How to deal with old shrines

Icons are an intermediary between people and saints, a sacred object, not an element of the interior. When we pray, we focus on the image of the person to whom we address our prayers. Often icons are passed from generation to generation, and sometimes they accumulate so much that there is no space. This can happen if every year you buy calendars with the faces of saints or give you icons.



Old icons can sometimes stay in the house iconAnd new residents may want to get rid of these attributes of faith. It should be noted that such things should not be carried in the garbage. Then what better way to deal with them? Today we will tell you what to do with the accumulated icons and where they can be attributed.



Old icons, on which the image is almost not visible, can be attributed to the church. They'll burn him in the oven. You can burn the icon yourself, but not with garbage, but separately. No matter how shabby the icon may be, it still remains an icon, it must be treated with respect.



Icons with minor injuries can be attributed to the memorial table along with products to honor the memory of deceased relatives. In a bad condition, it is better not to give the icon to anyone, it will be disrespectful.



If the icon is a family heirloom, but lost its appearance, you can try to restore it. It might even be better than buying a new one. An icon passed down from generation to generation is more valuable than a new one. So we learn to honor our ancestors, a good tradition is inherited by our children.



Often there are old icons in ancestral homes from deceased relatives. These things can be consecrated in the temple or given to someone if the icons are in good condition. It is believed that giving an icon is a good tradition because it is a sacred object.



Archpriest Andrei Efanov said, Where to put old icons And what to do with the accumulated shrines in the house: “Since we are talking about sacred things, it is impossible to throw them into the garbage. Therefore, you need to find a suitable and possible solution in your circumstances: those things that can be burned can be burned (calendars and other paper objects depicting icons, saints, a cross, etc.). And prosphora, for example, can be buried in a secluded place on a garden plot, in the forest.



The main thing is that the shrine is not trampled. Crosses can be stored at home, handed over to someone or taken to a temple, for example, to be melted into something necessary in the church. What needs to be burned can also be taken to the temple. But this should not be abused – in some churches in major cities carry so much that temple workers are forced to refuse to dispose of these things.”



Crosses or candles can also be attributed to the temple, where they will be melted into items necessary for the church. Instead of carrying religious items to the city church, they can be donated to the needy or taken to a village temple. It is necessary to say goodbye to the icon according to the rules, so as not to defile the face of the saint and not to harm yourself with reprehensible actions.