Prayers for the consecration of icons were included in the missal only in the 17th century. It was then that non-canon pictorial images began to appear. Therefore, before blessing the icon, the priest checked whether it was possible to do this. There is still no consensus regarding embroidered icons.
Instructions
Step 1
If you bought a design and embroidery kit for an icon in a store, be sure to ask your ward priest for a blessing before starting work. You should also refer to it if you yourself have created a sketch of it. He will check if the drawing complies with the church canons. It is believed that working on an icon is possible only if you have mastered the technique of facial embroidery. Although at present there is no consensus on this issue either.
Step 2
Ask the priest to consecrate the icon after it is embroidered. However, get ready for the fact that not every priest will treat you with understanding. Some of the priests believe that such icons should not be consecrated under any circumstances, since this is just fashionable kitsch. Someone believes that such work can only be performed by nuns or people with the blessing of the Patriarch. Some temples require the consecration of threads and fabrics.
Step 3
Start embroidering an icon only when you receive a blessing for this, if you still want to consecrate it. Observe a lax fast while embroidering. Read a prayer every time before starting work and after completing it. When embroidering, you should only think about good, clean, bright things. Internal torment, quarrels with loved ones, resentment, bad thoughts - all this should be left aside. Never watch TV or listen to music. Your mental attitude should be in tune with what you are doing, and not with something that has nothing to do with working on the icon.
Step 4
Do not do this on church holidays, Friday nights, Sunday, or “unclean days” (during your period). The best time to embroider is fasting. Even then, you should not start working in the hours between washing windows and cleaning carpets. Take your time to finish the embroidery by a certain day. Such work does not tolerate fuss.
Step 5
After you finish embroidering, contact your priest or another parish priest to consecrate this icon. Be prepared for the fact that he will ask you if a blessing was given to you, whether you fasted while working, on what days you worked to create an image. It is likely that he will consecrate your work not as an icon, but as utensils ("every thing"). Don't argue with him, and accept his decision with humility.
