Question:

We have ikons in our home, but we keep them in a room where they cannot be seen by any non-Orthodox visitors. We don't want them to be defiled by non-believers who might later make fun of them or think that they are strange.

My sister and brother-in-law criticize us for this and tell us that the ikons should be in the main room of the house.

Reply:

Your sister and brother-in-law are correct. Having the ikon corner in the main room of your home is very important, even if you have a small chapel elsewhere in the house. First of all, the ikon corner is the centre of the home and the pivot point of family life because Christ is the centre of your home and family. The ikons are a constant reminder to you, and they are also a testimony of your faith.

Non-Orthodox visitors should see this testimony of the Christ-centredness of your family, and it may give you an opportunity to witness Orthodoxy to them if they ask about it.

I know it is not the case with you, but some people will not have ikons in the main room of their houses because they are embarrased about their faith, when un-believers visit. This is very tragic because our Saviour warned that if we were ashamed of Him in this sinful world, He would deny us on judgment day.

By all means, place your ikons in the main room of your home - and make the proper use of your ikon corner as a family prayer and Scripture reading centre.

Incidentally, your family Bible should be kept in the ikon corner and treated with the same respect as the Gospel Book in church.

+Archbishop Lazar