The question of how to consecrate an icon is extremely important for many believers who feel the need to create images on their own or who do not purchase them in church shops. Often people are embarrassed to ask temple workers about what is required for consecration.
This happens for various reasons, mainly for fear of appearing ignorant. Often people who gravitate toward faith but have not grown up in it find that the process of sanctification is difficult and do not want to create inconvenience. However, there is nothing difficult in how to consecrate an icon, and this process will not require large expenses. As a rule, it is enough just to contact any employee of the temple. This person will definitely explain what exactly needs to be done and how to properly apply for consecration.
When is consecration required?
Before you consecrate an icon in a church, you need to know if this is really required.
The need for the rite of consecration occurs in cases where the icon:
- new, just made;
- was desecrated or desecrated;
- went through restoration, alteration, repair.
As a rule, many people, even those who are well versed in church traditions, have difficulty understanding the term “defilement”. Meanwhile, this desecration is not just an occasion for a standard ceremony, it affects how the icon is consecrated. Under defilement and desecration should be understood not only the application of vandal inscriptions or other sabotage. For example, if an icon was thrown into the pantry along with rubbish, placed in the trash, this is also a desecration. If a person finds an image that has gone through such trials, then before consecrating the icon, one should definitely talk with the clergyman and tell him about the circumstances of finding it.
In what cases is consecration denied? About embroidered looks
Not every image can be consecrated in a church. Often women engaged in needlework are afraid of difficulties in how to consecrate an embroidered icon. Believing that they may be refused, people often do not even try to apply to the church. Meanwhile, the rejection of consecration has nothing to do with the materials used to create the image or the type of work.
Images that are far from Orthodox canons are not consecrated. For example, if on an icon Jesus is depicted on a crucifixion in the Western, Catholic manner, that is, with crossed legs, nailed with one common nail, then this is a reason for refusing to consecrate.
If the needlewomen doubt whetherwhether their work complies with the canons of Orthodoxy, you need to come to the clergyman with a sketch of the future work and ask him all the exciting questions. That is to gain clarity before the work is completed.
Of course, there are other restrictions when it comes to embroidery. The image of saints on scarves, napkins, pillowcases or tablecloths cannot be consecrated. Moreover, such an occupation is nothing but blasphemy.
When is it not necessary to consecrate icons?
There is no need to consecrate an image purchased from a church shop. Icons sold at churches fully comply with all the canons of Orthodoxy and are provided to buyers already consecrated.
There is also no need to try to consecrate an image that does not meet Orthodox requirements. Even if we are talking about a religious plot, the image of a saint or the Lord himself, painted on boards. In the event that the canons are violated, the image is not an icon. This is just a work of art dedicated to spiritual themes. Therefore, there is no need for consecration, because in such situations we are talking about an ordinary picture, and not about an object of worship.
