In Orthodox families, the icon is especially revered. She is blessed with 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 illness and trouble. That's just about how to properly 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 properly place the 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: Matrona of Moscow, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Sergius of Radonezh, Dmitry Donskoy, John of Kronstadt, Seraphim of Sarov, etc. But still there should not be too many icons. Enough of the ones you're used topray tirelessly. And yet, try not to put photos of living or deceased loved ones and celebrities next to the icons, no matter how much you appreciate them.
Where can I place the image?
The first thing you should think about before you place the icons in the apartment correctly is where it is best to do it. In fact, you can place holy images in any room. Naturally, apart from a bath and a toilet, there should not even be a small image in these rooms - this is sacrilege. If you are used to praying to the Lord before eating, hang the icon over the dining table or behind the door of a glass cabinet. Then the whole family will be able to express gratitude to Him every day for the well-being and food provided. Just do not forget that in this case there is no place for a TV and a tape recorder in this room.
Useful icons will be in the bedroom, in the hall or guest rooms. In the nursery, the image of the Virgin, placed above the crib, would be quite appropriate. The Patron Saint will protect your child from troubles, misfortunes, illnesses and bad thoughts. Gives him obedience. However, here you can place a nominal icon in a beautiful frame. Just do not forget that the child should not reach Orthodox products. Hang them high (but not too high!).
People who are interested in where it is better to place icons in the apartment also sometimes ask: "Can I put them on the desktop, next to the computer?" In fact, you can, but you shouldn't do it. Instead, 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 it will not interfere at hand. If the window is occupied by flowers, and there is simply no convenient part of the wall, icons can be placed on a bookshelf, next to theological literature, a chest of drawers or a low sideboard. But still, do not forget that the most suitable place for them is the red corner.
Can I hang an icon over the door?
Yes, you can, there are no restrictions here. But you need to understand that the icon is not a charm that can protect the house from ill-wishers. It is necessary at the entrance to the house only so that the person who enters and sees it can remember the name of God, pray, thank the higher powers, ask them for intercession in any undertakings. As for which icon can be hung over the front door, these are: “Savior on Ubrus”, “Seven-shot” (helps to reject bad thoughts), “Impassable door” (helps to quickly overcome troubles and troubles), “Guardian Angel” (removes unclean forces from the household and the house) and others. In principle, there are no restrictions.
Where should the image not be placed?
Before placing icons in an apartment, you must remember that it is forbidden to do this next to paintings, photographs, posters, souvenirs, wall or grandfather clocks, figurines and other household items. You can not place them next to a TV or tape recorder. These devices should be in another room. And one more thing: nothing should be above the icons or very close to them, except for the cross, lamps andsome permitted decorations, such as lamps or beautiful napkins created by the hostess.
Where to place the red corner?
For a long time, a red corner was created near 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 dwelling. Now in many apartments, the layout does not allow placing icons in the right place. If you also do not 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 icons in the apartment is possible, it has already been said above. The only addition is that it is better to place the icons on the iconostasis. It can be purchased at any Orthodox store or made by hand.
How to properly position the iconostasis?
The most important thing when choosing the place and location of this product is to make it so that, if necessary, 2 people can freely approach it. Other rules concern "neighborhood" with household items. So, next to the iconostasis or above it, you should immediately place a prayer cross. But there should not be curtains and other flammable objects nearby, since fire from lamps or candles can spread to them. For the same reason, icon shelves should not be installed too close to the ceiling. It is enough to make it so thatsmall children and pets could not reach, and that's it.
How to arrange icons in the iconostasis?
According to the Orthodox tradition, the images on the iconostasis should go in the following order: on the topmost shelf - the icon of the Holy Trinity, below it - the face of the Savior of mankind, below - the images 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 icon designed in the same style. Above the holy images or to 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 will be useless.
How to decorate the iconostasis with your own hands?
Now you know how to properly place the icons in the apartment. The photo on this page illustrates this process in detail. Therefore, let's talk about how and with what you can decorate a home iconostasis. It is worth saying that Orthodox people use hand-embroidered handbrakes, lace patches, small flower branches (most often artificial) for this.
But you can also hang a burning lamp in front of the shelves with holy images, put a shroud (a small napkin with frills or lace) on them, and place birch or linden twigs nearby. You don't need to think of anything else. Remember that you place the iconostasis in the house for prayers, and not in order to transform in any wayinterior.
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 - not higher than 40%. When persistent dirt or stains appear on the images of saints, they should be wiped with a slightly damp cloth or soft brush. Detergents are not recommended for this. The shelves themselves should also not be forgotten to be wiped from dust and dirt, trying not to get too wet.
Napkins, towels and tablecloths need to be washed at least sometimes. And one more thing: in addition to external purity, next to the icons it is good to observe spatial purity. Just don't litter the space around them with even "very necessary" things. And then you no longer have to think about how to place the icons in the apartment, if it has become impossible to keep them in the old place.
As a conclusion
To solve the question of how to properly place the icons in a house or apartment, you need to approach 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 you will definitely cope with everything. We wish you prosperity, peace and family happiness.
