Besides that the icon is an image of saints image on canvas, wood, and other material, it still is a kind of talisman for the Orthodox. The people who come to the temple, well aware that the images of martyrs and saints are located not only on the icons. Their faces "contemplate" on the Church visitors with a mosaic of stained glass Windows and walls inside the building.
What does it mean, and why people carry an icon into your home, put it on a certain place? Deeply religious people know that the icon represents the image of the person to whom they come with prayer. Embodies the Saint who takes a human requests and remorse in his own misconduct, will give the grace. Asking about health for themselves and their families, we in front of an image of a particular Holy give their own promises, sincerely hoping for the help of God. People often become before the icon, when the other chance of escape is no more.
Not all believers attend Church regularly due to various reasons. And not many people know the rules by which life in the abutment walls of the temple and the services are held. But that does not diminish their faith in the miraculous powers. A childhood on a subconscious level learned the main images of the most Holy Savior and of the Mother of God. This knowledge came in the process of communicating with the grandmothers and great-grandmothers who were more knowledgeable in the Scriptures. On its pages there is evidence, that God himself commanded Moses to make and put "in the Holy of holies," Golden images of cherubim.
The appearance of icons in people's homes has become a necessity to ensure that everyone could at any moment to address you with gratitude or asking a Saint of God. It was not necessary to wait for going to the temple, and at the call of his heart and soul to draw a prayer to whom it is assigned.
According to tradition above the entrance it is customary to place an Orthodox cross or the icon of the Holy virgin. The icon of the house has to be respectful. During prayer, it is customary to sit face-to-sunrise. Therefore, the icon should stand in the Eastern part of the building. Before it is necessary to leave a lot of space to keep all the family at the same time could be on a shared prayer.
To set the icon on a shelf or place it on the wall. First in the house should bring the icon of the Mother of God or Savior. And then, if you have the desire and opportunity fill your family nest other images. Home iconostasis can consist of a particularly revered or registered images of the saints. Here already take into account the individual preferences of all family members.
If you are installing a traditional pair of icons, the image of the Savior, it is appropriate to place on the right, and the icon of the virgin, respectively, to the left. We must not forget the principle of hierarchy. Images of the Holy mother of God, icons of the Trinity and the Apostles, it is appropriate to put above all others. It is advisable to crown their Orthodox cross.
Adhering to the basic rules during prayer at home and in Church, and most importantly, believing in miraculous properties of Holy faces, everyone will be able to learn to live in harmony with each other. And only bringing others happiness and joy, you will achieve personal peace and emotional balance.
