What are the main icons should be in the house. What icons should be in the house

Arranging a prayer house in the house is an old Orthodox tradition in Russia. And today, believers are trying to have at least a few images at home. But, given the nuances of modern design, finding a suitable place is not so easy. It is important to adhere to the traditions of where the icons should be in the apartment and in which corners of the housing they cannot be placed.

What icons should be in the house

Any icon is considered a prototype of a saint, so the images of faces were located in the eastern corners. As an option, choose the most convenient place where you can be alone and pray.

Each shrine has its own meaning, so it’s better not to buy at random, but to figure out who is depicted on the icon and what mission he performs.

  • image of jesus christ- heals from serious ailments, protects from troubles, supports and directs during difficulties;

  • face of the Holy Mother of God- attracts pure love, forgives, gives humility, health and family well-being;

  • image of St. Nicholas- helps in solving complex problems, inspires faith in a hopeless situation, heals;

  • image of the Seven Arrows Mother of God- protects household members from quarrels, protects from gossips and ill-wishers, dares thieves;

  • face of the Holy Trinity- brings respect and peace to the house, cleanses from sins, relieves negative emotions, protects from the evil eye;

  • "Fadeless Color" image- able to give spiritual strength, direct on the right path, preserve beauty and youth, ward off temptations, give hope;

  • guardian angel image- heals, gives love, saves from sins, means hope and peace;

  • image of orthodox holidays- icon of Baptism or the Nativity of Christ;

    Baptism Icon

  • icon of the Last Supper- relieves heaviness from the soul, relieves sinful thoughts, helps to establish relationships with family and friends.

Many shrines (most often these are the names of the first three icons) are inherited from generation to generation, so you should take care of the sacred product. Regardless of what material the icon is made of, it must be carefully looked after, periodically cleaned and a suitable place selected.

Where is the red corner

The ancestors called the front corner in the southeastern part of the hut the red corner (“kutnik”, “goddess”). There, people put up old images for prayers and hung embroidered towels.

Turning to the holy place, the household members were baptized in the morning and in the evening, knelt down and turned to the Lord when they did not go to church services. The red corner was perceived as a domestic analogue of the altar or a table in the church, where the icons were placed, according to the rules:

  • only the Holy Trinity can stand near the icon of the Savior;
  • next to the face of the Virgin there are only her other faces;
  • the rest of the images are placed aside or on the lower shelf;
  • in the neighborhood allow the presence of spiritual books and church supplies;
  • in each of the rooms, the location of the icons may vary.

Previously, the red corner determined the behavior of not only the residents of the apartment, but also their guests. At the entrance to the house, the men first of all took off their headdress in front of the place where the shrines of the owners were kept. Children were put in that corner for wrongdoings, so that they would "atone for sin."

But during the construction of modern apartments, the place for a shrine is rarely thought of, although earlier it was from the definition of a “holy corner” that the foundation of the future house was laid. Therefore, the required corners and walls often turn out to be oriented in opposite directions of the world.

In this case, it is advised to act differently: the corner is not chosen to the west, a surface free of paintings and photographs is quite suitable. An extreme case is to put the images in a bookcase under glass.

How to make and place a home iconostasis with your own hands

In the temple, the iconostasis is placed inside the central zone of the room and is often decorated with gilding to distinguish the altar from the rest of the space.

But in an ordinary apartment, following the same rules will not work. Instead, it is recommended to decide in which corner (preferably red) it is most practical to place icons, and then discuss how to build a place for faces.

Furniture stores take into account the needs of religious customers, offering a wide selection of such specific furniture.

But if among the finished models it was not possible to find a suitable option, ordinary wall cabinets will do, where the images should be.

If you wish, you can order the manufacture of shelves that will be developed specifically for housing or made independently, following the advice:

  • use a variety of materials (for example, plywood), the main thing is that they do not have a too bright color, be durable (taking into account that there is where to put massive icons) and resistant to moisture;
  • make drawings of the future corner, choose the optimal height, width and depth, determine the number of shelves and decor;
  • do not forget about the sufficient distance between the shelves - the correct layout will not only leave plenty of space for any looks, but also save the bottom of the heating when the candle is burning;
  • with regards to the placement point, there is no special technology, but the icons are placed in such a way that they are opposite the eyes, on the same level;
  • under the holy corner itself, you can leave a place on the floor to put a table on which it is advisable to light lamps, put holy scriptures, willow (pre-consecrate), a candle stand, holy water and other things.

The iconostasis in the house usually has 5 shelves, while the order of the icons is recommended:

  • at the top is an Orthodox cross;
  • in the center it is customary to put the icon of the Savior;
  • a little higher you need to put the image of the Holy Trinity;
  • on the right side there is a place for the face of the Mother of God;
  • images of the Savior and the Virgin should be larger than the rest;
  • on the sides it is allowed to place the rest of the images of saints.

Many recommendations on how to arrange a red corner say that it should be kept in the same style. But it is difficult to achieve a general design if all the holy images are not bought at once. If you want to buy an icon, but it does not fit into the corner shelf in appearance, you should not refuse to buy. Framing the image does not play a big role - this is not a piece of furniture.

For preservation, the image is often placed in a case - a special box with a glass lid.

Which and how to properly position the images

In modern buildings, doors and windows are often located on the eastern side, so it is undesirable to hang images there, according to the ancient Russian traditions of the church. Since it is impossible to change the building, you will have to choose a less suitable place.

It is important not only the location of the wall relative to the cardinal points, but also its accessibility - you need to think about how to arrange the shrines, about your own position during prayer, convenience. When turning to God, each member of the family should have a place in front of the icons if joint prayer is practiced.

The image is placed not only on the shelves, but also on the walls, at the head of the bed, on the table. In the neighborhood it is allowed to put related items: a prayer book, the Bible, and other Orthodox books.

It is undesirable when non-religious paintings, figurines, posters, calendars hang next to the faces of saints. It is forbidden to put photos: both dead and living. Even if they are praying for the health and well-being of a particular person, it is necessary to present his image during prayer, but you cannot leave a picture near the iconostasis. By the way, taking pictures of icons as a whole is not prohibited, however, a remark may be made in the church, since the process distracts parishioners from turning to God.

If there are doubts about a particular room and which image is better to put there, it is advisable to seek advice from a priest - he will tell you what to choose and what variations there are. For each room there are special recommendations and there are separate taboos on placement and quantity - how many icons in the house should also be important to know.

In the bedroom

Some people believe that hanging the appropriate images on the walls in the bedroom is only worth it if the spouses are married. In this case, the faces of Saints Peter and Fevronia, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Panteleimon and nominal variants can protect the union of two lovers.

Saints Peter and Fevronia

If a person still wants to place a holy image in the room where he sleeps, then you need to determine how these icons are called and their meaning - you can opt for the Mother of God or the Savior. Among other faces, priests recommend establishing the image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant, Spiridon Trimifuntsky or the nominal image of the Saint - they are called upon to protect the family hearth and the relationship between the couple.

Nicholas Ugodnik

It is best to place the icons above the bed (closer to the head) or on the bedside table. As an alternative, you can select a corner for prayer by the window: put a small table there, and on it are icons and an icon lamp for a church candle.

In the kitchen

The kitchen needs more time and space for cooking, so 1-2 icons should be hung there. Before sitting down at the table and after eating, every Orthodox says a prayer of thanksgiving, so it is better to choose Christ the Savior, the Holy Trinity or the Mother of God. To make the cooked food always tasty, you should ask for blessings from Euphrosynus of Palestine.

All family members most often gather in the kitchen, therefore, in such a room you can hang a modest number of icons that will be able to answer the request for the health of everyone: Christ the Savior, the image of the Virgin or the icon of the Last Supper. From the last disagreement, where to hang, should not arise a priori. It is desirable that she be above the table - in this way, before eating, you can say a prayer for blessing.

In the children's room

How to determine what is best to hang in a newborn? From birth, children must be taught that one can and should turn to the saints for help and thank them for their support. Icons are able to protect the baby from accidents, the evil eye and ailments. Parents also need images in the children's room for prayers so that the child grows up as a worthy person.

To do this, at the head of the bed they put the faces of saints, who are considered protectors, or special nominal icons. It is worth at the same time thinking about acquiring a measured icon - an image that coincides in length with the growth of the crumbs when they are born.

Place them as close to the bed as possible or put under the pillow. For example, in a nursery, the following options would be appropriate:

  • face of the Savior;
  • the face of the Virgin;
  • image of a guardian angel.

You can hang other faces that promise health and well-being for the child, it is recommended to choose them based on current problems in the family. God loves children very much, because all people on Earth are His children. Therefore, one icon in the baby’s room will be enough to instill in him love and respect for holy images and prayer in general.

At work

When certain difficulties arise that directly relate to work, inspiration and any desire to work further disappear. There are many reasons why some events can overshadow workdays: failures, reprimands from superiors, competitors and envious people.

If negative emotions in the office are being pursued more and more often, you need to turn to the Saint, who helps in work and career. The corresponding icon must be placed in your office or on your desktop.

And the face of a suitable patron is chosen based on the profession:

  • student - an icon depicting the Martyr Tatiana, which will help in learning, give new ideas;

  • merchant - the face of Nicholas the Wonderworker, which brings good luck, promotes profitable deals and profits;
  • freelancer, Internet employee - the image of the Mother of God, the Blessed Sky, contribute to an easy career, success in everyday affairs, bring material well-being;
  • a sailor, a driver, a tourist expert - the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Sovereign Mother of God, which bring health, promote good luck, attract money and adventure to life;
  • health worker - Icon with Luka Krymsky, which protects at work, brings good health, grants patience, strength and promises pleasant meetings;

  • diplomat, postal worker - an icon depicting the Archangel Gabriel, which protects at work, encourages career advancement and protects from the evil eye;

  • volunteer, teacher of the orphanage - the face of the Bethlehem babies, which gives patience and mercy, physical health and peace of mind, supports love;

  • teacher, researcher - the icon of the Mother of God of Kaluga, which allows you to constantly reach for knowledge, easily learn new sciences, gives self-confidence and determination;

  • civil servant - the image of the Mother of God the Economist, which makes the government wise and fair, protects from evil influence and cleanses thoughts from sin.

If the list of professions does not contain the required category, then it is advisable to choose an icon with the face of the Patriarch as a patron.

In the living room

The main room of any home is the living room. But here it is important to observe neutrality: if there are non-believers among friends and acquaintances who often come to visit, it is not tactful to keep a collection of icons in a conspicuous place.

In this case, it is better to move the sacred corner to a private place. As an option, it is also proposed to buy an icon-folder: it is allowed to install it only during prayer, and after it is completed, hide it in a secluded place from prying eyes. If there are no such differences in the matter of faith among the visitors, then the following icons are advised to be hung in the room:


It is equally important to observe the correct arrangement: place the icon with the Lord on the right, and put the Most Holy Theotokos on the left side. You need to make sure that they are not in direct sunlight. Because of this, the paint quickly fades, and the aesthetics lose their beauty, so the icons are placed on the side of the window, in a small shade, not on the windowsill.

In the hall

Before leaving the house, you need to contact the heavenly patron, ask him to contribute to a safe road and send him to a meeting with bright people. And upon returning back, thank the Saint for intercession, for a speedy return home and a good day.

If you fix the face in the hallway, it is possible to protect your own home from thieves and bad guests:

  • the image of the Iberian Most Holy Theotokos;
  • the image of the Intercession;
  • image of the Holy Trinity.

Usually they choose one small icon and hang it above the front door. Priests advise hanging it on the wall, not the frame. Therefore, if there is no appropriate place for the face in the design of the apartment, then you can rearrange the selected icon to the next passage. It is important to choose exactly the door through which everyone who visits the house passes, and the face is not immediately evident.

Where not to put

There are no clear rules for finding this or that icon in the house, only recommendations. For proper placement, you should use common sense. In order to preserve the aesthetic combination, not to break traditions and simply extend the shelf life of the image itself, it is important to follow the recommendations:

  • in the bathroom or in the toilet, the icon is out of place, so the faces are not placed or hung near adjacent elements - sinks, pipes, closets with detergents;
  • you can’t put the image near the TV, tape recorder, computer and other equipment - to perform the rite of prayer, it is extremely important to focus on your own thoughts, and the technique attracts attention, distracts from turning to God;
  • do not place the face on a cosmetic table, shelves where there are non-religious books, toys, figurines, posters with famous personalities;
  • it is forbidden to put paintings or reproductions near the icons, even if they are characterized by biblical content, despite the general theme, such paintings do not act as family amulets, therefore they will be superfluous in the red corner;
  • a controversial nuance is the placement of icons in front of a mirror, since mystical properties are attributed to it, therefore it is better not to place the holy faces so that they or a person are reflected there during prayer;
  • it is not recommended to save on space. On the question of whether it is possible to put an icon on an icon, the opinion is unanimous - it is impossible. This is fraught with the fact that the images will constantly fall from the shelves and get injured, inaccurate storage of faces is also unacceptable.

It is important to remember that the icons and the principle of their placement is based on prayer. A suitable image is selected based on the essence of the request and appeals to the patron. And the location of the faces directly depends not only on the design features of the house, but also on the convenience of performing the sacrament. Taking into account the main recommendations of the clergy, you can make the most successful decision and decorate the iconostasis with your own hands.

There are no strict instructions about what icons should be in the house - it is always a personal choice of a believer, which he makes based on his preferences and spiritual attachment to one or another Orthodox saint.

The same applies to the placement of icons: it does not matter where you store the image, but it is important that this place is convenient for prayer. You should not be distracted by foreign objects (for example, a working TV) and hurt by household members passing by. Prayer is an intimate process that requires a peaceful and comfortable environment.

Red corner: the main icons in the house

The red corner (or home iconostasis) is usually located in the living room. The main icons that are placed in it are the images of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos. There are no strict rules for choosing a specific iconography, but most often these are the icons of the "Lord Almighty" and the images of the Mother of God "Kazan" or "Vladimir".

It is important that, regarding the upcoming image of the Lord, it should be located on the right hand, and the Mother of God - on the left. Above them, you can place the Crucifixion and the icon of the Trinity.

If your family entered into a church marriage - that is, got married - a wedding couple should be present in the home iconostasis (usually placed in the very center of the red corner). Since the images of the Almighty and the Mother of God are used as wedding icons, they can also play the role of the main icons in the house.

It is necessary to remember the traditions of our ancestors and learn how to properly treat icons and their placement in the house. Follow some tips and you will be fine.

An Orthodox person, listening to the inner voice, chooses for himself which Saints they will become, his daily prayers are addressed. When choosing icons, you need to focus, first of all, on the fact that all of them are similar in manner and style of execution. We will find out how to correctly hang icons in a dwelling and which ones.

What icons should be in the house?

In every house, every owner should have an icon of the Mother of God and the Savior. In iconographic culture, there is a great variability in the images of the Savior; for prayer, the image of the Lord Almighty most often prevails. Among the images of the icons of the Mother of God (Virgin Mary), most often for the home iconostasis, preference is given to icons: Eleusa (Tenderness) - Vladimirskaya, Zhirovitskaya, Pochaevskaya, Yaroslavskaya and Hodegetria (Guidebook) - Kazanskaya, Tikhvinskaya, Smolenskaya.

In the home iconostasis, nominal icons are traditionally placed, or simply icons of those immaculate, who are most honored by family members. Particularly famous uses appearance Nicholas the Wonderworker, who for several centuries has been revered by the people as the Great Righteous, as immaculate endowed with the special grace of God. Among the images of the great martyrs for the faith of Christ, icons are most often chosen George the Victorious or the healer Panteleimon.

There are no strict instructions for placing icons in the house, as in the temple. According to long-standing traditions, a special space was allotted in the house of any Orthodox family, where icons were located. Most often it was called the "deity" or the "red corner".

Traditionally, it is customary to place icons on the eastern side, since it is customary to read the prayer facing the east. But, if, in the case of the interior features in the house, it is impossible to place it on the eastern side, then the icons can be placed in the place where it is comfortable for you. They can be placed on shelves or hung on walls. The main thing is that there should be free space in front of them so that the believer has the opportunity to pronounce the prayer ceremony without much difficulty.

Icons, for the best preservation, are advised to be placed in icon cases. These are special cabinets or glazed shelves designed to protect icons from dirt, dust and mechanical damage. Thanks to icon cases, the faces of saints are the least susceptible to the negative effects of moisture and air temperature changes.

The ministers of the church say that it is best that the image of the saint be present in every room. There must be an icon in the kitchen above the dining table,


Since the process of cooking and food must be consecrated with a prayer addressed to the Holy Images. Since the Our Father is traditionally read after the meal, the icon of the Savior is usually hung in the kitchen. Quite often, the Last Supper icon is hung over the dining table.

There is a belief that icons should not be placed in the bedroom. But this is a lie. Because marital intimacy is not sinful, they can be safely placed in the bedroom.

At the same time, it must be remembered that they are obliged to stay only at the head of the bed. In addition, faces must be in the nursery. Most often, an icon is hung in the children's bedroom. guardian angel.

Above the front door, it is advised not to hang an icon, but an Orthodox cross.

Icons should be hung in places separate from the accumulation of things. They look out of place in cluttered bookcases, on a dressing table or simply on tables. Among the icons there should not be artistic paintings and engravings with biblical scenes, which are not a priori canonical icons. Accordingly, there is no place for images of monks, elders and priests, even if they are numbered among the Church to the Face of Saints. They can be placed elsewhere.

Rules for placing icons relative to each other

When placing icons, you need to remember the hierarchical principle. The key place in the home iconostasis belongs to the icons of the Mother of God and the Savior. Most often, they differ in size, and are placed above the images of saints. They can be placed on the same level with the rest of the icons, but it is wrong to stay below others. This, according to Christian canons, is indecent.

On the side of the key icons or below them are nominal icons, or, for example, the faces of saints, who enjoy special reverence among family members. Wedding icons are also advised to be placed in the red corner.

The main thing to remember is that the number of icons in a house or apartment is absolutely not important. An unsystematic choice of elementary beautiful images of saints can negatively affect the spiritual state of the whole family.

That is why it is very important to choose the right place for the icon. This place will become your family altar, which will keep the well-being of the whole family!

Very useful information! Thanks to!

To my shame, I did not even know that the icon of the Mother of God, which hangs in my house, heals from diseases.

There are many situations when we pray for help to the saints, put candles near the icons.

The icon is a completely unique phenomenon. There are hundreds of them in their temples, try to find which one you need. This is where the question arises: which icons to pray? Let's try to figure out which icon is for what.

1. "Seven-shooter"- this is the strongest icon in protecting the house and any premises, as well as the person on whom it is located, from evil, envious people, from the evil eye, damage and curses. It reconciles the warring, brings peace, harmony, it is also taken on important matters. At home, she should be opposite the front door in order to see the eyes of the incoming person. Before installing the icon, you need to read a prayer, then observe who will stop going to your house.

2. "Inexhaustible Chalice"- The Mother of God prays for all sinners and calls to an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and comfort, announces that the inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for those who ask with faith. It is for prosperity in the house, and also helps to heal from addictions, drunkenness, drug addiction, gambling.

3. Icon of the Mother of God "Healer" you can always recognize by the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary near the bed of a sick person. lavished miracles of healing from various mental and physical illnesses at the end of the 18th century. The help of the Most Holy Theotokos from Her miraculous icon continues in our time.

4. "Unexpected Joy"- an icon about the forgiveness of sins and grateful healing. Before the icon they pray for the conversion of the lost, for the health and well-being of children, for the healing of deafness and ear diseases, for the preservation of marriage in love and harmony.

5. "Three-handed"- the miraculous image of the Mother of God was written in the eighth century in honor of the Monk John of Damascus, a church hymnographer, innocently slandered. Before the icon, they pray for healing from the pains of the hands or their injuries, from getting rid of the fire, as well as from illness, sorrow and sadness.

6. "Speaky"- the image was written in the tenth century. They pray before the icon when they need quick and urgent help, for the healing of mental and bodily ailments, including paralysis, blindness, cancer, and also ask for the birth of healthy children and the release of prisoners.

7. "Seraphim of Sarov"- one of the beloved and revered saints of Russia. He devoted his whole life to serving our Lord, founded the Diveevsky convent in the Nizhny Novgorod province. Prayer to the Holy Father Seraphim of Sarov helps very well with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, spine, and joints.

8. "George the Victorious"- the patron of Moscow, as well as an assistant to those people whose work is related to weapons, the risk to life - the military, police, firefighters, rescuers. In addition, they include athletes and people who open a new business.

9. "Nicholas the Pleasant Wonderworker"- the beloved saint of Russian people. He protects from poverty and want: when his icon is in the house, he makes sure that there is prosperity in the house, saves from the need for anything. In addition, he is the patron of all travelers, drivers, sailors, pilots and just people who are on the road and revere St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant are in Italy.

10. "Vladimir Mother of God"- written by the Evangelist Luke. The icon is considered one of the most revered images of the Most Holy Theotokos in Russia. Tsars were crowned before this icon and high hierarchs were elected. Before her, they pray for the humility of the warring, for the softening of evil hearts, for the healing of infirmities of the body and soul, as well as for the healing of the possessed.

Owning an apartment or house is considered the greatest joy in any modern family. Therefore, every Orthodox person wants to equip his home according to the dictates of his heart, and in recent times, trying to follow the canons of the holy faith in a happy future for his family. Of course, for many Soviet years, almost all the people of our vast Motherland managed to forget how and how our ancestors lived. That is why now many believers in the apartment, as in the continuation of God's House, strive to arrange the holy faces correctly, trying not to violate the heavenly hierarchy and not harm their home and their loved ones.

Icons that should be in every home

Since ancient times, people use the house for solitary repentance and prayers. In families that sacredly believe and keep the traditions of true Christianity, holy icons are carefully passed from fathers to children. It is believed that it is the faces of saints that can unite many generations of believers, soften people's embittered hearts, and revive the generosity of an Orthodox person.

The Orthodox Church has never set the number of images that should be in every home. On the contrary, the unwise use of a large number of holy images in household use can have an adverse effect on the minds of others. For a person who is a true believer, an icon is perceived as the embodiment of the face of saints in material images, therefore, it is desirable to use the necessary icons in the house:

  • Jesus Christ Savior is perceived as the main image that keeps the dwelling of an Orthodox person. More often, a half-length image of the Almighty is chosen, where he is personified with an open bible in his hands, or the image of the Savior Not Made by Hands.
  • Icon of the Mother of God used for prayer at home (Pochaevskaya, Tikhvinskaya, Iverskaya, Derzhavnaya and others).
  • Image of the Trinity and the Crucifixion usually installed above others (crowns the iconostasis in the house). The crucifixion, where Christ is depicted nailed to the cross with four nails, is considered Orthodox, while among Catholics it is nailed with three nails.
  • wedding icons often used in the home iconostasis in place of the main icons.
  • Face of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker protects in any difficult everyday situations. This icon, in most families with the Orthodox faith, is honored with special veneration.
  • Seraphim of Sarov, Sergius of Radonezh, Saint John of Kronstadt and many other saints enjoy great reverence, because they passed their way of earthly life in Russia.
  • Each locality also has its own heavenly patron, the believing people sacredly honor and glorify the patrons of our lands and cities. In Moscow, special respect is enjoyed icons Blessed Matrona, Prince Daniel of Moscow, George the Victorious other. Residents of St. Petersburg pray, looking at the icon of Blessed Xenia of Petersburg. Great Martyr Catherine is revered by people living in Yekaterinburg. They also pray to the Royal Passion-bearers there. And here Archbishop Luke is considered the main intercessor for the people of Crimea.
  • A wish for health and healing for all their loved ones is asked in prayers, standing in front.
  • Widely used in the iconostasis for home icons great divine feasts of the Annunciation, Christmas, Baptism, Meeting, Protection of the Mother of God.
  • For each family member living in your house or apartment, support and protection are nominal images which are placed separately from each other.

In the home iconostasis, you can include not only icons drawn by the artist, but also their images, made as a reproduction from a magazine. Of course, the handmade image of an icon painter will surpass just a printed work, but an icon can help in life only to a person with all his heart and a sincere believer.

Proper placement of icons in the house

In the recent past, in almost every Orthodox family (urban, peasant), in the most prominent place in the house, one could see a shelf with icons, or an entire iconostasis. Moreover, by the number and richness of the decorations of the icons, one could judge the position in the society of the owner himself, as well as his family wealth.

These location of the iconostasis were often called differently - red corner, front corner, holy corner, goddess, kivot or kiot. But, despite the difference in the names of these places, they are always perceived by believers as a window into the Kingdom of God. It was here that the day of the Orthodox believer always began and ended, because in this place morning and were performed.

Prayers were always read facing east, so the icons preferably placed on the eastern wall of a building or room. According to the same principle of the location of the altar to the east, Orthodox churches were erected. In cases where it was not possible to locate the iconostasis to the east, any other direction could be used. At the same time, the main value of functionality was considered to be the availability of free space for joint prayer.

To more effectively use the space in cramped rooms, the red corner can be placed above the bed. This arrangement is not hindered by the windows in the house, as well as the presence of wardrobes in the room, and sleeping in the shadow of the saints is considered a more fertile deed.

More often icons are located on special shelves. If there are a large number of icons, you can hang them on the wall, following certain simple rules.

It is considered mandatory to place images in different functional rooms of the apartment.

Living room

The main icons are stored in the living room:

  • Any images of the Savior. If possible, it is best to place the most powerful icon - the Lord Almighty.
  • Icon of the Mother of God. It is preferable to place the icon of the Kazan Mother of God in the living room.

The image of the Most Holy Theotokos must be placed on the left, but the Icon of the Lord must be placed on the right side in the iconostasis. If not all believers are in your family, then it is better to place the images in a room where Orthodox believers are more often. And if there is no such possibility, then it is very convenient to use a folding icon, which Orthodox believers can open for the duration of the prayer.

Kitchen

The place where all the relatives of your family usually gather together is considered to be the kitchen. This is where cooking takes place. In the family of an Orthodox believer, before any meal and after it is completed, a small prayer is made with thanksgiving to the Lord. It is undesirable to place many icons in the kitchen, it is enough to store images:

  • Mother of God.
  • Christ the Savior.
  • Holy Trinity.

In the process of cooking, it is considered a good helper, who was honored to be alive in paradise and return to earth, for the love of God and selfless service to him. It was by the hands of Euphrosynus that the heavenly apples given to them by the Lord were handed over to the monks. The monks sacredly kept these apples and gave them to people in need of holy healing. Therefore, food prepared with the blessing of this saint is tasty and healthy.

You can place a photo image of the "Last Supper" in the kitchen.

Hallway

When leaving the house, we find ourselves in a completely different world, a world full of temptations and dangers. Therefore, it is necessary to ask the patron saints a safe journey and meeting good people On him. The most relevant will be such an appeal to the saints for children who are more trusting than adults. And you should also turn to the saints and thank them for a safe return home.

For help in such situations, you should turn to the images:

  • Trinity.
  • Iberian Holy Mother of God.
  • Protection of the Virgin.

For ease of use of these images, arrange them better above the entrance to your home. You can also replace with crucifix.

Children's room

In an Orthodox family, every child needs to be taught the skills of turning to holy icons. In the children's room most often have measured or nominal icons. A measured icon must be ordered at the birth of a child, in accordance with his height. And the name icon should match the name of your child.

There are separate icons for children of different sexes. Girls in the room need to hang an icon, which helps in the implementation of the best share. It is believed that the appeal to this saint comes to the rescue if you want to get married safely.

Lovers icon is considered a thorough patroness of the marriage union and family warm relations.

Boys for prudence are placed in the room an icon Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious who is the patron saint of warriors. The aura of this icon has a positive effect on the guys recruited into the army. Usually this image is presented as a gift at the baptism of a boy.

The feeling of worship and respect for the people of the generation of ancestors causes an appeal to the icon of St. Andrew the First-Called, who is considered the patron of the Russian land.

Raises self-esteem, increases strength of mind, promotes the development of physical qualities worship to the icon with the face of Alexander Nevsky.

Bedroom

Many believe that the presence of images of saints in the bedroom is optional, but this is a misconception. The images in the bedroom are placed on the wall in the case when the spouses live in a married marriage. Will protect believers images of Saints Nicholas the Wonderworker, Peter and Fevronia, Panteleimon and various name icons.

Images of the Virgin or Savior it is appropriate to place in the bedroom even if the person is alone.

Cabinet

In the absence of creative inspiration, if problems arise at work, you should turn to the saints who protect representatives of a certain profession. The faces of saints by profession can be placed not only in your home office, but also in the organization where you work. Patrons of certain professions:

  • People working in the trading field often turn to faces for support Procopius of Ustyug, Nicholas the Wonderworker.
  • Students ask for help in their studies from the saint and Great Martyr Tatyana.
  • Medical workers have long worshiped healer Panteleimon, Luka Krymsky.
  • Workers of any type of transport ask for help, saying a prayer in front of the image Holy Apostle Peter, Mother of God Sovereign.
  • Teachers turn to the faces of Sergius of Radonezh, Cyril and Methodius.
  • To image of the Mother of God athletes turn their prayers.
  • But representatives of the construction professions pray, turning their gaze to the image of the Caves Architects.

How to store and care for icons

At home, images should be stored at 17–20℃ and 45–55% indoor air humidity.

  • It is better to keep the face of saints in an icon case. If it is impossible to place all the icons in the icon case, a candlestick with a lit candle or a lamp should be installed so that splashes of wax and oil cannot fall on the surface of the icon.
  • It is strictly forbidden to treat the icon with any detergents, as they penetrate the paint or primer, damaging them.
  • You can not try to update the image with paint, varnish, oil. Such actions lead to the destruction of the main layer.
  • Remove dust from the surface of the image with a soft squirrel hair brush. Wipe with dry or damp cloths is prohibited because of the possibility of damaging the top layer of paint.
  • You can not install the face of a saint on the windowsill or hang it near the window, because cold and drafts adversely affect the material from which the image is made.
  • Installation of the icon near the stove, battery, table lighting lamp is not allowed. The flow of warm air from the heating elements dries out the wood, which leads to cracking.
  • It is necessary to exclude the possibility of direct sunlight on the surface of the image.
  • You can not store the face of a saint in cabinets and rooms where any traces of a grinder beetle are noticed. This pest in a short period of time can turn the image into dust.

Remember that the presence of an icon in a house or apartment in itself is not an opportunity to receive divine grace. A person's life can change only with his deep faith in the power of the Lord.




Fitting © 2022 Design and interior of apartments