If we are careless or unaware of an
image’s sanctity, then the image does not suddenly become unholy or “just a
picture”: instead we end up profaning the image of a holy one, whether a Saint,
an angel, or Jesus Christ Himself.
This post
offers some advice on avoiding such “accidental iconoclasm”.
Holy images in ordinary places
[The icon was] hung in a niche on the outside
of the walls of what used to be an Athonite monastery refectory. Before the
icon was a passageway, through which the fathers generally passed on their way
to the Refectory. The steward also passed that way in the performance of his
duties, not only by day, but also by night. Sometimes, in the night, he would
pass before this icon while carrying a burning torch. Once, in 1664,this
steward, Nilos, while passing by as usual, with the torch giving off soot,
heard a voice coming from the icon, which said, “In the future, do not come
here with a lighted torch and do not blacken my Image with soot.” At first,
Nilos was afraid of these words; but then, telling himself that one or another
of the brothers had spoken to him, he wentback quickly to his cell, passing on
as before. A voice came to him a second time from the icon, saying, “Monk,
unworthy of this name! Will you go on much longer carelessly and shamelessly
blackening my Image?” At these words, the Steward went blind, and then only did
he understand whose words these were; and, sincerely confessing his sin, he
deemed himself worthy of such punishment for his inattention to the words of
the Most Holy Virgin Theotokos. The brothers of the Monastery learned what had
happened, and consequently they placed a sanctuary lamp before the icon, and
had it censed every night, while praying diligently that Nilos might receive
back his sight. One day, while he was praying and weeping before the holy icon,
he heard a voice: “Nilos! Your prayer has been heard. I forgive you and shall
give back sight to your eyes…. for which reason My icon shall be called “She
Who Is Quick To Hear;” for I shall speedily show mercy and fulfill the
petitions of all who hasten to it.” Following these joyful words, Nilos
received back his sight.
The
“punishment” of the steward was clearly given in order for the healing to take
place, and for the glorification of God who continues to work miracles through
this holy image. Nevertheless, it is a cautionary reminder of the importance of
honoring images of Christ and the Saints, even though they might not be in an
“ordinary” or “by-the-way” place.
In what
way should we honour icons hung in corridors, kitchens, utility rooms etc? St
John the Wonderworker of San Francisco did indeed venerate all the icons he
could see upon entering a house, even doing so before addressing the occupants!
This displays a proper understanding of holy images, as their prototype –
Christ and His Saints – are indeed worthy of attention before anything else.
Nevertheless, in the example of the “She Who is Quick to Hear” icon, punishment
came because of neglect that was damaging the image of Mary and Jesus, rather
than because the steward failed to bow and kiss the icon each time he passed.
Therefore it is enough to say that being aware of the holy images around us,
wherever we may be, is enough – as awareness of the icon leads to awareness of
the Saints, and a right heart, should, come from this.
Care of paper icons
As if to
demonstrate this, in modern times God has granted that a number of printed
icons be revealed as wonder-working. Paper icons, particularly prints mounted
on thin pieces of wood, are produced in vast quantities, allowing anyone to
have their own holy image for a relatively small cost. Among the printed icons
revealed to be miracle working (usually myrrh-streaming) are the Iveron Icon
from Hawaii, an icon of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, and one of his namesake,
the Royal-Martyr Nicholas II.
A print
icon bought specifically to be placed in a church or icon-corner will generally
be kept with care. However, if recent miracles confirm the sanctity of
mass-produced mounted print icons, then what of icons printed in books,
Orthodox greetings cards (something which is increasingly popular), or even
church bulletins? The pious custom of all corners of the Orthodox church
appears to be that printed icons should be treated with respect. Not wanting to
sound like a stuck-record, but the holiness of the image is derived from its
prototype, not the material it is printed on, nor its intended use.
As for
images printed on disposable items, such as leaflets or periodicals, the holy
images can be cut out before the rest is thrown away or recycled. The images
can be kept, of course, and used for veneration themselves. However, they can
also be disposed of, which lead on to…
Disposal of holy images
Most
icons will reach a point when they are beyond restoration and need disposing
of. This has long been something the Church has had to deal with, as has the
disposal of other sacramental items like vestments (which are also often
decorated with icons), and so there are canons regarding the correct disposal
of them.
Sacramental
items that are combustible, which includes icons painted on wood, are burned,
and the ashes buried in an out of the way place. Non-combustible items, which
would include glass icons found in parts of Romania, are broken up (they may be
already broken which is why they need disposing of) and then the pieces either
buried or thrown into moving water, to be carried away. However, it is the
spirit of the law that should be remembered, rather than strict adherence: the
intent in these canons is to prevent an image of Christ or His Saints being
trampled, dirtied, or in other ways defaced. Hence icons are generally burned
so the image is gone, and the ashes buried where they are not trampled; the
materials, not in themselves holy, then return to the earth.
Disposing
of paper icons is done in the same way: burned, then buried. This is also true
of holy images printed onto flyers or other ephemera, where there is no
intention of keeping them.
***
The above
is not intended to make any believers beholden to rules and regulations
regarding icons. The actual intention can be summed up the words of St John of
Krondstadt:
The icons of the Lord, of His mother and the
saints also possess the power of God for believers and may accomplish miracles
upon them. Why? Because, by God’s grace the Lord, the Holy Virgin and the
saints are present in them. They are nearer to us than the images. This is
true, as experience often confirms this.
Source: https://iconreader.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/how-not-to-be-an-accidental-iconoclast/
CONVERSATION