumble, supposed to be burned in a clean place, the ashes are buried or allowed to flow along the river.
Icons for other rooms
In addition to the iconostasis, believers place images in other rooms. Usually follow the following traditions:
- Guardian Angel - above the front door.
- Patron Saints - above the children's bed.
- Wooden cross - on the wall in the bedroom (for prayer and kissing before going to bed).
- Rev. Euphrosyn of Palestine (cook) - in the kitchen.
- Rev. Sergius of Radonezh (patron of students) - above the student's desk, etc.
It is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of all the icons in the house. Under each image, you can attach a sheet with the text of a short prayer. It should be remembered that the shrines themselves do not protect the house. Help of the Lord and the saints follow only in response to a prayer in front of the images of their faces.
Traditions associated with the red corner
The red corner (shrine) in the old days determined the behavior of residents and guests of the house. Many of these habits continue into modern life:
By the way, the "red corner" is revered today. It can be seen that in the offices of state institutions, flags and symbolic objects are located according to the old tradition - in the most noticeable and honorable, "front" corner.