My local Greek Orthodox church sells teddy bears that wear little t-shirts that say "I am an Orthodox Christian" and have an icon imprinted on them. I imagine that they are baptismal gifts. They certainly are adorable, but what thinks you all about this? (The same shop also sells commuter coffee mugs with icons.) I'm not sure that it is ever wrong to display an icon, as long as it is done reverently and respectfully, but I don't know about this stuff. Do you think it's ok? (My church, on the other hand, has a kiosk that sells icons, crosses and the Jordanville prayerbook!)
Church gift shop
If the teddybears didn't have icons on them it would be cuter. I don't like the idea of shirts/mugs/mousepads etc with icons on them. It seems disrespectful and wrong. I mean, with the clothing you would have to put it through the washing machine as well.
I saw someone wearing a sweatshirt with an icon of the Theotokos on it walking down the street in Auckland a few weeks ago, which surprised me. I guess they got it as a souvenir somewhere. There's not so many Orthodox in this country....
Re: Tacky
George wrote:Exactly. Icons are holy objects not something to drink coffee from or wear as clothing.
I agree... if they were created as Icons to be venerated. But a reproduction of an icon which was not created for the purpose of venerating..I think that is different.
If a coffee mug, a bookmark, a shirt, etc., with a reproduction of an icon helps us (and others simply by it being there) remember, or reflect upon Christ, how can that be bad?
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They say that I am bad news. They say "Stay Away."
You do raise a good point Tom. At home I have many icons which while not necessarily venerating, serve as a reminder. Also a shirt with an icon is nicer to look at than some of the foul stuff you see these days, but that being said I still think that icons are something for veneration not for sliding a computer mouse over, drinking coffee from or throwing in the washing machine along with dirty socks and underwear.