The tradition of giving icons existed in ancient Russia. In the modern world, the custom of giving images is being revived, but not everyone knows to whom, when and which icon can and should be given in accordance with the canons of Christianity.
In Orthodox Christianity, icons are of great importance. The images of the saints fill the homes and churches of the Russian people with joy and peace, they heal and help in difficult times, give confidence in their abilities, hope for help and support from above. Moreover, they are also priceless objects of art, regardless of what setting they are in, at what time they were created - their faces are distinguished by their sophistication and a rare combination of colors.
The icon as a gift will delight every true Christian and will be the first step towards faith in the Lord even for the most ardent atheist. It is possible and necessary to give images of saints to close people and friends, colleagues on Orthodox holidays and family memorable dates, in honor of birthdays and baptismal days, on professional holidays and secular solemn meetings.
What icons to give to loved ones and loved ones
A beloved person can be presented with a personalized icon with the face of his patron saint on his birthday or Angel's day, which will protect him from adversity, troubles, life troubles and diseases.
It is customary for newlyweds to give the so-called wedding couple - a fold with the faces of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Lord Almighty. Such a gift symbolizes the inseparability of the couple, keeps the house calm and, as a rule, becomes the main family heirloom for many years. On the wedding anniversary, it is recommended to give an icon with Peter and Fevronia or the faces of Kupriyan and Ustinia.
A newborn or newly baptized baby must be presented with an image with a Guardian Angel or a personalized icon. You can add a cross to the gift, but not necessary. Protects the baby from misfortunes and gives him health an image with the face of Saint Stylian.
Aged jubilees can be presented with an icon with the face of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, which protects mental and physical health and helps in healing. And pupils or students are presented with an icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh, which helps in mastering the sciences and passing exams.
What images can be presented to colleagues
There are also Christian saints who patronize and protect representatives of certain professions. For example, doctors are given the icon of Panteleimon the Healer, and the military - the face of St. George the Victorious.
Drivers, railroad workers, pilots and everyone who often travels on duty can be presented with an icon with St. Nicholas the Wonderworker as a gift. This image can be placed both in the office and on the desktop, that is, it will be appropriate as a gift for the entire working team and for an individual employee on his memorable date.
The icon of St. Andrew the First-Called is presented to everyone who is somehow connected with the sea, because he is their patron, and it does not matter whether a person works in the port or goes on long voyages.
For representatives of all professions, without exception, and for large businessmen especially, an icon with the faces of Saints Constantine and Helena should be chosen as a gift, since they protect the owner from material hardships and favor hard work.
