Orthodox families especially revered the icon. She is blessed on a long journey and a happy family life, successful work or study. Before her, they pray to the Lord, the Mother of God and various saints for intercession and protection from illnesses and troubles. Here are just about how to correctly place the icons in the apartment, only a few know. Well, it's time to fix this annoying situation. We will tell you how to place icons in the apartment.
What icons to hang in the house?
In the house of a Christian, there must be 2 icons (Jesus Christ and the Virgin), as well as a prayer cross. In addition to them, in a specially designated place you can place the holy faces of the patrons and intercessors of the family: Matrons of Moscow, Nikolai the Miracle Worker, Sergius of Radonezh, Dmitry Donskoy, John of Kronstadt, Seraphim of Sarov, etc. But still there should not be too many icons. Enough of those before which you are used to pray relentlessly. And also, try not to put photographs of live or resting relatives and celebrities next to the icons, no matter how much you value them.
Where can I place the image?
The first thing to think about before placing the icons in the apartment is where it is best done. In fact, you can have holy images in any room. Naturally, in addition to the bath and toilet, in these rooms there should not even be a small image - this is sacrilege. If you are used to praying to the Lord before meals, hang an icon over the dining table or outside the glass cabinet door. Then the whole family will be able to express daily gratitude to Him for the well-being and food provided. Just do not forget that in this case, the TV and tape recorder have no place in this room.
Icons will be useful in the bedroom, in the hall or in guest rooms. In the nursery, the image of the Virgin placed above the bed will be quite appropriate. The Holy Patroness will protect your child from troubles, misfortunes, illnesses and evil thoughts. Gives obedience to him. However, here you can place and name icon in a beautiful frame. Just do not forget that the child should not get to the Orthodox products. Hang them taller (but not too much!).
People who are interested in where it is better to place icons in the apartment also sometimes ask: "Can they be put on the desktop, next to the computer?" Actually itâs possible, but itâs not worth it. Instead, better place the holy image somewhere nearby, such as on a window or wall. In this case, it will help you better in your work, and will not interfere at hand. If the window is occupied with flowers, but there is simply no convenient part of the wall, the icons can be put on the bookshelf, next to theological literature, a chest of drawers or a low sideboard. But do not forget that the most suitable place for them is a red corner.
Can I hang an icon over the door?
Yes, you can, there are no prohibitions here. But you need to understand that the icon is not a talisman that can protect the house from ill-wishers. It is necessary at the entrance to the house only so that the person who entered and sees it can remember the name of God, pray, thank the higher powers, and ask them for intercession in any undertakings. As for which icon can be hung over the front door, it is: âSavior on Ubrusâ, âSeven-shooterâ (helps to reject bad thoughts), âImpassable doorâ (helps to quickly overcome troubles and troubles), âGuardian Angelâ ( removes unclean forces from households and the house) and others. Limitations, in principle, no.
Where can I not have an image?
Before placing icons in the apartment, you should remember that next to paintings, photographs, posters, souvenirs, wall or floor clocks, figurines and other household attributes, this is prohibited. You can not place them next to a TV or tape recorder. These devices should be in another room. And here's another thing: nothing should be above the icons or very close to them, except for a cross, icon lamps and some permitted decorations, such as icon lamps or beautiful napkins created by the hostess.
Where to place the red corner?
From ancient times, a red corner was created not far from the front door, in the eastern corner. It was believed that the person who entered must first honor the Lord God, and after that - the owner of the home. Now in many apartments the layout does not allow placing the icons in the right place. If you also donât have such an opportunity, try placing them to the right of the entrance to the house. This is not forbidden by the Church. If this option does not suit you, make a red corner in the eastern corner of the largest and brightest room. Where to place the icons in the apartment is possible, as mentioned above. The only addition is to place the icons better on the iconostasis. It can be purchased at any Orthodox store or made with your own hands.
How to position the iconostasis?
The most important thing when choosing the location and location of this product is to make it possible for 2 people to freely approach it if necessary. Other rules relate to "neighborhood" with household items. So, next to or above the iconostasis, you should immediately place a prayer cross. But the curtains and other flammable objects should not be nearby, since they can be spread by fire from lamps or candles. For the same reason, do not install shelves for icons too close to the ceiling. It is enough to make sure that small children and pets cannot reach him, and thatâs all.
How to place icons in the iconostasis?
According to the Orthodox tradition, the image on the iconostasis should go in the following order: on the very top shelf - the icon of the Holy Trinity, under it - the face of the Savior of mankind, below - the image of the Saints and Patrons of the family. To the right of the icon of Jesus Christ, it is customary to place the icon of the Mother of God, to the left - any, sustained in the same style. Above the holy images or on the side of them, it is also worth hanging a prayer cross. However, many Orthodox people do everything according to their own understanding. You can do the same. But do not forget to do everything with a pure heart and sincere faith in the existence of God, because without this the iconostasis located in the house would be useless.
How to decorate the iconostasis with your own hands?
Now you know how to place the icons in the apartment. The photo on this page illustrates this process in detail. Therefore, let's talk about how and how to decorate the home iconostasis. It is worth saying that Orthodox people use hand-embroidered handcuffs, lace flaps, small floral branches (most often artificial ones) for this.
But you can also hang a burning lamp in front of the shelves with holy images, put a veil on them (a small napkin with frills or lace), and also arrange birch or linden branches nearby. You donât have to invent anything else. Remember that you place the iconostasis in the house for prayers, and not in order to transform the interior in any way.
How to keep the iconostasis clean?
Any product needs constant care, the iconostasis is no exception. So, the temperature in the room where it is located should be at the level of 18-20 degrees, humidity should not exceed 40%. If persistent dirt or stains appear on the images of the saints, they should be wiped with a slightly damp cloth or a soft brush. Detergents are not recommended. The shelves themselves should also not be forgotten to wipe off dust and dirt, being careful not to wet it too much.
Napkins, towels and tablecloths must be washed at least sometimes. And yet: in addition to external purity, it is good to observe spatial purity next to the icons. Just donât litter the space around them with even âvery necessaryâ things. And then you no longer have to think about how to place the icons in the apartment, if it became impossible to keep them in the old place.
In conclusion
The solution to the question of how to properly place icons in a house or apartment should be approached with all responsibility, since this task is not the easiest. But if faith is really strong, and you are ready to do everything for your own spiritual development, then be sure to cope with everything. We wish you prosperity, peace and family happiness.