Only the father and mother can give the newlyweds the icons “ The Saint
” and “
The Mother of God
”, as well as “
Peter and Fevronia
”.
Everyone else can give the husband and wife icons that will patronize the young family. For example, " Unexpected joy"
" This image will help spouses live in love, happiness and mutual respect for many years, and also grant protection from troubles and adversity to their future children. It is better to place such an icon in the bedroom.
The most powerful shrine for newlyweds is considered to be “ Matrona of Moscow”
" You can ask this saint for health for the whole family, prosperity, deliverance from evil and envy. Matrona also helps with conceiving a child.
For housewarming
of the Intercession will help protect your home and maintain comfort in it.
", "
The Unbreakable Wall
", "
Apostles Peter and Paul
", you can also give icons depicting Christ, the Mother of God and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker as a housewarming gift.
How to choose an icon as a gift
The Church believes that giving icons is a rather complicated and very delicate matter. After all, if you give a person an image of a saint about whom he knows nothing, you can put the recipient in an uncomfortable position. Therefore, we need to clearly understand to whom and why we present such a holy gift.
Here is a short “guide” to choosing an icon as a gift for family and friends.
To a woman
- “ Fadeless Color
” is one of the most beloved patron icons among women. External grace, youth, chastity - this is the meaning of this face. - “ Education
” - for mothers, this icon will be a good helper in raising their daughters and sons. - “ Pokrov
” is a strong icon for protection, because any woman is a delicate creature that needs constant care. - Icon “ St. Euphrosynus the Cook
” - such a gift is appropriate for good housewives who love to cook. All dishes in the company of Euphrosynus will become even tastier.
To a man
- Nicholas the Wonderworker
will protect those who drive a lot and love to travel. - Saint Joseph of Volotsk
- this image is suitable for business men. This is the patron saint of entrepreneurs and business. - Saint Tryphon
- you can give an icon with his face to a man who is fond of hunting. But any man can - after all, everyone by nature is a hunter, a getter, a conqueror.
To mom
- The icon “ The Mother of God
” is the best gift for mom.
Thus, the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God
helps to get rid of fears, troubles and misfortunes.
And the icon of the Kazan Mother of God
is an intercessor in sorrows and sorrows. - “ The Queen of All
” - this face bestows healing. - “ Unexpected joy
” is a symbol of spiritual rebirth. She helps any wish come true unexpectedly.
To dad
- The icon of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious
is suitable for a man who is active and engaged in business. - The icon “ Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called
” will help a fishing enthusiast with a good catch.
son
- If a child is studying at school, the best gift will be an icon with the face of Sergius of Radonezh
- he is an assistant in studies. - If the son is going to enter the university or is already a student, the image of St. Tatiana
. - George the Victorious
or
Archangel Michael
will help his son and intercede for him .
Daughters
- The “ Tenderness
” icon can be an excellent gift for a young lady who dreams of great love. - To preserve youth and a blooming appearance, a young girl will find images of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg
or
Paraskeva Pyatnitsa
.
What icons are given to a boy and a girl for christening?
Shrine for a child's baptism
- For the baptism of a child, as for any important event in life, one must prepare very seriously. Moreover, both parents and godparents should do this. Of course, the best gift for a little person will be an Orthodox icon. Such a gift in the future will protect the baby from everything evil and bad, and will also help his fragile soul move in the right direction.
- Godparents must definitely give the baby a Measured Icon . It is generally accepted that it must be made to order so that its dimensions strictly correspond to the height of a small person. But if for some reason you do not have the opportunity to make such an image, then calmly buy a ready-made one from the church, consecrate it and give it to your child for christening. A good option might be a Name Icon . It should depict the face of the Saint, who is the patron saint of the baby.
- Such an image is also necessarily consecrated in the temple before the christening and is presented to the child after the ritual itself. Usually such a gift is placed near the baby’s crib so that he can look at it freely. It is believed that in this way the child, albeit still unconsciously, will communicate with his Guardian Angel.
In addition, the following shrines can be given at christenings:
- Panteleimon the Healer
- Matrona of Moscow
- Our Lady
- Nicholas the Wonderworker
How to accept an icon as a gift
It is very important to accept the icon with a bright feeling, with a smile and reverence. And thank for such a gift not only the one who gives it, but also God: you need to put your forehead to your face and cross yourself.
If you are sure that the donor wishes you only happiness, you can safely accept the icon. If a shadow of doubt creeps in, it is better to take it to church and perform the rite of consecration there.
You cannot throw away, re-gift or burn an icon - this is considered a very serious sin. If you can’t shake the feeling that you want to get rid of such a gift, you just need to take it to the church, talk to the priest and leave it in the temple.
You should treat an icon as a gift very carefully: you need to give and accept such a gift with bright feelings. Then the holy face will protect the family of the recipient for many years.
Came to our country as a gift from Patriarch Luke of Constantinople to Prince Mstislav. Now this is the most revered miraculous image in Russia. The Don Icon of the Mother of God was also once presented as a gift to Prince Dmitry. He received this image before the Battle of Kulikovo from the Cossacks from the city of Sirotin. Icons were often given by parents to their children or priests to their spiritual children.
Nowadays, this custom is again becoming widespread among believers. In this connection, the questions arise: “Which image suits who best?” and “Is it possible to give an icon for a birthday, since this is a secular holiday?”
When can you give
For a birthday
Bringing a holy image for a loved one on this day is a good way to express recognition and love, the desire to ward off troubles and adversity.
Such an act will make it clear that you “care” about the person and truly love him.
It is worth deciding in advance which shrine to present.
- The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is given if there are problems in the family, someone is sick and needs healing.
- The Iveron Icon is given to those who wish to atone for their sins.
It also matters who exactly the gift is intended for: a man or a woman.
- Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (heals ailments, brings prosperity to the family);
- Vladimirskaya (heals heart wounds, protects children);
- Holy Mother of God of Three Hands (will deliver from dark thoughts, protect the house and the whole family from the evil of dark forces)
- Iverskaya (they pray to her for the atonement of grave sins);
- Bethlehem (help women find the happiness of motherhood, family happiness).
What to give to men:
- Icon of the Guardian Angel (repels temptations and love troubles, protects from injuries and accidents);
- Nicholas the Saint (protects travelers who are often far from home);
- Savior Not Made by Hands (if they cannot come to church often);
- Patron Saint in business (guides on the right path in life, helps to maintain family ties).
Give an icon bearing the name of the birthday person. She will always be in place and will protect him from troubles and troubles. In this way it is easy to show a person your true love and gratitude.
There is nothing better than a holy gift given with the best intentions. It will become a talisman for the birthday boy, a talisman that will ward off life’s misfortunes.
For a wedding
A long time ago, there was a tradition of meeting young people on the threshold of a house with the faces of saints. They are usually held by the mother and father or godparents of the bride or groom. But few people dare to give shrines as a gift to a young family. And in vain. They will bring happiness and good luck to lovers, if, of course, they are of the same faith and baptized in Orthodoxy.
It is good at this moment to convey to the young people the images that accompanied the wedding of the parents themselves. This shrine, which protected their marriage all these years, will become protection for the new family. Buy an icon in a church - the faces of the Mother of God and the icon of the Saint are best suited for this. It is these two shrines that can take quarrels and misunderstandings away from the family and give long-lasting relationships and prosperity.
The images of Saints Peter and Fevronya are well suited for a church wedding. Since ancient times, these saints have been valued as patrons of family unions. In addition, at a wedding it would be a good idea to present the newlyweds with an icon of the Mother of God of Fedorov. This is the main shrine for expectant mothers, helping to bear a healthy and beautiful baby. They also give young people the images of the Holy Forefathers. This is a parting word for a new young family to lay the foundation of a united and strong family.
Nowhere are there written specific rules obliging people to give the above-mentioned icons for a wedding. It happens that people give young people the faces of other saints. The main thing is to gift the newlyweds with the brightest thoughts and wishes for many years together. The image must be consecrated in the church before donation.
For christening
Both parents and godparents need to prepare for baptism.
The priests consider the best gift for this occasion to be an Orthodox icon purchased in the same church - it will protect the little one from evil and misfortune, and will support him in times of adversity. The shrine will help his fragile soul develop in the right direction.
It is advisable for godparents to purchase a Measured Icon for the baby. It is better to order such a shrine-amulet so that its size matches the height of the child. If there is no master, just buy a ready-made image in the church, consecrate it and present it to the baby during the baptismal ceremony.
A personalized icon is also well suited for this occasion. The saint depicted on it will become a guardian for the child, because their names are the same.
Important! Any image must be consecrated in the temple where the baby will be baptized, and only then given as a gift during or after the ritual. At home, such an icon is hung over the child’s crib so that he can see it. It is believed that in this way the baby, albeit unconsciously, will contact his personal Guardian Angel.
Other shrines are also given as gifts for christenings:
- Panteleimon the Healer;
- Matrona of Moscow;
- Nicholas the Wonderworker;
- Mother of God.
For housewarming
The “Protection” of the Mother of God is considered an appropriate gift for new residents. Only she will be able to protect the home from all adversities and elements under the holy cover - fire, flooding and even an unkind glance.
This icon must be presented without unnecessary witnesses, before the arrival of numerous guests: the ideal option is if the family first crosses the threshold of a new house with this image, and only then begins to settle down in it.
If you suddenly find out that the owners already have an icon, then buy them a folding one. It consists of three small icons fastened together.
Here are some more shrines that can be given as housewarming gifts:
- An image with a cross (will take away envy and filth from the home and its inhabitants);
- The Unbreakable Wall (from thieves and destructive disasters);
- Burning Bush (will hide the house and family from fire and lightning);
- Impenetrable door (will protect you from people with bad thoughts);
- Khlebov Controversial (will help overcome financial problems and other difficulties).
On church holidays
Giving icons for religious holidays is not only possible, but also very common among believers. One of the brightest and most long-awaited Orthodox holidays is Easter. It is customary to celebrate it with the whole family by visiting the temple and blessing the Easter cakes and other food they brought.
Here are some images that would be appropriate for Easter:
- Saint Mary Magdalene - it was from her that the widespread custom of coloring boiled eggs began.
- Guardian Angel - for Easter it is most often presented to relatives.
- The Resurrection of Christ will save the family from disagreements, give peace and purify thoughts.
Christmas is an equally important day for all Orthodox Christians. It unites millions of people who want to share the joy and light of their hearts with each other. What icons to give:
- The Nativity of Jesus Christ Our Lord is the obvious choice, the best gift on this magical holiday.
- The Virgin and Child will be very appropriate; it will protect from troubles and illnesses those who will value the shrine and periodically offer prayers to it.
- Matrona of Moscow is suitable for any holiday, but at Christmas it carries the greatest meaning, heals, gives peace and peace of mind.
What the Church says to those wishing to purchase an icon
First of all, you need to understand that the holy image is not an interior decoration. It should not be taken as a talisman either. An icon is needed to pray
.
She brings grace to the house, but only if the person himself asks God for help and protection.
If you put it in the house and forget it, there will be no point in it.
Icon as a gift
When choosing an icon as a gift for someone, you should think about whether this person is religious enough to treat the image with appropriate reverence. And, of course, such a gift is unlikely to suit people of other faiths.
About icons in Orthodoxy:
On what holidays can icons be given?
In principle, you can give it as a gift just like that. But you can, of course, also for the holiday:
- for the baptism of a child;
- name day or wedding.
In former times, there was a custom according to which parents blessed their children with images of the Savior and the Virgin Mary on their wedding day.
And when the couple had their own children, they were also blessed for their wedding with these icons. And so they were passed on from generation to generation and became a family shrine. Nowadays, icons are also given for birthdays. This is a new tradition, but of course there is nothing wrong with it. You can also give a holy image for any other significant event in a person’s life - housewarming, the beginning of the school year, admission to a university, etc.
Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
How to accept a gift
If there is the slightest suspicion, then you should immediately refuse the offering. This is better than letting troubles and troubles into your home. Of course, there is a risk of ruining the relationship with the donor, but this is not necessary.
It is more difficult for those who were unable to refuse to accept the gift. What to do then?
The main thing is to try not to come into contact with an object that could be potentially dangerous. Sincerely thank the donor, do not openly show dissatisfaction. Wait until the guests have left, and then take the icon out of the living room and take it to the temple. There she will be cleansed and re-sanctified.
Never throw away, burn, tear or re-gift a sacred object. This will bring even more misfortune than the image itself.
If after this the donor insists on finding out what you did with the shrine, there is reason to think about it. Perhaps this is an ill-wisher who tried to cause harm through a holy image. He can try again, finding that he failed.
The opinion of clergy regarding the donation of icons differs from the common interpretation of popular signs. Giving them as a gift is not prohibited, but on the contrary, it is only welcome. A shrine given by a righteous person can only strengthen faith in God. Such a gift cleanses a person’s soul, fills his home with peace and joy. But it must only be given sincerely, with love, with good intentions coming from the heart.
Source of the article: https://zagovormaga.ru/primetyi/mozhno-li-darit-ikony.html
To whom can I give which icon?
Among the church people there has long been a custom, as it were, of dividing icons and saints “according to specialization.” Like the fact that those who want to have children pray in front of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, and Saint Elijah the Prophet patronizes astronauts. Actually, this is not true.
You can turn to any saint for help in any need. And, above all, you need to pray to God. If any saint occupies a place in a person’s thoughts greater than Christ, then this is already idolatry.
But if we understand the conventions of such a division of saints, then there is nothing wrong with this tradition. And, when choosing an icon as a gift, you can take the image of a saint, who is considered the “patron of the profession” of a person. Or an icon, in front of which it is customary to pray in case of some special needs. A person will be pleased to receive such a gift.
"Patrons of the professions"
If you want to give an icon to a doctor, you can choose the image of the Great Martyr Panteleimon the Healer. And if your doctor is also a surgeon, for him there is St. Luke Voino-Yasenetsky, who was an archbishop, confessor and the best surgeon in the country.
The Great Martyr Tatiana is considered the patroness of students, because Her church is located at Moscow State University, and during her lifetime she herself was a deaconess, which means she was quite educated. You can give her image as a gift to congratulate a person on the start of their first year.
And schoolchildren have another patron - St. Sergius of Radonezh. As a child, the saint had great difficulty in learning, until he met an angel. Once a child saw a mysterious monk outside the village, complained about his difficulties, and asked him to pray.
The monk prayed, visited the boy, and then left and disappeared. And from that time on, the future reverend became a very successful student. It is customary to turn to him if knowledge is not easy for a child. In similar cases, they pray before the image of the Mother of God “Addition of mind.”
The Archangel Michael and the Great Martyr George the Victorious are considered assistants to the warriors. And also Alexander Nevsky, Fyodor Stratilates and others. There are many saints with a military profession.
Icon of St. George the Victorious
Diplomats and postal workers have different salaries, but common heavenly patrons. These are, of course, angels. The word “angel” itself is translated as “messenger”. Especially in this case, the icon of the Archangel Gabriel is suitable, because it was he who was the messenger of all the most important gospel events.
Veterinarians can pray to Saints Cosmas and Domian. During their lifetime, these two saints of God were very fond of treating animals.
Saints Cyril and Methodius can be considered patrons of teachers and professors. This is especially true for philologists. After all, the two holy teachers were not only missionaries, but also the creators of Slavic writing and liturgical languages.
Singers and musicians can be given the image of St. Roman the Sweet Singer.
For agronomists and everyone involved in farming, the icon of the Mother of God “Different of the Loaves” is suitable.
And separately, flower growers have a heavenly patroness, Dorotheus. When this martyr was being led to execution, the pagan philosopher Theophilus met her and mockingly asked the saint to send him flowers from the Garden of Eden. The holy virgin fulfilled his request. After this, Theophilus converted to Christianity and himself became a martyr.
Cosmonauts and pilots revere the Old Testament prophet Elijah, since he, apparently, was the first person to go into space, and not Gagarin. The Bible describes how he was taken alive into heaven and ascended there on a chariot of fire.
Family shrines
Parents traditionally give images of Christ and the Virgin Mary to those getting married. In the church you can even buy special icons called “wedding” icons.
Wedding icon
Among the saints, the patron saints of the wife and husband are considered to be the icon of the patron saint in whose honor the person received the name. Can be given on angel's day (saint's day, also called name day), christening or birthday. You can order a “family image”, which depicts the patron saints of all family members.
You can purchase icons as a gift online in the Orthodox online store SvyATTSY.ORG.
What icon do parents give newlyweds for their wedding?
Icons for newlyweds from parents
Nowadays, not a single wedding is complete without a wedding ceremony, so the parents of the newlyweds are obliged to ensure that the newly formed family has its own personal wedding couple. If they wish, parents can give their children the icons with which they themselves were married, but it will still be better if they buy and consecrate the images of the Saint and the Mother of God .
It is believed that these two shrines are able to protect a young family from discord and give them family well-being. of Peter and Fevronya as a wedding couple . It was these saints in ancient Rus' that were considered the patrons of married couples. In addition, the Fedorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God .
She is considered the best assistant to expectant mothers, and also helps to conceive and bear a baby without any problems. an image of the Holy Forefathers as a wedding present . Such a symbolic gift may be a wish that the newly formed family in the future become the ancestor of a strong and united clan.
In principle, there are no special rules that would say that only the above-mentioned icons can be given for a wedding celebration. If you went to a church and liked, for example, the image of Xenia of Petersburg , then feel free to buy it too. The main thing is that your gift is presented with the purest thoughts and good wishes and, of course, must be consecrated before the wedding.
Gifts for great church holidays
Each of the 12 great holidays has its own icon; they can be found without difficulty. Most often they give an image of the Resurrection of Christ for Easter or an icon of the Nativity.
The other 10 holidays are less celebrated and less well known. But sometimes it happens that a person was born on one of these holy days. Then it would be nice for him to have a suitable icon in his house. For example, if your birthday is August 19, it is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, December 4 is the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, etc.
Important! You can only pray in front of a consecrated image. If the icon was not purchased in the church, but was made to order, then before giving it as a gift, it must be taken to the priest for lighting.
A gift is a responsible decision for a guest. Everyone wants to give something special. At the same time, the guest’s desire is to give a part of his soul, give warmth and evoke a feeling of joy and smile. could be a wonderful gift. But the question arises: is it possible to give an icon?
Church opinion
Clergymen - the icon will be an excellent gift for any event or for no reason at all. This is a very deep manifestation of the most sincere and kind feelings. In addition, it will turn into a personal talisman for the person until the end of his days. All priests are also confident that the icon is capable of expelling anger, malice, and envy from the human soul.
The Church has approved such gifts since ancient times. But not everyone could afford to buy such a gift: icons were decorated with gold or silver and were very highly valued.
Nowadays, even a simple paper face in a wooden frame is in no way inferior in significance and holiness to golden images. Therefore, it is possible to give an icon, even a modest one in design, the church approves of such a gift.
The main thing is to consecrate it before giving the gift. It’s even better if you consult with the priest in the church when choosing images.
Is it possible to give icons: the opinion of the church and what image to give for a birthday?
An icon is a divine image
, or rather, an image of the face of several or one of the saints. It represents a part of our soul, our religion. The image must be present in every home and must be consecrated in the temple. The image of the saints will always help family members, provide the necessary support and provide spiritual support. They are addressed in the form of prayer, souls and eyes. They thank the saints and ask for help through icons.
Is it possible to give images as a gift?
To date, opinions are divided. Some believe that the icon is a symbol of blessing and reverence. Others are distrustful and fearful. The Church denies any opinions about holy images; they are allowed to be given as gifts
. But let’s try to figure out how to give it and to whom you can give such a gift.
Is it possible to give an icon as a gift and to whom?
As a gift, it can evoke conflicting feelings. Some consider it a connection with the spiritual world, while others, on the contrary, associate a lot of superstitions and beliefs with it. The Church, on the contrary, considers the image of saints and God a wonderful gift for any holiday
. In addition, having the Saints at home, you can even find your self. It is generally accepted that this is a wonderful and bright gift.
People, unfortunately, rarely give icons to each other. A special date may be chosen for this. But often people bring images from memorable places. The icon can be presented at the christening of children. But it is also suitable as a birthday gift.
The image of the Saint is ideal as a gift. It can be given so that a person can overcome difficulties in life and become a patron. The priests note that it is recommended to give an icon only from a pure heart
. Only in this case can it bring happiness and become a talisman in the house. Time can add value and significance to it, and so over time you can pass it on to your children or grandchildren.
Under no circumstances should it be given as a gift.
- You don't know anything about the person. He may feel good about the gift, but have a different faith.
- Give it only as a gift when there is nothing else to give.
- Under no circumstances should it be given as a home decoration. It is intended exclusively for prayer.
- It should be given only if it is lit in the church. All other images are not allowed to be donated.
Signs about icons
Some signs indicate which ones are worth giving and which ones are not. Let's look at what signs exist in Christianity.
- On birthdays, only personalized ones are given - for men and women.
- It is recommended to give them to a sick person only for healing.
- Men and women colleagues need those who help in business.
- Only those who bless the family hearth should give it to the family.
- You can give a young woman the image of a holy saint, and for a young man a holy saint.
- At weddings, it is customary for images to be presented by relatives of the newlyweds. They buy the Virgin Mary for the bride, and Jesus Christ for the groom.
- Images can be given at any time, but the most important are those dedicated to an important event.
In addition, it is worth knowing where the icon is located in the house
. Previously, it was placed in the most visible place in the house. You can only give consecrated icons, so if you want to make an icon, an embroidered or woven image for someone as a gift, you need to consecrate it in the church. Several centuries ago, they said that it was not worth giving icons. After a person has accepted the icon and placed it in his home, it brings troubles, and family members begin to suffer from serious illnesses.
Nowadays, it is necessary to give an icon, since loved ones wish only good things and do it from the bottom of their hearts. The Church insists that it must be sanctified
. Only in this case can she bring joy and grace to the house. In addition, it must clear away negativity and bless everyone who lives in the house.
When can you give them as a gift?
There are many holidays for which you can give an image. It could even be any holiday date. But it’s best when a person gives icons for the sacraments
, for example, baptism, wedding or birth of a person.
- . Previously, for the baptism of a child, it was customary to give a “measured” icon, which symbolized the growth of the baby. Now this tradition has remained and many people order this particular image. On the edge of the icon you can depict the Holy Guardian Angel or the patron saint of children - St. Stillian. At the same time, you can give any icon, regardless of the gender of the child. The main thing is to present the gift with a pure heart and with all your soul, only then the icon will benefit the baby.
- Birthday
. In order to give an icon on a birthday, you need to have heartfelt feelings for the person. Such gifts should not be given as souvenirs. It is worth noting that it should only be given to a believer. Only in this case will peace come into the house and a person’s life will improve. To give it as a gift, it is important to choose the right image. Each of them has its own image. For example, for a schoolchild you can give an image of St. Sergius of Radonezh. For future military personnel, the image of St. George the Victorious is best suited. Another image can be given to a businessman - this is Saint Joseph of Volotsk. For drivers or those who drive a vehicle, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is ideal. For women, it is recommended to give the Blessed Virgin Mary. For those who need success in business, it is best to give the Guardian Holy. Ideal for family happiness. And many others can also be an excellent gift for believers. You can consult in more detail with the rector of the temple or in the church shop. Everyone can find the perfect look. The main thing is that the person who receives the icon as a gift should experience sincere joy. Do not be afraid of existing signs; these are just myths that have no confirmation. The image of the Saints is always good and good. - Wedding or wedding
. Several centuries ago, the sacrament of marriage arose in Christianity. Today, many couples are ready to tie the knot for life. And three centuries ago, only rich people could afford such a sacrament. The sacrament of a wedding is held in a church, so the presence of images is one of the stages towards achieving the goal. The main thing at the ceremony are the images of the Holy Mother of God and the Lord God, who are called the wedding couple. Thus, the images are witnesses to the couple's marriage. In the case of a wedding sacrament, images need to be selected in advance and carefully thought through. After all, they are the ones who will accompany the couple throughout their lives. As a rule, icons are ordered exclusively on a wooden base. This is necessary in order to be able to restore them. According to customs, these icons will subsequently be passed down from generation to generation. These images are the connection between lovers. They are the ones who will remind the couple that they made a vow before God to love each other.
Is it possible to give icons?
In ancient times, it was believed that it was impossible to give an icon under any pretext - this could bring misfortune and misfortune to the recipient’s home. After all, they used to believe that envious people could cause severe damage through the image of a holy image.
The icon was always hung or placed in the most visible place. And if someone damaged her, then the household members who approached her every day involuntarily began to feel a deterioration in their health and a loss of strength.
Today there is no need to be afraid of a donated icon because of damage, especially if you are confident in the intention of the person who gives it. Will close relatives or a best friend really give an icon with bad intentions and for their own benefit? If you are completely confident in the giver, feel free to accept such a gift.
There are other signs as to whether it is possible to give an icon as a gift:
- For example, giving it to a child means blessing him for life, making him happy.
- It is presented to the sick person as a symbol of recovery. There are many cases in history when it was the face of a saint on an icon that helped a person overcome a seemingly incurable illness.
- It is forbidden to give an icon embroidered or painted on your own - the face of a saint can absorb negative thoughts and transmit them to the recipient. Then troubles will come into his life.
In general, it is allowed to give an icon according to signs; it is only important to do it with a bright heart and good intentions. In a bad mood or with unkind thoughts, it is not recommended to even choose such a gift.
Which icon to give to parents on this special day?
When going to the birthday of those closest to you, many people wonder what icon to give to their parents? The Church recommends purchasing the following images in the temple:
- Fevronia and her husband Peter;
- “Hope, Faith and Love and their mother Sophia;
- Holy Trinity;
- any icon with the image of the Mother of God;
- Saints Julia and Cyril;
- Matronushki.
Parents can give an icon of Fevronia and her husband Peter
Which icon is suitable for a man
People often think about what kind of icon to give a man for his birthday. A good option would be icons:
- military patron - St. George the Victorious;
- St. Nicholas;
- The miraculous Mandylion (saved by the One Not Made by Hands);
- Martyr Tryphon;
- Apostle Andrew and Peter;
- Guardian Angel.
Icon of the Guardian Angel is a good gift idea for a man
To the question of what kind of icon can be given to a man for his birthday, there is another good answer - a personalized one.
