Icons & Sacred Art
62 writings in Icons & Sacred Art. Clear
Icons & Sacred Art
Can I have icons in my bedroom?
Yes. Orthodox Christians commonly place icons in bedrooms, and it’s a perfectly appropriate practice. Many Orthodox families set up their home prayer corner in a…
Icons & Sacred Art
Can I have icons in my bathroom?
No. Icons belong in clean spaces where you can pray, not in bathrooms. The question comes down to what icons are for. Icons are windows…
Icons & Sacred Art
How do I care for icons?
Treat your icons with gentleness and respect, because they’re not just religious art. They’re windows to heaven. Most of the time, caring for icons means…
Icons & Sacred Art
What do I do with damaged icons?
Burn them or bury them. Don’t throw them in the trash. This probably sounds strange if you’re used to tossing old church bulletins or worn-out…
Icons & Sacred Art
Can I throw away an icon?
No, don’t toss an icon in the trash. But if it’s damaged beyond repair, you can dispose of it reverently. Icons aren’t just religious artwork…
Icons & Sacred Art
How do I properly dispose of blessed items?
Never throw blessed items in the trash. Anything that’s been blessed, icons, holy water, palms, prayer ropes, liturgical books, has been set apart for God…
Icons & Sacred Art
Should icons be blessed?
Yes, new icons are customarily blessed by the priest. Ask Fr. Michael. The holiness of an icon comes from what it depicts, not from a…
Icons & Sacred Art
How are icons blessed?
A priest or bishop blesses an icon with a specific prayer, usually while sprinkling it with holy water. It’s a brief service you can request…
Icons & Sacred Art
Can I buy icons or should they be given as gifts?
You can absolutely buy icons. There’s no prohibition against purchasing them, and you don’t need to wait for someone to give you one as a…
Icons & Sacred Art
Where can I buy Orthodox icons?
You can buy Orthodox icons from church-affiliated stores like Ancient Faith, reputable Orthodox vendors like Legacy Icons, monastery bookstores, and trained iconographers who take commissions.…
Icons & Sacred Art
Are printed icons okay or do they need to be hand-painted?
Printed icons are absolutely fine. You don’t need a hand-painted icon to have a legitimate, venerable image in your home or even in a church.…
Icons & Sacred Art
Can I venerate a printed icon?
Yes, you can absolutely venerate a printed icon. The method of production doesn’t matter theologically. What matters is what the icon depicts and whether it’s…
