Is it possible to give a cross or an icon to another person for a holiday

Since ancient times, people believed that crosses and icons with the image of saints protect against temptations and diseases, help in making the right decisions and save in difficult situations. But is it possible to give crosses and icons, what reason is considered appropriate for such a gift, and what superstitions exist among the people in this regard, Izvestia tells.

Is it possible to give a cross — the opinion of the church, folk signs

The tradition of giving crosses for any holidays has existed for a long time and means wishing God's blessing. Therefore, the church sees nothing shameful in giving, for example, a cross. Moreover, it has been a sacred duty of the godfather since ancient times.

Crosses are given at the baptism of a child. It is also customary to present crosses, icons and other religious attributes as gifts to people in holy orders and to all other believers. The main thing is that the gift should come from a pure heart and be intended for a Christian. Orthodox crosses are not given to non-believers. Just as they are not chosen as a gift for people who are far from the Christian faith.

At the same time, the clergy emphasize that the cross is not a piece of jewelry or a magical amulet. Therefore, there is no point in unnecessarily decorating it. You need to wear it close to your heart, under your clothes and separately from other products, including pendants and incense sticks.

There is a popular belief that accepting crosses as a gift from other people is a bad omen. Especially if the cross previously belonged to a seriously ill or deceased person. It is believed that in this way all the hardships will pass to the new owner.

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Such ideas have nothing to do with faith. St. John Chrysostom also said: "By the Cross, everything hostile to us has been overthrown and trampled under foot." Thus, he confirmed that the cross is a shrine that protects and protects, and does not cause harm.

However, it is still better to choose new and consecrated crosses as a gift, if we are not talking about a family heirloom. You can buy them in any church, monastery shop or jewelry store, but in this case they must be consecrated first.

Is it possible to present an icon as a gift

Like crosses, icons are a fairly common gift from Christians. There are no prohibitions on donating them. Icons are usually given for christenings, name days, birthdays, and various church holidays. But it is important to understand that an icon is not a painting, but a holy image before which one prays. Therefore, it should not be perceived as an indicator of luxury or part of the interior.

Traditionally, icons depict Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, the Holy Trinity, archangels, saints, and events described in the Holy Scriptures. Each image has its own purpose. Before purchasing an icon, you should study its history, who it helps and what it helps.

The Kazan, Vladimir and Tikhvin icons of the Mother of God are highly revered by the Orthodox. They are addressed with prayers for loved ones, healing from diseases, protection and help in business. Nicholas the Wonderworker, George the Victorious and Archangel Michael, who were especially revered in Russia, are also considered the main helpers and defenders of the Orthodox person.

In addition, every Orthodox person has his own guardian angel, a saint, whose name was given to the believer at birth. An icon with the face of the heavenly patron saint is most often given on the name day. But since now the tradition of naming a newborn in accordance with the saints is not so common, you can simply give an image of a saint with the name that the recipient of the gift bears.

Earlier, Izvestia told us what to give a child for a christening.