How to properly venerate icons?

you can venerate the Bible, and I know a lot who do. basically, make your Cross, kiss it, and treat it with respect.

"Proper" also varies from one jurisdiction to another, one geographic location to another, monasteries vs. local parishes. The good news is that, any of the forms should be acceptable. When I visit a place where most people do something differently than I do, I make sure not to be disruptive, but other than that, I stay with what I know rather than trying to copy some difference. That's just me. I'd think it more likely I might just get it wrong, when they will probably forgive me for being different.

The part that that confuses me is when approaching the Chalice. I make the sign of the cross when the person in front of me is receiving, before stepping forward, so as not to risk bumping the Chalice. Then I put my arms down at my side. But in some jurisdictions they cross their arms to show they are ready, while I have heard in some places they cross their arms to show they don't expect to receive and want a blessing only. Oh, and we don't kiss the Chalice, so that makes me nervous too. We don't touch anything (unless help is needed to hold the napkin) so there is less chance of spilling the Eucharist.

In our parish, most simply venerate icons by making the sign on the Cross, then kissing the icon. Others cross several times, do full metanoias, cross after wards, and so on.

One thing you should probably know about venerating icons, watch where you kiss them. It is appropriate to kiss the hands, the feet, the hem of a garment, the Scripture they hold. It is NOT appropriate to kiss the face. (At least that's what I've been strongly and repeatedly told). Also, look at the icon. Some depict scenes that might not be properly venerated at all. (But the ones depicting Christ, the Theotokos, Saints, or Holy Angels are appropriate.)

ArmyMatt said:

you can venerate the Bible, and I know a lot who do. basically, make your Cross, kiss it, and treat it with respect.

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That's beautiful and truely reverent.
I will do that from now on aswell as my breviary upon Divine Office.

You have enriched my prayer routines dear Matt.
Thank you and God bless you.

Myong Hwan Eiselstein said:

What is the proper way to venerate icons? For example, when I pray in my icon corner, how should I properly venerate my icons? My friends at the Russian Orthodox church tried to show me, but I did not understand because of the language barrier.

Also, do you venerate the Bible after reading from it everyday?

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The Russian "tradition" is to make the sign of the cross with a metania (touching the ground with your hand) twice, then kissing the icon, than another sign of the cross with metania. That doesn't mean you have to do it exactly that way.

No licking and not on the face.

Something like that. Please don't feel that if you do something different, you're doing it wrong. As long as you venerate the icon reverently, that's what matters.

gzt said:

No licking and not on the face.

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Licking?!?!

Myong Hwan Eiselstein said:

I attend a Russian Orthodox parish (when we have a priest), so this is good to know.

Forgive my ignorance, but you're saying I should:

1. Make the sign of the cross
2. Metania
3. Make the sign of the cross
4. Metania
5. Kiss the icon
6. Make the sign of the cross
7. Matania

Is this correct?

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if you are doing it because you love God, then yep. do that