Prayers for the consecration of icons entered the treasury only in the 17th century. It was then that non-canonical picturesque images began to appear. Therefore, before consecrating the icon, the priest checked whether it was possible to do so. Concerning the embroidered icons, there is still no consensus.
Instruction manual
1
If you bought a scheme and a set for embroidering an icon in a store, be sure to contact the priest of your parish for a blessing before starting work. You should also turn to it if you yourself have created its sketch. He will check to see if the drawing matches the church canons. It is believed that you can work on the icon only by mastering the technique of front embroidery. Although at present there is no consensus on this issue.
2
Ask the priest and consecrate the icon after it is embroidered. However, get ready for the fact that not every priest will treat you with understanding. One of the priests believes that such icons should not be consecrated under any circumstances, since this is just a fashionable kitsch. Someone believes that only nuns or people with the blessing of the Patriarch can do this work. In some temples it is required to consecrate threads and fabric.
3
Start embroidering the icon only when you receive this blessing, if you still want to consecrate it. When embroidering, follow a lax fast. Each time before starting work and after its completion, read a prayer. When embroidering, you should only think about good, clean, bright things. Internal torment, quarrels with loved ones, resentment, bad thoughts - all this should remain on the sidelines. Never watch TV or listen to music. Your mental attitude should be in tune with what you are doing, and not that which is not related to the work on the icon.
4
Do not do this during church holidays, on Friday evenings, on Sunday, and also on “unclean days” (during menstruation). The best time for embroidery is fasting. But even then you should not start work during the hours between washing windows and cleaning carpets. Take your time to finish the embroidery by one day. Such work does not endure fuss.
5
After you finish embroidering, turn to the priest of your parish or another in order to consecrate this icon. Be prepared for what he will ask you, whether a blessing was given to you, whether you fasted during work, on what days you worked on creating the image. It is likely that he will consecrate your work not as an icon, but as utensils ("every thing"). Do not argue with him, and make his decision with humility.
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Types of Orthodox Treasury
