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 their future premises. Fortunately for modern Orthodox Christians, there is no clear church instruction regarding the placement of icons on a particular wall.

• choose a corner or wall where any family member will have access so that you and your parents or children can easily pray;
• this must be a free space - icons cannot be “hidden” between paintings, photographs, flowers in pots and other interior decorations;

• When creating an iconostasis, you should not get too carried away, turning the shrine into a cult of the golden calf (I mean too rich frames) or an art gallery (in the photo), this should be a place for prayer.

Is it possible to hang images in the bedroom or kitchen?

• Bedroom. Some people are afraid to hang the faces of saints near their beds, because they do not only sleep here. But if you are married, conjugal embrace is not a sin, but, on the contrary, a completely legitimate mutual joy. If you are embarrassed to make a red corner here, just hang “Peter and Fevronia”, you will have patrons of your couple. If you are only in a civil marriage (or married, but not married), then hang icons or not, but what you do in bed is still a sin.
• Kitchen. This is also a good place. Even if the main iconostasis is placed in a different place, in one of the kitchen corners (it is wiser to place it away from the stove so that grease does not splash on the shrine and water vapor does not enter) it is worth placing the image of the Savior or the “Last Supper”. Your family will thank him for their daily bread. Ideal place for placement: above dining table. Or as an option: choose a glass shelf in a kitchen cabinet.
• Living room. This is probably the most best room to create a red corner, and it does not matter which direction the walls of this room face.
• Corridor. It’s not very common to make a red corner here - after all, it’s too much of a walk-through place. However, many people hang one icon above the entrance to their apartment. Often this is the “Protection of the Virgin Mary,” which is supposed to protect the entrance to the house from evil “knocking” here. Also considered strong defenders of the house are the Victorious, Saint, and Our Lady of the “Unbreakable Wall.” The Church does not really approve of this (after all, such a placement smacks of a “churched”, but still a talisman), but it is still better than a horseshoe - an outright pagan talisman.
• Children's room. It is not customary to make a red corner in this room. However, placing an icon of your baby’s guardian angel is correct and reasonable. She will protect the baby, and he will be able to pray to her both in case of difficulties and thanks for joys. Ideal placement: above the head of your baby's bed.
• Study. Here, too, the icon will be in place. Moreover: many people keep the face of their patron saint even in the workplace (say, in the office), and the church views this favorably, because here we spend about 8 hours a day, and only a few at home (not counting sleep).
• Bathroom, toilet, storage room. It is forbidden to place a red corner here - it is stupid and blasphemous.

Which icons should be in the home red corner?

• Orthodox cross. The iconostasis should be crowned with it (this is not a strict requirement, but still the presence of a cross is desirable).
• Jesus Christ and His Mother. The first icon should be placed on the right, the second on the left. These sacred faces are the basis of the red corner; choose the rest (or not choose) to suit your family.
• Images of their patron saints.
• Icons that you turn to for a special need (for example, “The Inexhaustible Chalice” or “Pacifying Evil Hearts”).

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 left in a landfill.

How to arrange icons

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.

What else can be placed next to the faces of saints?

• Blessed branches of willow, birch, flowers.
• An embroidered towel (in Ukraine or Kuban, for example, there is no iconostasis without such a towel).
• Blessed candles (for example, Gromnitskaya).
• You can hang a lamp. It is lit for a reason, but during prayer or on an Orthodox holiday (on such a day it can burn for days on end).

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.

Rules for caring for a family iconostasis

Always wipe off dust thoroughly and pick up cobwebs. In the red corner there should always be “red”, that is, beautiful - and this also means “clean”.

Do not hang icons in rooms with high humidity or very hot conditions. Here the paint on the images can quickly crack and fade. Battery, window - no best neighbors 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.

What is an icon case

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 more about this:

Housing Orthodox Christian impossible to imagine without icons. However, you shouldn’t thoughtlessly buy all the images you like, because they also need to be placed in a house that has limited space. Thus, the number of icons in the house should be within reasonable limits.

How to hang icons in the house correctly? Photos and basic explanations can be found in the article below.

Basic rules for placing icons

According to church traditions, believers should pray facing the east. Therefore, it is recommended to place icons on the eastern side of the apartment. If you have such an opportunity, place the iconostasis in the east.

However, in many cases in the east, modern buildings have doors or windows and, accordingly, then it will not be possible to place the image there. But how to properly hang icons in an apartment in this case? Choose any other wall, because changing the location of the building in modern conditions impossible.

It is important not only the location of the wall relative to the cardinal points, but also its freedom and accessibility. Standing in front of the icons should be convenient for all family members, especially if the family practices joint prayer.

Where should icons be placed in the house?

It is allowed to place images on the walls (including at the head of the bed) and on the table. It is ideal when shrines are placed in icon cases. Candles, lamps, prayer books, in a word, everything that helps in prayer can be adjacent to the icons.

At the same time, it is undesirable for secular paintings, figurines, posters with images of athletes, politicians, musicians, and so on, to be located next to icons.

Let us add that paintings, even those with biblical scenes, cannot be placed next to icons. The fact is that an icon is a means through which believers communicate with God, the Mother of God and the saints; You can’t pray in front of paintings.

Where to put icons in the apartment

Can they coexist with home appliances? This is undesirable and, if possible, such proximity should be prevented. However, if, for example, a computer in a particular family is a means of work, then placing an image nearby is quite normal, because before, after, and even during work you can and should pray, asking for God’s blessing on your actions.

According to ancient tradition, the Red Corner in the house was often decorated with the means available at that time: fresh flowers and skillfully embroidered towels. It is not a sin to maintain this tradition today. Therefore, if you have such a desire, feel free to decorate your iconostasis and single-placed icons.

So, where to hang icons in the house? Summarize:

• It is advisable to place them on the eastern wall of the house.
• Availability.
• Icons can be hung on the wall, placed on tables and shelves, or placed in icon cases.
• Icons and decorative objects should not be placed nearby.
• Icons can be decorated with flowers and towels.

Sequence of icon placement

Now you know where to properly hang icons in the house. However, in what order should they be placed?

When placing icons in a church, church ministers take into account many of the requirements of the Charter. However, the rules for placing shrines on the home iconostasis are by no means so strict. The main ones include:

• Thoughtful composition and systematic placement.
• Above all should be placed the images of the Holy Trinity, Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Icons of the apostles (if any) can be placed under them. Then it is necessary to place images of saints.
• should be placed to the right of the person praying, and to the left.
• Uniformity of styles.

It is desirable, but not strictly necessary, that the images be executed in approximately the same manner: otherwise the variety of styles may distract from prayer work. However, this does not apply to images – family heirlooms. They should definitely be placed on the home iconostasis, regardless of whether they fit into general style images or not.

So, now you know how to properly place icons in the house, photos and text will help you in this good deed. We hope that our article will help you create a canonically correct and aesthetically pleasing iconostasis!

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.

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 are dear to us - holy icons.

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 Orthodox church tradition 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 define something convenient for icons, a nice place in an empty corner or on a wall, even if this requires some rearranging.

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 an icon not directly on a shelf, but on a small one beautiful napkin, or, as it is called, the veil. 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 the words for a long time of the Blessed 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 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 Apparition Mother of God Rev. Sergius of Radonezh.” The icon was beautiful in itself, and besides, it was painted and presented to its owner by the famous Russian hierarch Orthodox Church, which gave her some peculiarity. 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 will give you another one, and bring this one to me, I will 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.

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 miraculously will 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...”

What icons must be in the house?

There is one more question. What icons are best to have at home? There is also no rule here, but only a pious tradition. Most of our prayers are addressed to the Savior and the Mother of God. It is reasonable to have an image of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother at home.

In a Russian Orthodox home, you will most often find a triptych: the Savior, the Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas. The veneration of St. Nicholas in Russia is so widespread that it is unlikely that any saint can compare in this sense with Myra miracle worker. The reason for this is simple: as you know, people don’t go to a dry well for water. Saint Nicholas is loved and revered by us as a quick helper, intercessor and great wonderworker. Almost every family has experience of his miraculous help.

Godly people usually have an image of themselves heavenly patron whose name they bear. Sometimes this or that saint of God turns out to be somewhat close to us. We find in his life some character trait that is close to us or that we love, we are admired by some deed or miracle created through “his prayer. There is a desire to have an image of this saint at home. Of course, prayer in front of him will be especially heartfelt. Our patriotic dispensation, love for the Fatherland can express itself in special veneration and warm prayer before the images St. Sergius of Radonezh, St. Seraphim of Sarov, righteous John Kronstadt, noble princes Alexander Nevsky, Daniil of Moscow and Dmitry Donskoy. Love for Russia is inseparable from love for miraculous icons Intercessors of the Zealous Mother of God, through whom so many miracles have occurred on our land. These are the icons of Vladimir, Kazan, Tikhvin, Derzhavnaya and many others.

The Feasts of the Lord and the Mother of God are also depicted on icons. You can have at home an icon of the Presentation, Annunciation, Baptism, and the Protection of the Mother of God.

Take a closer look at the “Nativity of Christ” icon. What a quiet, peaceful, family-like image. God the Child and the Mother and Betrothed, looking at the Little One in quiet tenderness; shepherds worshiping the Savior with the fear and joy of a simple and faithful heart; wise men-magi who brought gifts-symbols, a sign that earthly wisdom is just a part of heavenly wisdom. A peaceful night, and above everything is the Star of Bethlehem. How many thoughts and prayers will be born next to this icon.

And look at the image “The Entry of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple.” The parents brought their only, long-awaited, beloved child to the temple in order to leave him there. The girl is only three years old. How sweet the little ones are at this time, how pure and innocent! How the mere sight of them caresses a parent’s heart! But where is the best place to preserve and strengthen this purity? In the temple. Joachim and Anna gave Mary to be raised in the temple. Look, parents, your child must honor the Law of God, and your child must be in church. Looking at this image of parental feat and hope in God, pray for your children and think about your responsibilities.

We will find how much we need for our soul by looking at the icon “The Presentation of the Lord.” Meeting, in Slavic, meeting, that is, the meeting of the Savior and Elder Simeon. Which Great words said the God-Receiver Simeon, taking the Infant Jesus in his arms: “Now you are letting Your servant go, O Master, in peace, according to Your word” (Luke 2:29). Because it was revealed to the righteous old man that he would not die until he saw Christ the Savior. And when we meet the Lord, whether in prayer, in His temple, in reading Holy Scripture, at the relics of His holy saints, we also part with earthly things, temporarily dying to the worries and sorrows of this life. “Now You are releasing Your servant, O Master...”

Why don't you have the image of the Life-Giving Trinity: three Angels sitting at a meal - a symbol of endless love and unity.

What a consolation for Orthodox man to see the omophorion of the Mother of God stretched out over the world on the icon of the feast of the Intercession of the Mother of God. Do not despair, man, and over you is the protection of the Diligent Intercessor.

Nowadays you can buy different icons. Any consecrated image is a shrine. And a paper lithograph, and reproduced by an icon painter, and an old family image, and acquired in antique store rarity - all this is an icon. Of course, it’s nice to have a highly artistic image painted by a competent specialist isographer; today you can buy these in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, St. Daniel’s Monastery in Moscow, where they have their own art workshops. It's great if there are old houses family icons. But modern reproduction should not be neglected. In Crimea, in Livadia, in the imperial palace in the office of Emperor Nicholas II, a very religious and pious man, the walls are literally filled with icons. Antique, precious icons, and next to them simple “village” letters, and here and there lithographs and photographs. And all these shrines - both dear and modest - met the prayerful gaze of the holy man who stood with a tender heart in front of them. It seems that the point here is not only about what icon is in front of us, but also about ourselves. I had to see indifferent empty faces both in front of the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir, and in front of the Trinity of Andrei Rublev’s letters. “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), said the Savior.

I would like to wish you that holy icons will often appear before your eyes, moving you to prayer and contemplation of God, lifting you above the vanity of the world, calming passions and healing illnesses. Amen.

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Icons in our house. About prayer. About alms. - M.: Danilovsky blagovestnik, 1997.- 48 p. - (Series “For advice from the priest”).

There is, according to theologians, an ancient legend about how even during his earthly life Holy Mother of God I decided, with the help of the Evangelist Luke, to leave a memory of myself to people. So that there would be a special Divine sign for them, bringing the grace of the Mother of God. Precisely and subtly copied by a talented artist and healer human souls, the image of the Madonna with the Child Jesus in her arms served as the primary source for thousands of pictorial icons.

It is understandable that people want to always have a piece of a holy image at home, but many do not know how to properly hang icons in the house. What mistakes do Christian believers who are not educated in this matter most often make?

Where in the room should I place the home iconostasis?

Images of saints should be given a special and honorable place. According to the testimony of the Orthodox fathers, who knew where to hang the icon correctly, the images were usually placed on the eastern side of the large room in the house. But, if for some significant reasons it is not possible to equip a “red corner” for an iconostasis in the living room or hall, then you can use any other comfortable spot. The main thing is that it is not cluttered and neat.

It is not allowed to be located nearby:

• art paintings;
• photographs of deceased relatives;
• TV, music center;
• souvenirs and non-Orthodox books.
• attributes of other religions (figurines, idols).

A free approach to icons is needed to perform sincere prayers with a kneeling request for help and praise to the holy images.

How many icons can you have and how to purchase them?

For a home iconostasis there are no categorical requirements regarding the number of holy images in it. There may be several or even one. It is important that each icon is revered, understandable and close to the people living in the house.

They should know:

• what words to use to communicate with God through a miraculous list;
• the face of one of the saints is depicted on it;
• in what cases can one turn to the image;
• how and under what circumstances did humanity acquire an icon;
• when is it celebrated?
• where a genuine example of icon painting is kept.

Believers should not adhere to unfounded superstitions that icons cannot be bought or given to loved ones. Any option for the honest acquisition of a holy image is acceptable.

True illuminated icons are distributed mainly through church shops operating at churches and monasteries. There are also houses of icons, where, with the blessing of a church minister, masters of icon painting are allowed to make copyright copies of famous sacred images.

What is not considered an icon and how to deal with it?

Calendars with instructions are not considered icons Orthodox holidays And fast days, other printed publications whose pages depict Holy Family or God's Pleasers. Such literature should be stored separately, in a specific box, and it is wrong to hang them among real icons.

If Orthodox literature has become unusable for further use, then you can carefully burn it yourself. It should not be lying around in an inappropriate place and should not be used for other purposes., for example, as wrapping paper.

If external condition If the icon has faded over time or due to exposure to water or fire, and the image on it is no longer visible, then it can be taken to the master for restoration or simply left in church temple, whose employees know what to do with it next.

How to keep icons clean and safe?

In church stores you can buy icon cases - special boxes for storing icons. They allow you to keep holy images clean.

Some people lovingly decorate the shelves and frames in their home iconostasis with embroidered towels or lace patches, artificial flowers. Everything must be placed in such a way as to protect flammable household items from fire. At the request of believers, the shop workers will clearly explain how to properly hang a burning lamp in front of the icon.

Craftsmen who make the base, which is used for subsequent writing of a holy image on it, usually think through how it will be attached to the wall. A special hole or loop is made in the material, usually wood. If there is nothing like this, then it is better not to hang such an icon, but to place it on a fixed shelf. But in no case should you nail the icon right through, especially in the outline of the holy face or robe.

Icons in other rooms of the house or apartment

There is no prohibition on placing icons in other living spaces, bedroom or kitchen. Of course, we are not talking about a balcony or a bathroom.

• In a room where household members usually have a common meal, it would be appropriate to hang icons depicting Christ the Savior or the “Last Supper” above the dining table. Here they ascend thanksgiving prayers for the opportunity to eat our “daily bread”.
• Not the pagan “horseshoe for luck” or “chime of the wind”, but a holy image, as an eternal guardian of well-being hearth and home, should greet everyone entering the home of an Orthodox believer above the door. In everyday life and economic affairs, since ancient times, Christian peoples have given preference to icons depicting God's helper Nicholas the Pleasant, the Great Defender from enemies and misfortunes - St. George the Victorious.
• Hang it correctly in the bedroom or children's room personalized icon above the head of a sleeping person. First, through the prayers of the parents, and then of the baby himself, she will protect the child from bad thoughts, grant him health and obedience.

If there are a lot of icons, then they adhere to certain rules for their tiered placement. The central and upper ones are the holy images of Jesus Christ and the Mother of God. Below are icons depicting the Holy Great Martyrs who suffered for the Christian faith.

How to hang icons in a room correctly

How to hang icons in an apartment and what is a red corner?

How to hang icons in the house correctly was last modified: July 8th, 2017 by Bogolub

They hid it from prying eyes. It was dangerous to show them off. The time was communist-atheistic. That’s why we’ve lost the culture of faith; we don’t know where the icons should be in the apartment. There seems to be no secret to this. Place it wherever you like. But the icons are different, and each has its own approach. Let's find out what it's like correct location icons in the apartment.

Ancient traditions

Christianity is over a thousand years old. In the old days, icons were considered of great value. By the way, not every family owned such a relic, and if there were images in the house, they cherished them like the apple of their eye. In ancient times, no one thought about where icons should be located in an apartment. We have seen them since childhood and absorbed the traditions with our mother’s milk. The image was placed in. This does not mean the color scheme of the place, but its essence. “Red” meant “ceremonial”, “solemn” and the like. And the corner, because the layout of the hut was simple. There were not windows on all walls. The lighting was poor, only candles and torches. The red corner was the one that received more sun. As a rule, it was located in the eastern part of the building. And the windows were planned in advance so that light would fall on this festive, ceremonial corner from both sides. The place was decorated as best they could. The girls made towels and napkins on winter evenings, embroidered, and weaved. Flowers were placed nearby in warm weather. And they always lit the lamp. It was not appropriate for holy images to be in the shadows. You, dear reader, are probably wondering why icons were treated this way.

What is an image for a person?

It is necessary to make a small digression. Think about what image means to you personally? Those who are interested in where icons should be placed in an apartment are apparently believers. Images are not just pretty pictures. From them, people who once lived look at the believer, who managed to remain faithful to the Lord, to become part of the proof of his rightness and love for humanity. But they are all fundamentally different from all kinds of gurus who are usually worshiped. Remember: Christ said that he came to people to give light, to show the way to righteousness. He called me to follow the path he pointed out, to feel and understand it with my heart. And those people whose faces we hang on the wall realized this and embodied it as best they could during their lifetime.

Icons are portraits of loved ones, whom a believer wants to be like, from whom he takes example. That is, these are spiritual friends and patrons. And you will become respected and dear person hide in a dusty closet? Of course not. If he comes to visit, sit him down the best place, treat and entertain with an interesting conversation. The images are not even visitors, but family members, revered and loved by everyone. This attitude used to be passed down as normal rules of conduct. That’s why people didn’t ask themselves where the icons should be in the apartment. They were given the red corner, the most elegant, light and clean.

How the iconostasis is arranged now

The church rules requiring that the images be kept in the eastern part of the building have now practically lost their force. Father, seeing that the icons are in a different place, will not make a remark. That is, you can put it where it is convenient. However, there are still a number of requirements for the location. When you are thinking about where icons should be placed in your apartment, do not forget about their religious content. It is inappropriate to keep secular paintings or books of dubious nature nearby. It is also recommended to make the red corner away from TVs and computers. These devices are considered incompatible with spiritual reflection and prayer. Usually icons are used to appeal to the Lord. Therefore, they need to be positioned so that there is enough space nearby for all family members. The prayer is said in solitude; pushing around at this moment is not accepted. Therefore, the owner of the house knows better where the icons should be in the apartment. The photo above illustrates one of the options.

How to arrange images correctly

An iconostasis can be built from an ordinary shelf or a small table with high legs. Place images on it and arrange books of religious content, if any. It is permissible and desirable to decorate the iconostasis with napkins and towels self-made. Nowadays, handicrafts are not in honor; people buy beautiful products in the store. But while working on a special napkin for the iconostasis, you will begin to think about God, which will benefit your soul. In the past, at least, this is exactly what they did. Look at your red corner: is there not enough light there? It would be nice to place special lamps nearby. Don’t forget to wipe the dust regularly, and sometimes light candles or a lamp. It is recommended to keep the Mother of God in the house. The face of a guardian angel is also often placed nearby. It is the saint whose name you bear from birth or baptism (sometimes they are different).

Where should the Seven Shots icon be located in the apartment?

Let's talk about special cases of arrangement of holy faces. Believers have a special relationship with some icons. It is believed that they protect from misfortunes, enemy influence, and evil passions. For example, executives often hang them in their offices. These people are confident that the Mother of God will protect them from intriguers and competitors. At home, it is recommended to hang such an icon above the front door. The clergy say that the face of the Mother of God will take away an uninvited guest with bad intentions from the house. In addition, they say that Semistrelnaya protects owners from negative thoughts, quarrels, mutual accusations and scandals. On the contrary front door They advise hanging the Trinity icon. It clears visitors of bad intentions.

Children's room: where should icons be located in the room?

Often mothers and fathers think about how to protect their child from evil eye, diseases and other manifestations of the devil. Icons are best suited for this. You can hang them in your baby's room. It is advisable to place the image of the Virgin Mary in the eastern corner of the room. Follow the rules above. That is, hang the icon away from those broadcasting electronic devices. The holy face in the room will certainly arouse the child’s interest in faith. Teach him to pray, tell him what icons mean to people. Perhaps this way we can gradually regain ancient traditions spiritual education. What do you think?