Is it possible to give icons: what icon to give for a birthday.

Only close people can give an icon to a newborn: parents, relatives, future godparents or good friends. However, there is that such a gift cannot be presented to a baby.

Is it possible to give an icon for the birth of a child

Priests advise not to believe the signs and do not prohibit buying an icon for a baby. If it is presented from a pure heart, then it will certainly bring joy and good luck. For Christians, a holy face is goodness and protection. But before buying an icon, you need to clarify which saint will save the child from harm.

What icon is given to a child for birth and baptism

Immediately after the birth of a child, parents or close people can give the icon of the Guardian Angel. It is better to hang it next to the crib so that the child has deep sleep... Guardian Angel will protect you from evil eyes and diseases.

For a newborn, you can purchase icons of the Virgin, Jesus Christ, the Nativity of Christ. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron saint of children; it is customary to place his icon next to the baby's bed.

If the child has health problems, then the parents should either choose the icon of the Matrona of Moscow or the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon. Gifts bought in the churches where they are located are especially powerful.

Icons for the child are given by and. Parents or godparents should choose the face of the saint for the sacrament. Usually they choose a nominal icon, that is, for Yegor, baptized under the name George, they buy an icon of the Guardian Angel George. To make the right choice, check with the parents in advance under what name the baby will be baptized.

In the Orthodox world, it is customary to give a newborn a measured icon, its height coincides with the growth of the child. It is made only to order and is presented once in a lifetime.

The sizes and designs of icons can be different. Large options can be placed in the children's room, and miniature ones can be put in the cradle and. Beautiful gift icons are made of beads and stones. Do not forget about wearable icons made of gold, silver or stone. They are hung around the neck, they will be accompanied always and everywhere.

If you decide to give an icon to a newborn child, then first find out how his family feels about religion. The saint will be able to protect only believers who will turn to him for help and share joyful moments. Such a gift will accompany a child all his life.

Previously, not everyone could lay hands on the creation of the sacred: writing books, various lives, walks, prayers. Not everyone was allowed to write icons and their embroidery. To obtain the consent of the priest, one had to lead a humble lifestyle, attend all services, pray, observe fasts, and confess. Today we will tell you what you need to do if you want to embroider an icon. Follow our step by step instructions, and we will tell you about where to start this needlework, so that the canvas you embroidered is really an icon, and not just a beautiful picture.

Instructions

What is the rite of baptism

As everyone knows, our great and vast country was baptized in 988 AD. And since that time immemorial, every adherent of the Christian faith and his descendant must go through the rite of baptism. This rite is also called a sacrament. And for good reason. Except for the godparents, the godson himself and the person conducting the ceremony, no one can be in the hall. Nowadays, every parent wants to capture the baptism of their child, but a rare father will allow video or photography during the baptismal ceremony. During the ceremony, the priest reads prayers, names them in front of God, bathes the child in holy water and makes an anointing.

Baptismal gift

In every family in which there is a baby, sooner or later, the question arises about gifts for the child. The same question arises for the intended godparents, as well as all relatives who care about the baby. It has long been accepted that god-parents must give a cross. Gold, silver or metal - this is discussed with the parents. It is believed that there is no metal better for a child than silver. Silver attracts and absorbs all diseases and bad energy. In this case, the color of the metal fades and fades.

It is customary to buy a baptismal set and a towel for parents. In children's stores you can find and choose a huge number of different baptismal sets. And some mothers knit or sew them themselves. This makes the gift even more valuable. A baptismal set and a towel must be stored until the end of life - this protects against diseases and misfortunes. The rest of the baby's family members - grandparents, aunts and uncles - can choose absolutely any gift for the child. These can be numerous toys, clothes, dishes, or something else. Here you can give freedom of imagination. The main thing is that the gift is intended specifically for the baby and is useful to him. Accordingly, it is not worth giving any money. And if you do not know what to give, it is better to ask the parents what their child needs.

Whatever you choose as a gift for a newly-made Christian, the most important thing in your soul is to wish him health, happiness, good and all the best. This will be one of the best gifts for your baby. After all, the sacrament of baptism is one of the most important moments of religious life. It is from the moment of baptism that one can pray and light candles for the health of the baby, hold the communion of the child. And this is very important for every believer, it is not for nothing that the word "communion" is a derivative of the word "happiness."

The icon is a kind of window to the spiritual world. Turning with the help of the icon to the image of his patron saint, a person offers prayer, renouncing vain material thoughts and doing important work on the formation of his own faith.

Since ancient times, the Christian tradition has been led to give a newborn child the name of a saint. It was believed that in this way a person is provided with heavenly patronage and protection of this saint, as well as his mentorship for a righteous life. The icon of the saint, after whom the Christian was named, is called nominal. Moreover, in Russia, such a saint could be not only the namesake, i.e. bearing the same name as the one being baptized, but also any other saint, especially revered either in a particular locality or in a certain family. Most often, this kind of icons included images with the face of St. Nicholas, the Archangel Michael, St. John the Theologian, and St. Sergius of Radonezh.

Types of named icons

The iconographic traditions of depicting saints on nominal icons do not adhere to very strict canons, and therefore the face of the Savior, Guardian Angels or scenes telling about the life of a saint can be added to the image of a saint. Usually, the images of saints on nominal icons are written either in half-length - i.e. a figure to the waist, or full-length - a full-length depiction of a saint.

Measured icon

A variation of the nominal icon is a dimensional one, on which the heavenly patron of the baby is depicted on a board equal in size to the height of the newborn, in width corresponding to the width of his shoulders. The figure of the patron must be depicted in full growth and, as a rule, does not contain any additional elements of iconography. When depicting figures, icon painters pay special attention to hand gestures, which have a deep symbolic meaning.

Choosing a personalized icon

In order to choose your personalized icon correctly, you need to know exactly the name of the saint who is the heavenly patron this person... If the name of a person is on Christmas time, then it is recommended to choose the name of the saint whose memory is celebrated on the next day to the birthday or baptism of this person. But at the same time, it is not forbidden to choose the saint, to whom the soul lies most of all and whom a person reveres more than others.

Personalized icons with a female name

The most popular nominal icons intended for female names are the following: the icon of the holy blessed Matrona of Moscow, the holy blessed Xenia of Petersburg, Saint Tatyana, Saint Tamara, the holy princess Olga equal to the apostles, the holy great martyr Catherine.

Personalized icons with a male name

The most popular nominal icons with male names are: the icon of St. Elijah the Prophet, the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, the saint reverend Seraphim Sarovskiy, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Saint Reverend Cyril of Radonezh.

Prayers are the safest and most reliable ways to deal with negativity. In a difficult situation, an icon can come to the rescue, capable of protecting against the evil eye and damage.

Divine protection

The main advantage of church methods of dealing with negativity is their safety. Almost all magic against the evil eye and damage can harm you, so you can attract negative energy to yourself. Church remedies, by definition, are not capable of causing such problems.

If it seems to you that a black streak has begun or is about to begin in your life, you need to protect yourself and your loved ones from possible troubles. It is best to go to church for a start, light candles and order, this will scare away the ill-wisher, make it difficult for him to negatively affect you, your home, etc.

In Russia, for a long time, people protected their families and themselves from damage without any magicians and sorcerers. The easiest way is to protect your home with prayer, clean it, sprinkle holy water in the corners and think about purchasing icons.

Which icon to pray?

Absolutely all Orthodox icons have a unique positive, light effect. They are initially tuned to the correct vibration frequency, which, as it were, hides you from the ill-wisher, does not allow him to look closely at you and impose damage, evil eye or otherwise ruin your life. You can use any consecrated one to combat negative influences. Buy a suitable one (it can be a name or an image of your favorite saint) and carry it with you at all times. Even if damage has already been directed at you, gradually its effect will fade away.

There is an opinion that from different types the evil eye and damage are better helped by certain icons, but this is not entirely true. Each image has the necessary strength and energy, although there are a number of icons that help in specific situations when damage or the evil eye has already been imposed on you.

So, for example, icons depicting the Baptist John are suitable if, against the background of the superimposed damage, you have severe chronic headaches, apathy, depression and your energy has completely disappeared.

Images Holy Mother of God relieve damage that affects the eyes or vision, and, moreover, remove possible negativity from children and the elderly, who are especially susceptible to damage and the evil eye.

Icons are the main cult decoration of Christian churches. True believers consider them an important part of the household. Orthodox churches keep a huge number of icons depicting the faces of Saints and scenes from the Holy Scriptures. A person who first came to church for help from God needs to know which icons to turn to with a request.

Purpose of icons

The icon "Holy Trinity", symbolically embodying wisdom, reason and love, is the main shrine of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. It is generally accepted that the "Trinity" should be in every home, since it is important in the fate of a person. Before this icon, asking for the forgiveness of sins, pray to those who have lost hope.

The image of the Savior Not Made by Hands has always been beloved in Russia, it is no coincidence that the Savior's face was depicted on the banners of Russian soldiers. They turn to the Savior with requests to forgive sins, to heal ailments, to instruct on the righteous path. There is another type of image of the Savior, called the Savior the Almighty, on which the Heavenly King and Judge appears. Before this image, you need to thank God, pray for your loved ones and ask for solutions to life's problems.

There are a large number of options for the icons of the Mother of God. This is due to the fact that the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to people in different territories and in different time... And icon painters reflected her appearance in icons, which were then accepted by the Church. In the book of Evgeny Poselyanin, written at the end of the 19th century, more than six hundred icons of the Mother of God are mentioned that worked real miracles. The most famous and revered icons of Vladimir, Kazan, Tikhvin, Iveron. In difficult times for Russia, the Kazan Mother of God was the defender of the Russian people. Since the time of baptism, the Kazan Mother of God has been helping a person in labor, blessing those entering into legal marriage, and stopping the fire. In his everyday needs, a person can always turn to her. Expecting the accomplishment of important life events, one should pray to the Vladimir Mother of God, whose image accompanied the kings ascending to the throne. You can ask this Mother of God for the healing of the soul and bodily weakness, for the softening of the hard-hearted. The Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God is considered a guidebook that keeps a person on a long journey. The Iberian Mother of God is the icon-keeper, protector from evil forces, ailments, enemies.

The Russian people at all times treated Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker with special love. The icon with his image must be purchased into the house, because it protects the wealth in the family, saves from want. Nicholas the Wonderworker patronizes travelers, stands up for unjustly offended people.

The Great Martyr Panteleimon gave healing from serious illnesses during his lifetime. They ask Saint Panteleimon for health and help in overcoming ailments.

Among the "modern" revered saints is Blessed Matrona, to whom a huge number of people come with various requests every day.

Saint Sergius of Radonezh patronizes and. An icon with his face must be taken with you when going to study or an exam. Those people whose work is associated with a great risk to their lives (for example, military, firefighters, rescuers) are protected from trouble by St. George the Victorious.

Every person has a patron and patron icon. You can define "your" by.

Prayer in front of the images of the Saints

Standing in front of the icons, it is necessary to pray, that is, to conduct a sincere conversation with the Saints with a request for help. This sincere conversation must be correct, only then will it be heard.

When addressing the Saints, one must not be distracted by extraneous thoughts, one must concentrate and not pretend. You can say the prayer out loud or in a whisper, but with feeling. You need to ask only for spiritual help for yourself and others, but not material. Before
The name of the great martyr was given to her at her baptism in honor of the Monk Matrona of Constantinople. On this day, the first sign was sent that the girl would become a servant of the Lord - after ascending above the baptismal font, a light steam column arose above her naked.

Despite such a great destiny, Matrona's life was quite difficult - poverty, mistrust on the part of a large number of people, misunderstanding on the part of peers in childhood. The mother felt sorry for her daughter, to which the enlightened one said that she was not unhappy - she was given much more from the Lord than to other, even healthy people.

Matrona moved to Moscow in 1925, where she remained until the end of her days, helping ordinary people in churches and temples. Here she was buried, and then relics were removed from the earth and canonized, making her Saint Matrona. And it is in Moscow that you can visit the places where the relics of Matronushka will help you cope with life's difficulties and self-doubt.

Places where you can pray over the icon of St. Matrona of Moscow

The main place of the procession of pilgrims is in the Intercession Monastery. There are three main shrines kept here, reminiscent of the miracles performed by Saint Matrona. These are the relics of the great martyr, the icon of the Mother of God for the cell, the writing of which was blessed by the Matrona of Moscow, and the icon of the latter herself.

You can also touch the holy relics of Matrona of Moscow and pray over her icon:
- in the church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in Endova;
- in the church of St. Gregory of Neokesariyskiy in Derbitsy;
- in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ at the former Semenov cemetery;
- in the temple of the Unrepentant Cosmas and Damian in Shubin;
- in the temple of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, in the village of Baranovo, Kursk region;
- in the temple of the Kazan Mother of God in Balezin in Udmurtia.

When to remember the saint

To ask for help from Saint Matrona, you do not have to wait for a special day, but communication with her will be better if you pray on the days of her memory. The Orthodox Church has established several specific dates memory of the great martyr:

What to give to please both the baby and his parents? The answer to this question is simple. Everything that a baby may need in the course of his life. Gifts are best purchased at a specialized children's store. The choice of a gift always directly depends on the amount of money that you plan to spend.

Gifts for baby

Gifts from relatives.You can give large gifts from relatives: a stroller, a changing table, a cot, a bathtub, an envelope for a walk, a baby monitor. They also give family heirlooms - jewelry and ornaments that are kept by the parents until the child reaches a certain age.

Money.Not everyone considers money to be a real gift. However, in our time it is practical, since parents will be able to buy for the baby what he lacks. A very convenient compromise between money and a gift is a gift card from a children's store. The card indicates the money limit that can be spent on any product.

Clothing. You will find cute bodysuits, pants, blouses, hats for the little ones in any large children's store. If you want to present a warm suit or booties that you knitted yourself, this is great. Just remember that knitted things will come in contact with the baby's delicate skin. Therefore, the knitted product must be made of quality material and have external seams.

Linens. You can give a blanket and a blanket, which will be useful in the cold season. Choose a set of bed linen from natural fabrics, bright and cheerful colors.

Accessories and nice helpers. For daily care of the baby, you can donate hygiene products (shampoos, oils, foams for bathing, wet wipes, diapers). Today, the stores offer a huge variety of children's cosmetics. After a few months, the child will eat from a plate, so you can also donate a set of baby dishes.

To help mom - bedside lamps, a carrying bag, bumpers for a crib, a multifunctional rattle for a stroller, a pot, a children's slide for bathing, a thermometer in the form of a toy, a carousel-mobile for a crib.

What to give the parents of a newborn.Photo album for the first photos of the baby, in which happy parents will post photos with their beloved child and make memorable dates. A photo frame with clay for imprinting the baby's feet or hands, where the footprints of the newborn will be captured for a long memory. Present an original souvenir - a figurine of an angel that will protect the baby.

If you were just invited to visit, then come with rattles and diapers - they will never interfere.

Orthodox priests do not recognize omens, since they consider them to be an unclean craftiness. The icon is the personification of holiness and purity. Where did the omen come from that the donated icon could cause trouble? In the old days, they tried to refuse the donated icons, considering them spoiled. Signs: is it possible to give icons as a gift? Let's consider the issue in detail.

There was a popular belief among the people that the donated icon brings trouble to the house. After accepting such a gift, quarrels and scandals began in the house, households fell ill with serious ailments, or even went to another world altogether. This was due to the damage that evil people induced through the icon.

However, in modern world You don't have to be afraid of such surprises, especially if the icon is presented by relatives or close people with good wishes and from the bottom of their hearts. Representatives orthodox Church think that the consecrated icon brings home god's grace, clears away negativity and blesses those living in the house.

Icons must be donated according to the rules established by the church:

  • personalized icons are presented on the birthday;
  • a sick person is given icons that help in healing;
  • colleagues and bosses should be gifted icons that help in work and business;
  • family people are presented with icons that bless the family hearth;
  • young girls are presented with images of saints, and young men are given images of saints of God.

It is customary to give icons for a wedding, only the parents of the newlyweds or close relatives should do this. The image of the Mother of God is chosen for the bride, and Jesus Christ for the groom.

Holy images can be donated at any time, however, more icons dedicated to an important event - birth, wedding, christening are endowed with a strong beneficial effect.

You should also know where the icon should be located in the house. For this, there used to be a "red corner", that is, the most prominent place in the house.

Is it possible to give icons not consecrated in the church, made with oneself? An unconsecrated image does not carry a positive energy, therefore, self-made icons must be consecrated in the church.

Icons for women and men

It is believed that icons corresponding to a person's sex can be donated.

For women:

  • Kazan icon of the mother of God - for family well-being and healing from ailments;
  • The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God - for the well-being of children;
  • Icon of Three-handed - to protect the house and relieve depression;
  • Iberian icon of the mother of God - for deliverance from sins;
  • The Bethlehem icon of the mother of God is for those who wish to start a family.

For men:

  • Savior Not Made by Hands - for home prayers;
  • Icon of St. Nicholas - for those whose work is related to travel;
  • Icon of the Guardian Angel - for protection from troubles and temptations;
  • The image of the patron saint is for family well-being and choosing the right path in life.

Can an icon be accepted as a gift from a stranger? If there are doubts about the sincerity of the donor, you need to take the shrine to the temple for consecration. The ministers of the church will perform the rite of consecration, and the icon will bring good.

When accepting a shrine as a gift, do not forget to thank God. After the words of thanksgiving, attach your forehead to the icon. Remember that you cannot burn or throw away a shrine. As a last resort, take it to church.

Icons for wedding

It is customary to give for a wedding images of the Mother of God and the Prelate, which the priest consecrated with a special rite. These two shrines, according to legend, protect a young family from strife and divorce.

Can be presented to the young images of Fevronya and Peter, who are considered the patrons of the couple. A good gift from parents will be Fedorovskaya icon of the mother of God, which helps conception and protects mother and child from adversity and disease.

The image of the holy forefathers will help strengthen family relationships, promotes prolongation of the genus. Do not forget to conduct a special ceremony of consecration of icons on the eve of the wedding celebration.

Christening icons

Christening is an important event in life little man, his parents and godparents. The main gift for a christening should be an icon that will protect the baby from adversity and help to embark on the path of truth. By tradition, godparents give the child a measured icon, which is made to order and matches the child's height. However, you can also donate the Measured Icon purchased in the church.

A good christening gift will be Nominal icon, patroness of the little man. The nominal icon will accompany the Orthodox all his life. She is considered a protector, intercessor, her patron can be asked for the fulfillment of desires. The name icon is placed near the child's bed so that its face looks at the baby.

You can also give for christening:

  • The image of Panteleimon the Healer;
  • The image of Nicholas the Wonderworker;
  • The image of the mother of God;
  • The image of the Matrona of Moscow.

Do not forget to pre-consecrate the icons in the church.

Housewarming

A new house should have its own patron, so it is customary to give icons for housewarming. It is usually customary to give the icon of the Mother of God of the Intercession, which protects the house from harm and damage. By tradition, the icon is given before entering a new house, new settlers must enter the room with the icon.

Another patron of new settlers is considered Folding... These are three images combined in one icon - the Mother of God, the Wonderworker and Christ. Sklad may replace the iconostasis, which, according to tradition, is required in every Orthodox home.

What else can you give for housewarming:

  • Icon of the Indestructible Wall - for a talisman against thieves and evil;
  • Icon Impenetrable door - protects from enemies and intruders;
  • Icon Burning bush - to protect against fires;
  • The image with a cross is a talisman against evil and adversity;
  • Icon of the Conqueror of Breads - for protection from spiritual and material poverty.

Remember that icons in the house cannot be hung on the wall - they are placed. In the presence of holy faces, one should not swear, spit and behave unworthily. If a party is planned in the room, it is better to take the icons to another room. Bad omen a cracked icon is considered - this is to the illness or death of a relative.

A beautiful icon will be an excellent gift for a mother, as a manifestation of care, for a birthday, name day, March 8 or any religious holiday... A holy image is a spiritual gift that carries a special meaning, so approach it with a pure heart and present it with the best intentions. This is a gift for life and it will help you to tune in to prayer, ask for help from the Lord or a patron saint in a difficult moment! So which icon to choose for mom as a gift from thousands of images:

  • Any icon of the Virgin. You can give your mother the Vladimir and Feodorovsky images of the Mother of God. This will remind a loved one of how wonderful it is to be a mother, will help relive the happy moments of motherhood in memories. The Blessed Virgin Mary will always hear maternal pleas and requests. The Mother of God can be asked for intercession, healing loved ones and children, curing spiritual and physical ailments, protecting the house from enemies and ill-wishers. considered the patroness of all women and mothers, is able to bring prosperity and understanding into the house, strengthen family ties. You can also give your mother the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and others.
  • An icon of a particularly revered saint. For example, the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is believed that prayer in this image and an appeal to the saint will help fulfill all desires. During his lifetime, the saint became famous for his miracles; people often came to him for help or advice. After turning to Nicholas the Wonderworker with sincere prayer words, one can expect a quick resolution of any problem, so such an icon will be the best gift for mom. They also present as a gift an icon of Panteleimon the Healer, Father, Saint Spyridon of Trimyphus.
  • The nominal image, which depicts the patron saint of mother. You need to select an image by the name with which she was named at baptism ( More details:). Since there is not always only one saint for one name. We look at the date of birth - the day of memory of the saint falls on the same day or the nearest date after the birth of a person.For example, for Helen, the image of St. Helena of Constantinople is suitable, and for Catherine, the icon of the Great Martyr Catherine, etc. Before such a shrine, mother can always ask for help from her heavenly patroness, tell her about problems in prayer.

Often, mothers are presented with icons of the Blessed Matrona of Moscow, Xenia of Petersburg, the Savior and the Holy Trinity, which are necessarily an integral part of the home iconostasis. Also the icon of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, patron saints of the family. Choose with your heart and present this spiritual gift with the best intentions. After all, taking care of the soul and health is the most important thing that we can present to our loved ones.


Icons are often called images of saints. According to legend, they bring prosperity, pacification, understands and the reliability of the family.

Today it has become fashionable to give icons for birthday or other holidays. But many people are afraid of such a gift, because they do not know how the church relates to it.

Note! The clergy insist that giving them is not just possible, but even necessary, because the image of a saint protects a person from evil influences and protects them. Images can be given even to an unbaptized person.

The tradition of giving images has come to us since ancient times. Our ancestors deliberately presented icons as a sign of respect and good attitude towards a person.

After giving the gift, they put it in a corner, where people most often prayed and asked the Lord for mercy and happiness.

The ministers of the church note that the donation of images of saints spreads faith in God among people, so the church has a positive attitude towards such gifts.

If a person is a believer, then as a gift for his birthday, he can choose an icon by the sign of the horoscope.

Table: what images to give to different signs of the zodiac for a birthday

Zodiac sign Name of the icon by birthday and zodiac sign
Capricorn Sovereign
Aquarius Vladimirskaya, Burning Bush
Fish Iberian, Joy of All Who Sorrow
Aries Kazanskaya, Sofrony Vrachansky, Innokenty Moskovsky
Taurus Iverskaya, Sporuchenitsa
Twins Vladimirskaya, Recovery of the dead, Burning Bush
Crayfish Kazan, Joy of All Who Sorrow
a lion Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos
Virgo Passionate, Burning Bush
Libra Pochaevskaya, Burning Bush
Scorpio Quick-hearted
Sagittarius Tikhvin, the Sign

When is it forbidden to give an icon?

There are a number of cases when it is undesirable to donate church images:

  1. It is advisable to give only to people of the Christian faith. If a person professes Islam, then an Orthodox or Catholic icon will not please him, but upset him.

    According to the Muslim faith, it is forbidden to depict saints on canvas, therefore a Muslim will consider such a gift an insult to his religion.

  2. It is forbidden to donate images of saints to atheists.
  3. Giving someone else's icon or accepting it as a gift is prohibited.

Important! It is forbidden to give them to people who are dismissive of religion and church.

What icon do parents give to newlyweds for a wedding?

Icons are donated for a wedding even if the newlyweds are not married in a church.

It is better to give the newlyweds the images of the parents with whom they married for a wedding gift, because they retain incredible strength.


But if this cannot be done, then parents can give the following icons for the wedding of the newlyweds:

  1. "Prelate" and "Mother of God". These images of saints protect a young family from divorce, quarrels, misunderstandings. They protect, guard, bring understanding, prosperity.
  2. "Peter and Fevronia". This image patronizes married couples.
  3. "Fedorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God". She helps expectant mothers to conceive and give birth to a strong baby.

Icons for other holidays

Icons are donated for such holidays:

  1. Wedding.
  2. Epiphany.
  3. Housewarming.
  4. Wedding.
  5. Birthday.

Note! For a gift, a shrine is selected based on the occasion of the holiday.

Table: what shrines to give for various holidays

Celebration Shrine name
Birthday On the birthday, the shrine is selected based on the gender of the birthday person.

A woman is given the following images:

  • Kazanskaya.
  • "Vladimirskaya".
  • "Theotokos Three-handed".
  • "Iverskaya".
  • "Bethlehem".

The following images are presented to a man:

  • "Savior Not Made by Hands."
  • "The Face of St. Nicholas".
  • "Icon of the Guardian Angel".
Christening The following faces of saints are suitable for both the boy and the girl:
  • "Measured". It must match the height of the baby on the day of baptism.
  • The nominal icon is selected based on church name crumbs. It depicts a saint with the same name as the baptized baby. Such a face protects the baby, protects from the evil eye and damage.
  • "Panteleimon the Healer".
  • "Matrona of Moscow".
  • "Our Lady".
  • "Nicholas the Wonderworker".
Housewarming
  • "Pokrova".
  • "Apostles Peter and Paul"
  • Folding, consisting of 3 small icons depicting Christ, Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Virgin.
  • "Unbreakable Wall".
  • "Bread Contestant".
Wedding
  • "Unexpected joy".
  • "Matrona of Moscow".
  • "Peter and Fevronya".

Images of saints are donated not only for festive events. You can give a face to a pregnant woman

Blessed Virgin Mary "Assistant in childbirth", and a young man leaving for the army can be presented with an icon "Alexander Nevsky".

Signs

There are many signs associated with the donation of shrines. That is why now many people are afraid to receive images of saints as gifts.

If you were presented with a shrine, do not be upset and upset. It will be right to be delighted with the gift, because it brings happiness to the house and serves as a strong amulet for the family.

But people tend to believe in signs that prohibit accepting images as gifts. These signs appeared at a time of the destruction of churches and alienation from the church.

There was a time in our country when the government prohibited the faith, so the people were massively imposed on the opinion that all church attributes carry a threat and evil, but that is not the case.

Signs why you cannot accept an icon as a gift:

  1. The presented image attracts misfortune. To say that this omen is correct is wrong. The image of a saint cannot attract troubles and misfortunes to a family.

    The faces of the saints protect the home from the other world, protect a person from adversity.

  2. Damage is done on the shrine. Previously, many thought that the donated faces of the saints were corrupting a person.

    The shrine was placed in a prominent place, so its negative impact quickly spread to people.

    Therefore, many preferred not to accept such a gift, but to buy the shrine on their own.

    This sign is not substantiated by anything. Even black witches do not dare to bring damage to the church shrine. This is one of the biggest sins.

    Once in the hands of a person, the icon begins to "work" for his benefit, even if the gift is tainted by black magic.

  3. You cannot donate embroidered or self-drawn images. People think that self-made images have no power, therefore they are useless.

    But the church says the opposite. The power lies in the image of the saint, but how he appeared on the canvas does not matter.

Not only church shrines are protected and protected. Embroidered or hand-painted icons also have great power, but it is worth blessing them before donation by a priest.

Important! Believe it or not the signs is the decision of every person. But I would like to note that faith always inspires, saturates with strength and spiritually cleanses a person, therefore it is better to accept an icon as a gift so as not to show your disdain for the church and Christianity.

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When we are going to wish our loved ones a happy birthday, we often get lost and do not know which gift we can choose for this occasion. In Russia, there has long been a tradition to give holy images. Now, with the revival of spirituality, many of the customs that previously existed in pre-revolutionary Russia have begun to return. Therefore, believers are often interested in whether it is possible to give icons for a birthday?

Most of us choose gifts for our loved ones with love, wanting to express our best sincere feelings... If the future birthday person is a pious person, a believer, he will be pleased to accept the icon as a gift. The main thing is to choose the right thing, what exactly will please and inspire him the most. The variety of church faces is so great that one can easily get confused. Let's try to figure out what is the best choice in each particular case.

Through icon-painting faces, there is a reunion with the Lord, the Mother of God, the saints. You can pray without them. You can pray anywhere, anytime, in any environment. But when a consecrated image is before his eyes, a person concentrates more, gathers, mentally ascends to the Prototype that is depicted on him.

Icon-painting faces occupy an important place in the life of every Orthodox person. A person is born or dies, starts some business or sets off on a journey, always and everywhere he is accompanied by holy images. Faces have always been cherished, they have been passed on from generation to generation. Seeing off the warrior to the war, they blessed him with a shrine. And he knew that he was not going to war alone, but with God, because services were held in churches, mothers and wives prayed. Therefore, the Russian army became invincible.

Do you give icons?

It is customary for Orthodox believers to give images of saints for the most important events in life:

  • christening;
  • wedding;
  • day Angel;
  • on major Orthodox holidays;
  • temples and monasteries as a donation;
  • in many other cases.

Is it possible to give icons as a gift if you need to congratulate a loved one on his birthday?

Clergymen, hierarchs and church historians - all unanimously affirm that this is possible and even necessary.

This is an ancient pious custom inherent in a Russian person who, in the breadth of his soul, wants to give his neighbor the best that he has.

Informative! For what and what should be mandatory in every home

How the holy images were valued in Russia is evidenced by the fact that, when drawing up a will, an inventory of property, they were always recorded in the first place as the most valuable in this list. The surviving wills of the great princes, for example, Dmitry Donskoy, his father John Ioannovich, dated from the 14-15th centuries, and other documents of a later time testify to this. Icon-painting faces also occupied a significant place in the bride's dowry.

Attention! If you want to give an icon-painting face for your birthday, first consult the priest and find out the opinion of the church on this matter. Only a consecrated image bought in the temple is given.

Who and what icon is better to give

It must be remembered that the image of saints is not a piece of furniture, but serves completely different purposes - spiritual. Can I give an icon as a gift? The main purpose of the icon painting is to revive the faith and prayer of an Orthodox person.

Giving faces to our loved ones, we bring the spiritual angelic world closer to them, so that at any moment, when difficulties or illnesses visit them, they can turn to their heavenly patrons. So, let's try to figure out whether it is possible to give icons as a gift, and which holy images are better to prefer:

  1. In every Orthodox house, as a rule, there is a triptych: the Savior, the Mother of God and Nicholas the Pleasant. Saint Nicholas is venerated in Russia like no other. Almost every family has experience of his spiritual help. Therefore, if the birthday person has not yet managed to establish a prayer corner in his home, you can give him these images.
  2. So that there was prosperity in the house and poverty and problems go away, you can donate a list from the miraculous image "The Queen of Breads". As a rule, this face is hung in the dining room or in the kitchen, for prayer, according to the apostles, must be done in every place. With its help, poverty is overcome, prosperity appears in the house, troubles go away.
  3. If there are children in the house, it is good to give the icon-painting "Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos". It depicts pious parents who lead their child to God from a very young age. Looking at the holy faces, you begin to think about raising your own children and about your parental responsibilities, which God has entrusted to us.
  4. It is a great consolation for every person to look at the iconographic image dedicated to the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God. Any desperate soul will find peace and quiet looking at the holy face. He will drive away the gloom of despair, dispel gloomy thoughts, because the Zealous Intercessor herself has spread her veil over us.
  5. A young woman, a girl, a little girl will like the face of the Mother of God "Tenderness" of the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery. He personifies the purity and chastity of youth, femininity, which are so characteristic of early age. Looking at the bright face of the Mother of God and praying in front of him, the child will strive for the same sinlessness that is characteristic of the Virgin Mary.
  6. Any pious person wants to have an icon-painting image of his Heavenly patron saint at home, after whom he was named at baptism. If the birthday person does not yet have such a face, then he should give it to him. Prayer before him is the most confidential.
  7. You can donate images of all those saints who patronize family members, or order the writing of a family icon. As a rule, the Savior and the Mother of God are located in the center, and next to them (right and left) are the selected saints, patrons of family members. A prayer in front of such an iconographic image has the character of conciliarity, since petitions are raised not only for themselves, but also for relatives and friends. If there is a replenishment, a new heavenly patron is added.
  8. You should imperceptibly find out which saint is closest to the future birthday boy. If a person is ill with something, as a rule, he prefers to turn to the Orthodox saints-doctors Panteleimon, Luka Voina-Yasenetsky, Agapit Pechersky and others. Many Russian people have a special love for Father Seraphim, since for them he is the personification of all of Russia. With a warm prayer before the image of the saint, you can express your love for the fatherland, for everything Russian, Orthodox.
  9. If the iconographic image is presented to a colleague, a boss at work, you can choose saints who patronize the profession to which these people have dedicated themselves. For example, if this is trade, you can pray to Saints John of Sochavsky, Joseph Volotsky, Spyridon of Trimyphuntsky and others. Patroness missile forces - Great Martyr Barbara, Airborne - Prophet Elijah.
  10. If a holy image will be presented to the child, and it will be placed in the children's room, you can opt for the face of the Savior, Guardian Angel, Sergius of Radonezh as the patron saint of students, a named saint and others.
  11. Family people, especially women, should be presented with icon-painting images of the Most Holy Theotokos as the patroness of the family. They turn to Her for the gift of peace and love in the family, they raise petitions for the children. Saints Xenia of Petersburg, Matrona of Moscow, Peter and Fevronia, and others are also considered patrons of the family hearth.

Instead of expensive and useless trinkets, isn't it better to donate icons? Even the simple presence of a holy image in the house makes you, willy-nilly, think about your actions and inner content. When a righteous man is in front of his eyes, one involuntarily wants to pull up.

Attention!If you want to make a meaningful and useful gift, you must first ask about the life circumstances of the person to whom you are going to present it.

Gift to a man

Wanting to make a gracious gift to their beloved husbands and sons, many women ask for advice on what icon to give a man. This will depend primarily on the name, type of activity and hobbies of the donee. Work and professional activity in a man's life takes a particularly important place. Therefore, the choice of icon painting can be associated with this area of \u200b\u200blife. loved one... Usually they give:

  1. For the military - Saints George the Victorious, Alexander Nevsky, Archangel Michael.
  2. To teachers - St. Sergius of Radonezh, mchn. Tatiana.
  3. For sailors, travelers - St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
  4. The financiers - St. Matthew.
  5. Archangel Gabriel to diplomats.
  6. Civil servants - St. Yaroslav the Wise.

If a representative of the stronger sex is an avid fisherman, the question of which icon to present to a man is solved simply: the icon-painting faces of the holy apostles Peter and Andrew will suit him, and the hunter - St. mchn. Tryphon.

Gift to a woman

Women are the guardians of family well-being and are engaged in raising children. Therefore, the holy face must be chosen in accordance with the spiritual aspirations of the recipient. It is better for a woman to give an icon for her name day, one that depicts the image of the Most Holy Theotokos:

  1. Fadeless color - helps to preserve beauty and youth.
  2. Sweet kiss - protection of children from various diseases, dangers.
  3. Motherhood - will prepare for the appearance of children, help in childbirth, assist in their upbringing.
  4. Affection - helps to maintain purity, to marry successfully.
  5. Ostrobramskaya - protects the family from the interference of strangers, keeps peace and love in it.
  6. Iverskaya is the keeper of the hearth.
  7. Gerontissa is a caregiver for the elderly, heals from various diseases.
  8. Kazan is the most revered icon in Russia, it preserves family well-being.
  9. Vladimirskaya - heals, patronizes motherhood.
  10. Three-handed - heals, protects from melancholy, protects the house and family.
  11. Feodorovskaya - helps with childbirth.

You can also donate other icon-painting faces, for example, Matrona of Moscow. This saint helps everyone who comes to her with a wide variety of everyday needs.

Important! Many people ask, is it possible to accept the icon-painting image that was presented on some occasion? If he is consecrated in the Orthodox canonical church, yes, without hesitation and not taking into account any signs.

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Let's sum up

Family and friends are the most precious thing we have. When peace and love reign in a family, everyone is happy. Peace and joy also reign in our souls. Sometimes trials rush into our lives, and we often do not know how to help our loved ones. We try to do it with money, with some real deeds, but we often forget that there is a prayer that can move mountains if you say it with faith and trust in the mercy of God. Therefore, giving an icon on a name day is the best concern for loved ones and dear people.