www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology On Icons

I've had the sad experience of seeing such things before. It is truly terrible. A good example of people taking something holy and twisting it to the ends of the world.

From a moral perspective I would avoid purchasing anything from this group as I wouldn't want in any way to help enable them to promote, let alone produce, such items, especially since they are presenting themselves as somehow a store for Christian articles (which is makes it a little different than buying a book from a secular bookshop where it is a given they will have a hodge podge selection of items, some not at all compatible with the Faith, but where they make no such pretense).

I've recently bought some inexpensive metal-covered icons that were produced by the Russian Orthodox Church's Sofrino factory through eBay auctions. They are well done--print under plated metal covering. With the shipping, they have averaged about $12.50. Takes about three weeks to arrive.

Try these links:

http://search.ebay.com/Russian-Orthodox-icons_Collectibles

http://collectibles.listings.ebay.com/Christianity_Icons

BOB

I clicked Bob's links and, lo and behold, did I not come across a "rare first class relic of the Blessed Virgin" - so rare that the seller himself has only had 3 such in his possession ever :rolleyes: . This purports to be a hair.

I may seem a bit cynical and, frankly, I'm not disinclined to the belief that, if all the "relics of the True Cross" were brought together in one place, one would have sufficient wood for a forest. (I think I've personally seen a couple small stands of trees just with my own eyes).

But, one can attach all the red seals, append all the paper in Latin, and do whatever else one believes will lend an air of authenticity, but I do not believe that there are any first class relics of the Theotokos floating around to be had - let alone on e-bay - and find it difficult to believe that some sucker has bid this fraud up to $275.

Hair Relic of the Blessed Virgin Mary [cgi.ebay.com]

Perhaps more incredible, the collected relics of Our Lord, the Theotokos, St. Joseph, St. Anna, all Twelve Apostles, St. Paul, Ss. Mark & Luke, and St. Stephen the Protomartyr

The Grand Collection [cgi.ebay.com]

I refuse to consider it though, since St. Joachim and St. John the Forerunner aren't included :rolleyes:

Many years,

Neil, wondering if he's the only one who feels there is gullibility involved in some of these transactions involving relics

Neil- there is nothing new under the sun; only now it is on ebay instead of in some bazaar...or should I say "bizarre"?

When they advertise a feather from St. Michael, I will definely start looking elsewhere. Now that's a first class relic I don't ever expect to find.

LOL! :p

Dear ByzanTN,

I see you are in good form today!!!!

Alice, who appreciates good humour and wit...

Neil:

I don't know about relics offered. I was only looking for a few icons for my home prayer corner.

Frankly, I wouldn't bid on or buy relics offered for sale on eBay or anywhere. I don't want to be a party on either end of trading in the sacred. Beyond that, I don't believe that there are any credible relics of the Mother of God to be had anywhere. In fact, I believe that I was taught that at one point.

I offered the links only for those who were interested in icons. There have been some beautiful pieces offered and some are far beyond what I would pay. There are also a few people in Russia who are buying the pieces I bought from the Church and offering them for resale. I got lucky on four items that no one else bid on.

Like anything else, you've got to sift through the offerings. Something like a fish market--some you buy and others you hold your nose and pass up.

BOB

That's right up there with an autographed picture of the Holy Ghost, and the platter of St. John the Baptist.

Oh, they'd find SOME bird brain to buy it!

Gaudior, who prays the pun be excused

Dear All,

I just received the current catalog from Monastery Icons and am left wondering what is up with this company. Nowhere was there mention of the "Gnostic Orthodox" monastics that used to produce these products. Didn't this community move from Nebraska to somewhere in California?

Well the catalog (and this is confirmed on Monastery Icons web site) stated that the company was recently acquired by some group called the Sacred Arts Foundation, which is headquartered here in Missouri. Also, the catalog outlet is listed as being in West Chester, OH. Could there have been a change in ownership? Does anyone know the story?

Peace

Br. Elias

P.S. I thank the poster who recommended our own little company - the Printery House. Just as an aside, one of our younger monks is starting to learn iconography. His first pieces show much promise!

Dear Brother Elias,

You failed to take the opporunity to add a shameless plug!

www.printeryhouse.org [printeryhouse.org]

Not only do they have icons but many other quality items as well. I hope that link works.

Bill