The icon is protection. Having an image in the house or in the car gives a feeling of confidence. Like, now nothing will happen to me. It must be remembered that the icon is not a guarantee of security. Without prayer and faith, it means nothing to the person who has acquired it.
Do I need an icon in the car? The question is difficult, because everyone decides for himself. But many drivers can see an attached cross on the front mirror. Let's learn about how to behave in a car if there is an icon. And how to choose an image for auto.
Is it necessary?
What icons should be in the car? Before answering this question, let us ask ourselves: why are they there? Someone may be indignant and think: how why? I am a baptized and believing person. It's wonderful, if so. But the presence of icons in the car implies some rules. And if the driver has not observed them before, then with the advent of the shrines it will be necessary. Ready for bans? If yes, then you can think about the icon in the car. Otherwise, how to protect someone who does not particularly believe in this protection. Understand that the image is not a panacea for accidents and other road troubles.
A little bit about prohibitions
What can not be done in front of the icons? And what, in general, cannot be done to a person who considers himself a believer and is baptized in the bosom of the Orthodox Church:
- Used to listen to rollicking music in the car? So much so that the car bounces from heavy bass? Alas, it is necessary to fasten with a habit. This does not mean that music is banned. Quiet and calm is allowed. It's just that if the driver thinks about the icon in the car, he must understand that not all music can be listened to in front of the images. Blasphemous, some rock, outright swearing is forbidden.
- Someone likes to smoke a cigarette in a car. No smoking. This is considered a sinful thing, especially in front of the images. The driver looks at the Savior or at the Mother of God and releases a trickle of smoke from his mouth. Smoke settles on faces. Is this normal?
- Some do not hesitate to use a personal car as a cafe. Sit down, drink, what's up? Many people drink. Where there is wine, there is no swearing and vulgarity, in most cases. Not Christian at all.
Choose an icon
What icon should the driver choose in the car? It could be an image of Jesus Christ. Maybe the Mother of God or one of the saints of God. Many drivers have an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in their car.
As an option, all three icons - the Lord, the Mother of God and St. Nicholas. They are sold in church shops, and are called "car icons".
You can buy a small crossor opt for the icon of the saint whose name the driver bears.
Can I buy silver icons in the car? This is not forbidden, the main thing is the ability to fix them. Images should not be too large, this is understandable and self-explanatory.
Which material to choose?
We mentioned above about silver images. What icon to buy in the car? Wooden ones are fine. They are small, they are convenient to fix in the cabin. But it is better not to purchase gold and other expensive icons. There are many thieves in the world, and who knows if they will not be seduced by expensive church utensils. Stay away from sin, as they say.
How to consecrate an icon?
We figured out the choice of the icon in the car. The driver bought it, and what's next? Should I go and sanctify? How to do it?
Now we'll find out everything. Where was the icon purchased? If in a church shop, then the utensils are already consecrated there. But it is better to check with the seller. If in a regular store, then go to the church after purchase.
We came to the temple, but there was no one there. Only behind the candle box is a woman standing. State your request to her and ask her to call the priest on duty. If there is one, he will be called. If not, they will tell you when you can catch the priest.
Let's say a priest is present in the temple. He consecrated the icons, and now we should thank the priest. Donation at the discretion of the driver - let him give as much as he can. This is in the event that there was no payment through the candle box. That is, in the absence of a fixed donation.
Now you cancarefully secure the icons in the car and follow the above rules.
Before we set off
So, the driver decided that the images in his car are necessary. So the rite of consecration took place, and the icon took its place in the car. How to ride now? Just like before. Only without recklessness, if you have previously dabbled in such an extreme driving style.
Get in the car, pray mentally, make the sign of the cross on yourself. Don't know how to pray? Let's say that the driver acquired three images at once: Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and St. Nicholas. You need to address each of them in the simplest words:
God bless.
Holy Mother of God, save us.
Nicholas the Wonderworker, help.
They asked, crossed themselves and you can safely hit the road, observing the rules of the road and spiritual rules.
Summarizing
In the article, we examined what an icon is for in a car. What rules should be followed if the driver decides that there will be images in his car. Let's highlight the main aspects:
Icon is not a panacea for troubles. First of all, the emphasis is on the behavior and actions of a person. He must understand that he must not behave in an unworthy manner in front of the images.
- Were there bad habits implemented in the car? Leave them in the past.
- Before you set off, ask for help and protection in front of the icons.
- Ifthe icon was purchased outside the temple, it is consecrated. And only after that they fix it in the car.
Conclusion
Based on all the above, we understand that it is important not only to be baptized and try to protect your homes and cars with icons. It is important, first of all, to believe and lead a decent life.
We are not all sinless. The hardest work is on yourself. We are at home, whether we are driving a car, walking somewhere - we should not forget that we are called Christians.
