Proper understanding, purpose and use of icons?

[ArmyMatt]

Okay, so a spin off question that is only marginally related to the original...

I see that both of you have icons of your patron saint included in your homes. I am curious how the Orthodox acquire a patron saint? Is it a personal choice? Assigned by a priest or spiritual father? Assigned by virtue of being baptized/chrismated on the saint’s feast day? Or how?

Thank you again for your patience with my ignorance...

usually choosing a patron saint is something you work out with your priest

 

[“Paisios”]

If I understand your question completely, the answer is: yes.

My patron saint is the same as my given name. There were multiple reasons; that there was a match was considered first. The relics of my patron saint were translated into the orthodox church on my birthday. Since I was charismated as an older adult (52) both my sponsor and priest thought it was appropriate.

usually choosing a patron saint is something you work out with your priest

I thank you both for your responses. Please bear with my ongoing questions. So @FenderTL5 , you say first that there was a “match”. Would it be too personal to ask in what way that match was found? And to @ArmyMatt , Father, what kind of considerations play into this choice?

 

[FenderTL5]

I thank you both for your responses. Please bear with my ongoing questions. So @FenderTL5 , you say first that there was a “match”. Would it be too personal to ask in what way that match was found? And to @ArmyMatt , Father, what kind of considerations play into this choice?

It's not too personal. Because of my age, My priest suggested that I start by looking at few "obvious" choices: What saints are commemorated on my birthday and/or date of Chrismation. Is there a saint with your (my) given name? When I told Father that an Orthodox saint with my given name was translated into the church on my birthday, I recall him saying (in effect, maybe not specifically), "it sounds like he's already been watching over you."

 

[ArmyMatt]

I thank you both for your responses. Please bear with my ongoing questions. So @FenderTL5 , you say first that there was a “match”. Would it be too personal to ask in what way that match was found? And to @ArmyMatt , Father, what kind of considerations play into this choice?

if you already have a saint name, if you feel a close veneration with one, if one has been at work already in your life, etc.

 

[“Paisios”]

if you already have a saint name, if you feel a close veneration with one, if one has been at work already in your life, etc.

Thank you, Father.

(By the way, I have attended another Divine Liturgy, and once again was invited to breakfast with the priest and his family, and had another nice talk...I fear that he might tire of all my questions...as I do here...)

 

[“Paisios”]

It's not too personal. Because of my age, My priest suggested that I start by looking at few "obvious" choices: What saints are commemorated on my birthday and/or date of Chrismation. Is there a saint with your (my) given name? When I told Father that an Orthodox saint with my given name was translated into the church on my birthday, I recall him saying (in effect, maybe not specifically), "it sounds like he's already been watching over you."

Thank you for the response. That does sound like it makes sense.

 

[All4Christ]

My name is Laura - and St Laura of Córdoba is (I believe) the only canonized female Orthodox saint named Laura So I chose her.

 

[“Paisios”]

My name is Laura - and St Laura of Córdoba is (I believe) the only canonized female Orthodox saint named Laura So I chose her.

Thank you for your response. I am unfamiliar with this saint, though I am in general awed by the faith and perseverance of the saints and martyrs, of whom I am only recently becoming aware. (Veneration of the saints, and by extension, telling their stories, has not been much of a part of the religious traditions to which I have been a part).

 

[~Anastasia~]

My name was chosen by my godfamily.

Later I asked them which St. Anastasia, but the only answer I had ever received was that it means Resurrection, so I guess I don't actually have a patron Saint.

I did read up on the most recignizeable St. Anastasia, who I found I had a lot in common with in some particular life circumstances, and I found an icon of her with two other Saints.

 

[“Paisios”]

My name was chosen by my godfamily.

Later I asked them which St. Anastasia, but the only answer I had ever received was that it means Resurrection, so I guess I don't actually have a patron Saint.

I did read up on the most recignizeable St. Anastasia, who I found I had a lot in common with in some particular life circumstances, and I found an icon of her with two other Saints.

Thank you for sharing. Most gracious.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Thank you, Father.

(By the way, I have attended another Divine Liturgy, and once again was invited to breakfast with the priest and his family, and had another nice talk...I fear that he might tire of all my questions...as I do here...)

I don't think you need worry that TAW will tire of your questions.

I know I asked probably a thousand or so, maybe more. And people were always kind to answer.

I enjoy answering questions. Sometimes I learn more in the process, it's good practice for me, and sometimes I get correction and clarification in the process by those who know more. I think it benefits all around.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Thank you, Father.

(By the way, I have attended another Divine Liturgy, and once again was invited to breakfast with the priest and his family, and had another nice talk...I fear that he might tire of all my questions...as I do here...)

nah, keep asking away!

 

[prodromos]

My name is John, and when I started enquiring into Orthodoxy I was floored to discover I was born on the 'feast' day of the beheading of St John the Baptist. I put feast in quotes because it is actually a strict fast on that day

 

[“Paisios”]

My name is John, and when I started enquiring into Orthodoxy I was floored to discover I was born on the 'feast' day of the beheading of St John the Baptist. I put feast in quotes because it is actually a strict fast on that day

My name is John, and when I started enquiring into Orthodoxy I was floored to discover I was born on the 'feast' day of the beheading of St John the Baptist. I put feast in quotes because it is actually a strict fast on that day

Thank you for sharing. A solemn and sad event for which to be named, but an honor to share the name of the forerunner of the Christ.

 

[☦Marius☦]

My patron saint was by my own choice though my parish father made a recommendation that I learn about her. It is usually up to you.

 

[“Paisios”]

My patron saint was by my own choice though my parish father made a recommendation that I learn about her. It is usually up to you.

Thank you for the reply.