Where to hang or put icons in the house - tips. family icon

Most people have a special, reverent attitude towards icons - images of saints, the Lord and His mother. It often arises on its own, regardless of whether a believer comes into contact with them or not. This is due to the special energy that this or that pictorial image radiates. In Russia, there has long been a tradition to have icons that are passed down from generation to generation to representatives of the same family, of the same clan.

The family icon is a multi-valued concept. These could be images that have been in the family for more than one generation, they are, as it were, amulets of the family, the defenders of its representatives. The eldest child in the family usually inherits such an icon. Or it is passed down through the female line. Or it remains with one of the male representatives - the successor of the surname. Such a family icon can carry the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the face of the Virgin or the Savior, etc. With her parents bless the bride and groom for a long and joyful marriage. Praying before the image, someone from the family receives healing or other important help. Over time, the family icon becomes the very relic that helps to maintain peace in the house and harmony between husbands and wives, children and parents, the ancestral memory of ancestors - grandfathers and great-grandfathers. Hence the attitude towards it as a priceless shrine. And the loss of it is perceived as a fatal omen of future troubles for the whole family.

The term “family icon” also has another meaning. This is the name of the image, written by the master to order and depicting all the saints who patronize the members of this family. In Orthodoxy, they are called "namely saints." And the more people in the family, the more saints can be seen on the icon. Moreover, it can depict the guardian angels of grandparents, who are no longer alive. For what purpose is this being done? Such an image has great power, because it is connected to the Christian egregore by many "sensors". He unites the whole family, helps to resolve conflicts and disputes. The older the image, the greater the sacred meaning it acquires. And the icon itself is extremely important for family well-being. Its peculiarity is that in front of this colored "picture" people pray not only for themselves, for the successful resolution of their own needs, but also for their loved ones, their health, well-being, happiness. Therefore, at the head of the image, the artist painted either the Savior blessing the flock, or the Mother of God with a cover protecting her children. There are many other options for the composition of the family icon.

Guardians of our hearth

But what if you do not have an image that is inherited, but you want to have your own home amulet? What other family icons exist? Firstly, with the Mother of God of Kazan with the Child, as well as with Christ himself. It is they who give parental blessings, they symbolize harmony, fidelity and peace. The Mother of God personifies the mistress of the house, the Savior - the owner, the Infant - their children. also belongs to the category of family, very strong and significant, miraculous. This image helps those who ask for love, a happy marriage, are in search of their soul mate.

It is also recommended to have images of the Seven-shot, Three-Handed, "Softener of Evil Hearts", "Mother of God the Unfading Color" as family ones. The first two are usually hung above the front doors and opposite them. They protect the whole house and its inhabitants from evil and filth. Before the latter, they pray for the preservation of the family, especially if the spouses are on the verge of divorce. It is desirable to have the image of the Mother of God of the Healer, so that physical and moral health in the family is at the proper level. She is asked that this or that business begun end happily.

In general, there are about 100 icons in Russia that can be used as family icons in order to protect the well-being of a kind with their help.

Prayers for all occasions.

In difficult everyday situations, people turn to God. The Almighty hears their sincere prayers and helps those who ask. In order for God to help your trouble, you should correctly address him and his assistants. You will learn about saints and prayers from this article.

Which saint and icon protects the house from fire, protects from thieves and enemies

One of the obligatory attributes of the Orthodox religion is an icon. It is an image of the image of the Saint. Of course, a believer can always turn to God when he needs it.

But sometimes it can be difficult to concentrate your thoughts on prayer. The icon is that symbol that helps the Orthodox to tune in to the connection with the Lord. The icon that was not consecrated in the church is just a piece of furniture. But consecrated - it is a powerful amulet that protects your home from adversity.

It is important to know which icon should be placed in the house so that it protects from robberies and disasters. Reliable shield from fires and lightning the following icons serve:

Saint Nikita of Novgorod - protects from evil energy. And it also relieves fears and cleanses human souls. It should be placed in the main room.

St. Nikita of Novgorod

Bush of the Burning Bush - she also protects people working with fire or weapons.

Burning bush

It is customary to ask the Forces in front of the faces to protect their home and material property from theft and robbery:

St. Theodore Tyrone the Great Martyr - it is recommended to place an icon if thieving dishonest people live near you.

Theodore Tyron

Mother of God "Sign" - protects from robberies.

Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign"

St. John the Warrior - helps to find thieves and discover stolen goods. You need to hang the image above the front door.

John the Warrior

Icons will help against the evil eye of unkind people, envious people and thoughts of enemies:

Seven Arrows - the Blessed Virgin is depicted, whose body was pierced by seven arrows, symbolizing the suffering that she had to endure. This icon can also be prayed for human mercy. Hang it in front of the door to the dwelling. It is believed that people with evil thoughts will not be able to cross the threshold of housing where this shrine hangs.

The Ostrobramsk Icon of the Mother of God is a strong amulet against corruption and the forces of darkness. They also turn to her, asking for peace. Helps to avoid quarrels in the family.

Ostrobrama Icon of the Mother of God

Do not forget that the icon is not the Almighty himself or the saints, but only their images. Therefore, pray not to the icon, but to the saint depicted on it. Priests always say that they venerate the icon, but do not worship it. We must worship the Heavenly Father.

As a talisman, the icon works only in cases where your faith in the Lord is strong.

IMPORTANT: Correctly place the amulets on the eastern wall of the house.

That's exactly what they did in the old days. Now, given the modern layouts of our apartments, it is allowed to hang images of saints in other places. You just need to follow the main rules:

choose a place for the icon, from where the whole room is visible. Wash and cross him.
place for images is selected once, do not move them unnecessarily.
before installing the icon, go through all the rooms with it.
do not hang pictures or other decor between the icons on the wall
do not place them near the source of noise (TV, music center)
you can decorate shrines with flowers or embroidered towels.
do not store icons in closed drawers or cabinets
you can put candles next to it, a lamp

Prayer protecting the house

In various situations, believers ask God or the Saints for protection. Such an appeal, in fact, is a prayer, which can be mental or spoken aloud.

This is an attempt by a person in moments of his weakness to receive help from the Higher powers. Sometimes, leaving our home even for a short time, we are seized by anxiety for its safety. What to say about situations when we leave for a long time?

In order to save your home from unkind people and disasters, they use a prayer-amulet. It also helps to get rid of negativity and unfavorable energy at home. You can turn to the Almighty or to the Saints who protect the home:

go to church.
write notes for the health of your family.
put candles in front of the images of the Son of God, Nicholas the Pleasant and the Blessed Matrona of Moscow.
collect holy water.
buy candles (12 pcs.).
in your house, light them near the icons.
read the prayer.
wash your face and household with water from the church.
spray the corners of the dwelling with the remaining water.

The following tips will also help protect your home from negativity:

invite a priest to the house to consecrate the room.
try not to quarrel or swear in the house.
when you leave home, bless him.

Family icon - the keeper of the hearth, helping in love and family life

It is believed that every house should have icons. In difficult life situations, the images of Saints help people.

With the appeal to the icons, it is easier for the believer to cope with adverse circumstances. The family icon brings special grace. It is believed that a strong family can only be based on a common faith and spiritual closeness.

Family icon - Joseph, Mary, Jesus

The family icon is passed down from generation to generation, and represents the spiritual shrine of the family. The tradition of having a family icon goes back to the time of Ancient Russia. Such an icon can depict:

heavenly patrons of family members.
saints, especially revered in the Family family, can also become an icon, with which any favorable events in the family and miraculous cases are associated, or an ancient shrine, kept by all generations.

To have a family icon that has protected more than one tribal tribe means to have a powerful amulet for your family. Such a shrine is endowed with a special, very strong positive energy.

Not all families have such shrines. You can choose an icon yourself, which will help you create and maintain a strong loving family. Traditionally, icons with images are considered to be the keepers of the family hearth:

Murom wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia - despite all the trials, they managed to keep their love. Having died in different monasteries on the same day and hour, after death their bodies ended up together.

Peter and Fevronia

Saints Joachim and Anna - the parents of the Most Holy Theotokos. The icon is considered the patroness of childless couples.

Joachim and Anna

Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia - subjected to torture in the name of faith, Adrian died, and Natalia died on his tomb.

Adrian and Natalia

Saints Samon, Guria and Aviv - patrons of married women. The icon helps to direct the family in the right direction and bring harmony to family life.

The Blessed Virgin Mary "Fadeless Color" - keeps peace and love in the family, reconciles in moments of quarrels and quarrels.

"Fadeless Color"

Mother of God "Indestructible Wall" - removes trials and troubles from the family. Helps to return the unfaithful spouse to the family.

"Unbreakable Wall"

Saint Matrona Blessed - a faithful assistant in family matters, will help find a way out of a difficult situation.

Matrona of Moscow

Iberian Mother of God - helps to avoid conflicts and abuse in the family.

icon of the Iberian Mother of God

Place icons in the house - the patrons of family happiness. They will help maintain good relations in your family, love and respect for each other, soften quarrels, and help in difficult days.

Prayer for family well-being and happiness

For every person, family, relatives are the most important component of life. Quarrels and quarrels between loved ones inflict deep spiritual wounds and take away strength.

Sincere prayers that are addressed to the Heavenly Father or the patrons of the Saints will help to preserve well-being, love and happiness in the family. You can pronounce it in your own words. The main thing is sincere faith and Divine love in your heart and soul.

Icon bringing good luck and prosperity to the house, family

It is good when our loved ones are prosperous, and the family lives in stable prosperity. Sometimes it happens that luck seems to turn away from us, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot get out of difficulties.

Icons depicting Saints will help overcome family problems and bring prosperity to your home:

Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky wonderworker - assistant in material and housing problems. They pray to this icon for a successful sale or purchase of a house if there are not enough funds to purchase important purchases.

icon of St. Spyridon Trimifuntsky

Holy Great Martyr Tryphon - in the old days they prayed to him during a famine. This image will serve as a reliable shield against damage to property, financial problems John the Merciful - helps to gain stable prosperity and material well-being

Icon of the Holy Great Martyr Tryphon

Prayer for prosperity and money and good luck

We all know that money is not the most important thing in life. However, no one wants to end up in poverty. And we all want financial stability and financial well-being.

In order to avoid difficulties in money and bring good luck to life, you can ask God or your guardian angel about it. Use these prayer words:

With requests for prosperity, the Orthodox often also turn to the Saints:

Spyridon Trimifuntsky
Nicholas the Wonderworker
Tikhon Zadonsky
Xenia of the Blessed
John the Merciful

The strongest icon from diseases that helps in health

We do not think about health until we or our loved ones are ill. Unfortunately, even the latest advances in medicine cannot overcome some diseases. And believing people ask for healing from the Higher powers.

In Orthodox iconography, there are a number of miraculous healing icons that are especially revered by the people. There are many legends about how the images of the Saints helped to get rid of terrible ailments and even blindness. What icon should you turn to to ask for health for yourself and your loved ones?

The image of Jesus Christ is considered the most important icon that helps with illness and suffering. The Savior himself experienced terrible physical torment, so he understands the pain of the asking person
The icon of the Theotokos "Quick to Hear" is one of the most healing icons. Known among the people for its miraculous ability to heal.

Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear"

The image of St. Panteleimon - he is one of the most powerful patrons of people who experience physical suffering. His image is able to protect even from the most terrible diseases. They also pray to the Saint when a complex operation is ahead. Healing icons are placed near the bed of the sick person and turn to them with a prayer daily.

St. Panteleimon

Prayer for Healing and Health

In case of diseases of your or your relatives, use the Divine power of words. Pray to the Lord or the Holy Great Martyrs for protection over you and for health.

Believe, heavenly healers will hear every one who asks and suffers. They provide their help, relieving physical torment and bestowing strength of mind.

Prayers for the health of a sick person have truly tremendous power. He needs to be baptized in a church. You can pronounce prayer words in the Temple or at home, referring to the images.

Saint protecting children

The clergy say that children have a special guardianship of Heaven, as they are still defenseless and pure before the world. A child baptized in a church has its own guardian angel. Take care of him too Savior and Holy Mother of God.

Among the Orthodox Saints there are those who especially patronize small children. This is due to the peculiarities of their deeds in earthly life. The main patron who protects children is the Holy Stylian of Parthagon.

Stylian of Parthagon

From an early age, he was distinguished by his desire for holiness. Having reached the age of majority, he distributed property to the poor, took tonsure and settled in a cave. After the Divine grace descended on Stilian, he began to heal the sick. He especially devoted his life to the treatment and spiritual education of children.

In addition, Saint Stylian was considered the patron saint of babies who were just about to be born. Women suffering from infertility call for his help and ask him to give them children. Saint Stylian is depicted on icons with a baby in her arms. revere him November 26th.

The following heavenly patrons also protect children from evil forces and misfortunes:

Miracle worker Saint Nicholas
Holy Martyr Neophyte of Nicaea
Holy Infant Martyr Gabriel of Bialystok

Gabriel Belostoksky

The saint in whose honor the child is named Icons depicting these helpers of God should be placed in the child's room. The ministers of the church pay attention to the fact that these images are not a talisman for a child. Help is sent by the Almighty through the prayers of the Saint, to whom you address through the icon.

Prayer for the health of the child

The most powerful prayer is, of course, the mother's prayer for the health of the child. Because there are no thoughts and words more sincere than a mother's prayer for her child.

When a child is ill, loving parents are ready for anything, if only the ailment recedes. However, do not forget that praying for your children is not a bargaining with the powers of Heaven.

Often, in sorrowful moments, we give God any vows, if only he would help in the healing of our loved ones. And when the recovery happened, we forget about the promise.

Prayer for the health of the child should be conscious, devoid of thoughtless vows. After all, the Heavenly Healer helps us without asking for anything in return. For the Orthodox, it is customary for the Orthodox to pray for the health of children to:

Jesus the Savior
Blessed Virgin Mary
Healer Panteleimon
Blessed Matrona of Moscow

You need to pray for the recovery of children correctly:

Decide which Saint you will pray.
go to church and write a note about the health of the child.
put candles in front of the icons of the Savior, the Mother of God and the Saint.
in prayer, first ask for forgiveness for your sins and weaknesses.
ask to heal the servant of God (name) from illness and not to torment his soul with suffering.
when praying for a child under seven, say "God's baby."
collect holy water.
at home, read the prayer with your hand on the child's head.
wash it with holy water.
it is better to pray several times a day, even when you just thought about your child.

There are many canonical prayers for the healing of children. They can be found in Prayer Books or the Internet. But know that when you ask for the healing of a child, you can speak in your own words, it is not necessary to memorize the texts.

God will hear you in any case, because prayer comes from the heart. The clergy say that the Lord is merciful to the words of the mother, so you can pray to Him for an unbaptized child.

Icon of the patroness of women for marriage

Almost every worldly girl wants to start a family by marrying a good man. In the Orthodox understanding, the purpose of marriage is not only the birth of children, but also spiritual unity. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask the Lord for marriage.

The desire to meet a worthy man in order to live with him in love is natural and natural. Sometimes believing girls or her parents go to churches and monasteries where the relics of the Saints or miraculous icons are kept. There they offer their prayers, asking Heaven to arrange their personal lives.

Often with such prayers they cry before the icons:

Great Martyr Paraskeva Pyatnitsa - she has long been considered the main patroness of girls of marriageable age. The martyr is not only a healer from various ailments, but also helps girls to marry for love. In the old days, an icon with the image of Paraskeva stood in every house and helped women in marriage.

The Fedorov Icon of the Mother of God - this miraculous icon is revered as a reliable patroness of young virgins for marriage.

The "fading color" of the Most Holy Theotokos - helps the right choice of a husband.
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker - they turn to him in many difficult life situations, he also helps to arrange a happy marriage.
Andrew the First-Called - it is recommended that parents of daughters pray before her so that they are chaste and get married safely.

Andrew the First-Called

Matrona of Moscow, the comforter of the hearts of the lonely and the guardian of the family, helps young virgins to find family happiness.
Saint Seraphim of Sarov - helps women get married already in adulthood.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov

The words of prayer uttered on the feast have special power. Cover of the Virgin. Many girls are waiting for this day to ask the Heavenly Powers for marriage. They pray about it before the face of the Mother of God.

Before contacting the Intercessor, you should prepare:

let go of resentment, forgive those men with whom you did not have a relationship.
bathe, cleanse yourself not only spiritually, but also physically.
tidy up your house, your home should also be harmonious.
ask your parents for blessings; say the words of the prayer.

You can also pray to other Saints who are close to you in spirit. You don't need to know any special words.

Ask about what worries you: about the desire to get married, about the fear of loneliness, about how you see your future husband and marriage with him. At the end of the prayer, do not forget to thank the Saint for his help and for what you already have in life.

Among believers, the prayer for marriage to St. Joseph is considered very powerful:

Prayer to Joseph

Remember what is rewarded according to our faith. Miracles happen more often than we think.

The most powerful icon in the world

In the Orthodox world the most powerful is the icon of the Mother of God "The Tsaritsa"(Greek Pantanassa). This is a small image dating from the 17th century. This icon is located in Greece, in the Vatopedi Monastery, on Mount Athos.

Since the beginning of this century, this miraculous shrine began to stream myrrh. It depicts the Most Pure Virgin in crimson robes, seated on a Throne. In the hands of the Virgin is a baby, the Son of God, holding a scroll. And in the background are two angels.

This image of the Mother of God has a powerful healing power. The miraculous properties of this shrine are known in the world.

She helped many people get rid of terrible diseases, including cancer. She is also approached by people who pray for their children if they have become alcoholics and drug addicts.

Mandatory three icons that should be in every home

There are a large number of icons depicting the faces of saints. This is due to the fact that there are a great many human needs and needs.

Each Saint is endowed with a certain gift for his work or suffering. People turn to them with prayers.

There are no restrictions on the number of icons in the house. You can place as many shrines as you see fit.

However, don't get too carried away. After all, a person's faith is measured not by the number of icons, but by his thoughts and actions.

Kazan Mother of God

Holy Trinity Life-Giving(as a symbol of unity and love).

The Holy Trinity

It is believed that they should be present in the home of all Orthodox Christians. But some clergymen say that images are obligatory Son of God and Mother of God.

They are taken to the wedding, and then left in the house as the guardians of the family hearth. And the person chooses the third icon himself. It could be a face:

Saint Panteleimon the Healer.
Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The saint in whose honor you or family members were baptized.
Saint who is your guardian angel.

A strong Orthodox prayer-amulet to all the saints for help, in gratitude, for all occasions: text

There are a great many Orthodox prayers: about health, marriage, from the evil eye, etc. In difficult times, we read them, turning to the Heavenly Helpers.

And there are “universal” prayers, amulets for all life situations. The effectiveness of their words is strengthened by time. Learn these prayers yourself and teach them to your children. Explain that prayer is communication with our Lord.

A very strong prayer-amulet, a real "shield" even in very dangerous situations, is this:

Protects also the person from trouble, a dashing appeal to his Guardian Angel:

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

Prayer request 12 apostles for help:

The culture of the Russian Orthodox world is one of the most beautiful on earth. It is also a strict set of canons that educate in their followers both spirituality and fortitude. An Orthodox icon is painted in compliance with certain rules. Icons occupy the most honorable places in the house, and in Orthodox families there are traditionally the main revered icons. We will talk about one of them today. This is an icon for family well-being.

A "family" icon is called several variants of icon painting. This is a family heirloom, that is, within the genus, such a value is characterized by images on the icon of saints patronizing family members. Icons for the family are very beautiful, they are made in accordance with the ancient canons, which the master icon painters passed on as a shrine to the younger generations of masters. The family icon may also contain the image of the Virgin and Christ, with which the father and mother bless the children who are getting married for a happy family life, these same icons are used at the wedding of the newlyweds.

What is the family icon made of?

Boards made of natural linden wood are good for icons. Its cost is sometimes very high, but the execution technology also involves the use of a special ground (gesso) in materials for the base, consisting of chalk mixed with animal, sometimes with fish, glue and linseed oil, linen wire, 23-carat gold leaf, real mineral colors from semi-precious stones, which makes the icon literally come to life in the depths of colors, shine in the glare of gilding and embossing.

Traditionally, the family icon passes from the older to the younger generation. Often these are icons depicting saints, whose names are newlyweds. In a believing surname, the family icon, the keeper of the hearth, occupies a place of honor in the red corner, it is the main icon in the house. Icons of other saints are usually placed next to it, above it - the Virgin, the Savior, Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Guardian Angel.

Who is depicted on the family icon

Usually the icon - the keeper of the family hearth is painted to order, it is inimitable and unique, it is necessarily handmade. The namesake patrons of the young family - the Mother of God, the Guardian Angel, Jesus Christ or Xenia of Petersburg at the head of the icon - are depicted as protectors and preservers of the family from trouble and sorrow. If the icon is painted on the occasion of the wedding of a couple, then two saints are also depicted on the icon. If an icon is painted as a family heirloom with the patron saints of ancestors, such an icon can have many saints, even heavenly patrons of those who have already passed away in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Differences between religious painting and icon painting

The icon painting regulations prescribe that the family icon, the keeper of the hearth, must be painted according to the rules. After all, iconography is different from religious painting. And if the power of prayers near the icon and its power are comparable to the flow of protective energy, then the picture obtained through artistic religious painting does not carry such power. It remains a masterpiece and an object of art, but not a religious value. In turn, the family icon is the guardian of a young family, to whom they pray and ask for help from their saints depicted on it.

How are the images of saints on the icon

Usually a family icon for a young family includes two patron saints, who are depicted standing separately from each other, and above them is one of the above images of the Almighty, the Mother of God or the Guardian Angel. Sometimes, if it is required to place more saints on it, the highly revered figure descends to the center of the icon and becomes the central figure on it, and all the other saints are turned to it from the margins of the icon (they are called “poleaxes”). Or a family icon looks like this: the figures of the holy mother and father are left in the center, and the saints of their children are made poleos. Families are also depicted on such icons, that is, all the namesake saints, patrons of all family members, are present on it. One of the first icons for a family is the Romanov family icon, which was painted with the aim of canonizing all the great martyrs of the Romanovs, however, some versions of this icon are contrary to the norms, which even today causes debate in the clergy regarding the legality of using such an image as an icon.

Rules for the execution of a family icon

Any icon can be Orthodox only when it meets the dogmatic, canonical, iconographic and even historical requirements in compositional design and competent artistic performance.

The icon - the keeper of the family hearth has the characteristic features of any other Orthodox icon:

Compliance with the hierarchy of all the saints depicted on the icon.

The color scheme is discreet or light colors.

The icon as a symbol of eternity and the unity of man with God cannot be interpreted in one's own way; one cannot create a plot on the icon, depicting any detail in a different perception. According to the rules of the VI Ecumenical Council, the icon painting regulations also emphasize that the image should not appear in beauty-enhancing features - faces, figures should be modest and not give the impression of "charming eyes, corrupting minds." And real craftsmen with a special artistic taste, knowledge of religion and history, whose skill leaves no doubt, are allowed to paint family icons.

Family heirloom - spiritual heritage of ancestors

The Russian ancient tradition, when the icon for family well-being passed from generation to generation, is just as relevant today, because for those who honor their roots, morality and spirituality is a way of life, and not the desire to match fashion. A beautiful icon, painted individually, is the protection of the house and the whole family by the power of prayers to the saints depicted on it.

Orthodox dogma calls the family a small Church, where all members of the family are a single whole, and separately, each bears his duties. In the likeness of the Church of Christ, which is one body of Christ, with the Lord Jesus Christ as its head. Respectively family icon is an image of a special spiritual unity and patronage of heavenly mentors for all household members. It is the family icon that helps family members unite for joint prayer, when everyone prays with one spirit for family well-being.

The custom of having a particularly revered icon in the family, passed down from generation to generation, and called the family icon, goes back to the mists of time. The traditional family icon suggests the image of the heavenly patrons of family members. It is allowed to depict patron saints of ancestors who have already passed away - the founders of the family. Therefore, such icons are sometimes called "generic". The family icon could depict saints especially revered in this family, even if no one bears their names, for example, the patrons of the city or area where the family lives. In some families, the heavenly patrons of the profession are revered, for example. Saint Nicholas of Myra the Miracle Worker is considered the patron saint of sailors. The images of these saints may also be present on the family icon.

There are other options for family icons. If some miraculous event in the life of the family is associated with the icon, or the icon is the blessing of parents for marriage, such an image becomes especially revered in the family. They bless the younger generations for all important events: for military service. on a long trip, to create a family, etc.

These can be icons of the Savior, the Mother of God, the Twelfth Feast, or some saint. If the family has an old icon. passed down from generation to generation for many years - such an icon is also called a family icon. Examples of such icons can be found in the works of Russian classics.

Why do we need icons? The Holy Fathers did not ignore this unique phenomenon of church life - Orthodox icon painting. Their understanding of the meaning of the icon helps to tune the mind and heart to the perception of holy images and to prayer.

“Icons are required by our nature. Can our nature do without an image? Is it possible, remembering the absent, not to imagine it? Didn't God Himself give us the ability to imagine? Icons are the answer of the Church to the crying need of our nature.”

“An Orthodox Christian turns his face to the holy icons of the Savior, the Mother of God, Angels and various saints in order to clearly show his faith in their presence, in their closeness to himself; in holy icons they realize, carry out our Orthodox faith, and without holy icons we hang, as it were, in the air, not knowing to whom we are praying. Praying to the Lord, the prophet David said: “Seek His Face out; Your face, Lord, I will seek"

“The Lord is all in every place; therefore, He is all on the icon, and the face of the Savior on the icon must be looked at as a living Savior. Holy Righteous John of Kronstadt/

“Paint with colors according to Tradition, this painting is as true as Scripture in books, and Divine grace rests on it, because what it depicts is holy.” Saint Simeon of Thessalonica

To any icon, including the family one. should not be treated as a talisman or amulet. This is an expression of purely pagan ideas about the world - deifying matter. The icon conveys the spiritual reality, the spiritual image of a person. An icon of a saint is not a portrait of him, although a portrait resemblance is present in every icon-painting image, just as an icon telling about the event of a great holiday is not a genre picture. The iconographic image shows us the prototype of the ideal humanity. Picturesque means can express this only in symbolic form. On the icon, everything is a symbol - the pose of the saint, his gestures, clothing and its colors. For example, the Mother of God is often depicted on icons with her hand pressed to her chest - this is a sign of heartfelt empathy.

Two hands raised up express a prayer for peace. A hand stretched forward with an open palm is a sign of obedience and humility. This gesture can be seen on the icons of the holy martyrs. This is how St. Rev. Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth - with one hand she holds the temple, and with the other she stretches her open palm forward. The iconographic image is a story about the feat of her life.

The iconography of family icons allows for great diversity. The patron saints are usually depicted in full growth - this is a family icon in the traditional sense. On such icons, they often write in the upper part of the blessing of Jesus Christ or the Virgin with the Christ Child, or covering with the Veil. Another version of the family icon, when the Mother of God with the Child is written in the center, and the patron saints of family members are depicted in marginal stamps - in small “windows” on both sides of the Mother of God.

Family icons represent a spiritual relationship. After all, it depicts saints, who in earthly life could be separated by many millennia, cultural and national differences, but now in the Kingdom of Heaven, they are in love, in unity, and Divine radiance.

According to the Savior, a solid home can only be founded on a spiritual stone - the Christian faith. Family ties become stronger and deeper when supported by spiritual intimacy - a common faith, a common view of important aspects of life. Sometimes, one glance at the icon is enough for irritation to subside in the soul, for a quarrel to break out without a trace, without which family life is not complete even among people who love each other.

The family icon, passed down from generation to generation, as a shrine, as a spiritual link between generations, was especially revered in Russia. After Baptism, babies were brought to the family icon, as a sign that new members had arrived in the home Church. In front of such an icon, they prayed and asked for blessings for deeds, children were blessed for study, adults for service, for marriage. Our believing ancestors did not start a single business without prayer and without God's blessing.

Family icons are painted to order not only for your family, but also as a gift to loved ones. Before buy a family icon , you need to find out which saints are the patrons of family members.

If you are at a loss with the definition of the patron saint, we advise you to read the article Name at Baptism in the information section. You can also go to any Orthodox church and consult with the priest.

"Angel" in Greek means "messenger, messenger". His task is to convey God's will to people. The Guardian Angel is the protector and helper of a person in overcoming difficulties. It contributes to spiritual growth and the successful passage of life.

The Guardian Angel does not always manage to positively influence a person. Refusal of faith, a tendency to aggression and anger destroys the spiritual principle. Changes for the worse begin to occur in a person's life - troubles, illnesses, failures.

The icon of the Guardian Angel contributes to the visualization of the image. Helps to start communication with your light spirit. Through prayer, a person is able to restore the lost connection with his protector, to embark on the path of goodness and purification.

What is a Guardian Angel for?

The Guardian Angel is the mediator between man and God. He is a messenger of good thoughts and communicates through an inner voice. For Christians, the Guardian Angel is a protective spirit. The clergy say that only those who have passed the rite of baptism receive a Guardian Angel. Therefore, they try to baptize the newborn as early as possible so that he has his own protector.

The Guardian Angel warns of dangers, helps to avoid temptation. Miraculous salvation of people who survived catastrophes, intuitive insights or prophetic dreams - this is how the Guardian Angel protects his ward. He will never harm a person. Daily prayer to the Guardian Angel will help you find a common language with him, overcome life's difficulties. The Holy Fathers advise talking to your bright spirit, asking him for advice or help.

The more faith in a person, the closer the Guardian Angel is to him. If a Christian does not listen to his inner voice, then the bright spirit can leave him. Then troubles and illnesses appear in a person's life. The Christian is deprived of his personal protective spirit.

Guardian Angel Icon

In Orthodoxy, a bright spirit is assigned to a person in order to patronize him, to help spiritual development. The Guardian Angel communicates with his ward through his inner voice and intuition. Warns him of the danger that has arisen, inspires him to do good deeds.

The Guardian Angel never conveys God's will through third parties. Only through direct communication, in prayer or internal dialogue, is contact with a bright spirit possible.

The icon of the Guardian Angel can be wearable or be in the home iconostasis. She protects a person day and night. The home icon will protect the house, will promote peace in the family. The Guardian Angel will help you listen to yourself, avoid troubles. The wearable icon protects from misfortunes, accidental accidents. The protector does not interfere in the main life path of a person.

Features of the Guardian Angel Icon

The icon of the Guardian Angel has symbolic features. In iconography, each object or gesture has its own meaning. The peculiarity of the icon with the Guardian Angel is the "eye in the forehead". The third eye is a symbol of clairvoyance and intuition. There are other elements needed when writing guardian angels.

The wings symbolize the speed of the Angel, his ability to move from the real world to the world of spirits.
The staff means the messenger of God, his spiritual mission on earth.
The mirror and the rod - a ball with a cross - in the Angel's hand help to see the danger and warn a person about it.
Toroks - golden ribbons in the hair - symbolize communication with God and obedience to his will.

Invisible protection is granted by the Guardian Angel icon. Its meaning lies in blissful instruction, creative insight. It helps to walk the spiritual path in harmony with oneself and the world around.

Guardian angel and patron saint

It is necessary to distinguish between the Guardian Angel and the patron saint. The latter is selected by name and date of birth. The patron saint is a real person who has gone his own way and canonized saints (for example, Alexander Nevsky, Seraphim of Sarov).

Names at baptism are chosen in honor of the saint, whose birth falls on the same period as the newborn. In the Orthodox calendar, all days of veneration of patron saints are marked. The birthdays of a person and his patron, identical in name, are located side by side (up to 8 days).

Nevertheless, the patron saint is also called the Guardian Angel. And his birthday is an angel's day. For the patron saint, there are prayers, icons, akathists. The icon of the Guardian Angel by name also protects other people with the same name and date of birth. A person can choose a patron saint himself or receive his protection after baptism.

The Guardian Angel is not a real person. This is a light spirit that does not have a name and gender, but has personal qualities. Each person is assigned one Guardian Angel. On icons he is depicted with white wings. There is a hierarchy of disembodied spirits. It includes seraphim, cherubim, archangels, angels. For the Guardian Angel, their morning and evening prayers, canons are written.

How to pray to the Guardian Angel

Prayer in front of the icon helps to visualize the bright spirit, tune in to spiritual communication with him. Priests recommend listening to your inner voice, because it is at this moment that a bright spirit speaks to a person.

The prayer rule for a Christian contains daily prayers to the guardian angel. They are small and easy to remember. Prayer to the Guardian Angel is pronounced thoughtfully, with love. It can be written on a piece of paper and carried around as a talisman.

morning prayer it will protect you from negative influences for the whole day, help you avoid conflicts, set you up for good deeds.

Evening prayer protect the sleeper from the invasion of impure forces. Will promote prophetic dreams or warnings.

There are different prayers to the guardian angel. They can be pronounced in any life situation that requires advice or help from a bright spirit.

Prayer for success in business.
To find happiness.
To protect against misunderstanding.
Abundance on the table.
About prosperity in the house.
For protection from enemies, ill-wishers.
About healing.
To protect against accidents.
Thanksgiving prayer.

Icon of a spiritual protector for a child

One of the most revered is the icon of the Guardian Angel for a child. It will help to cope with fear, save from troubles, protect from danger. The icon can be placed next to the baby's bed in order to avoid diseases, the evil eye. The child can be explained that he has a heavenly protector who will help in troubles and failures.

It is in the house that the icon should be. The Guardian Angel, whose significance for the child is to prevent negativity, will save from many troubles. The energy protection of children is weak, so an evil look or an unkind word can be harmful. The Guardian Angel protects the baby from trouble.

Icon of the patron saint for a child

If several patron saints are noted in the Orthodox calendar with a date close to the child's birthday, then you can independently choose the patron you like. You should get acquainted with his life. Find out why and for what he is canonized as a saint.

For example, the icon of St. Cyril (Guardian Angel) has several options in iconography. It may depict Cyril of Radonezh or Cyril of Alexandria.

There are other patron saints with this name. Their days of celebration fall on January 31, February 8, 17, February 27, March 22, 31, April 3, 11, May 11, 17, 24, June 22, July 22, November 20, December 21.

The icon "Guardian Angel Kirill" will help boys and men with an identical name. When choosing a patron saint, you can start from the date of birth or from his biography. In Orthodoxy, spiritual kinship is more valued. If the biography of the patron saint impresses, then it is not necessary to adhere to a specific date of birth.

Intercessor icon

In addition to guardian angels and patron saints, there is also an intercessor icon. It can also be selected by date of birth. However, each image has its own meaning, and then the intercessor in a particular life situation acquires great value.

The Intercessor Icon and the Guardian Angel are called upon to protect the home, family, specific people. They are addressed in grief, illness. They ask to protect relatives and friends from misfortunes, to save the family, to prevent anger or hatred of other people.

It is most convenient to choose an intercessor icon and a patron saint according to the horoscope. We should not forget that not only help should be asked from the heavenly powers. But also to thank them for the successful completion of affairs, invisible help, protection.

Aries

Saint George the Confessor, Sophrony and Innokenty of Irkutsk will help. Icon of the Kazan Mother of God. Prayer in front of her will protect from visible and invisible enemies, give strength, help with eye disease.

Taurus

The patron saints are John the Theologian, Stefan and Tamara. The icon of the Iberian Mother of God and the "Handmaid of Sinners" will help in healing from diseases, grant forgiveness and repentance. They bring consolation in despondency and grief, sorrow and illness. The patron saints bestow understanding on spouses.

Twins

You should ask for protection from the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, the images of the "Burning Bush", "Seeking the Lost". The patron saints are Alexei of Moscow and Konstantin. You can pray for the health of children, the safety of marriage. About healing in fever, toothache. Intercessor icons will help to reason with people who drink and renounce the faith.

Cancer

The icon of St. Cyril (guardian angel), "Joy of All Who Sorrow", Kazan Mother of God, will help. Miraculous images give physical and spiritual healing. Get rid of pride and the sin of unbelief. The patron saint will help in sorrow and trouble.

a lion

Ilya the Prophet, Nikolai Ugodnik will be protected in everyday difficulties. The intercessor icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" bestows strength and patience. It will help in the realization of sinful deeds, will guide you on the path of truth and goodness.

Virgo

Patron saints - Alexander, Paul, John. Intercessor icon - "Passionate", "Burning bush". Help in grief, misfortune. They give healing, consolation. Help in knowing yourself, your spiritual path.

scales

The patron saint is Sergius of Radonezh. Protected by the icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, "Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord", "Burning Bush". Protect the house from fires, unkind people. They will bring spiritual rebirth, the joy of repentance.

Scorpion

Protect and help St. Paul, the Guardian Angel. Icon - intercessor of the Mother of God of Jerusalem, "Quick to Hear". They will heal from cancer, bring comfort and forgiveness. Help pregnant women, protect small children. They will point the way in confusion and bewilderment.

Sagittarius

Protected by Nikolai Ugodnik, Saint Barbara. The Icon of the Mother of God of Tikhvin "The Sign" strengthens the relationship between parents and children. Protect from diseases, prevent the evil eye of the baby. They give a long-awaited baby to desperate parents.

Capricorn

Saint Sylvester, Seraphim of Sarov - heavenly patrons. The Sovereign intercessor icon will help to find truth and love, heal from diseases. Gives peace and tranquility in the family, country. Reconcile enemies, strengthen family ties.

Aquarius

Protected by Saints Cyril, Athanasius. Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir, "Burning Bush". They will help in healing with cardiovascular diseases, protect from enemies and slander. Save the house, save from quarrels and swearing.

Fishes

Milentius of Antioch, Alexy - patron saints. The icon of the Iberian Mother of God will help in intercession before God, grant consolation in sorrow and trouble. It will help in difficult life circumstances, increase the fertility of the earth.