The process of creating an icon begins with prayer. Icon painting is not only an art form, but also a spiritual journey in which every line carries deep meaning.

The board is made of linden wood. The front side usually has a recessed central area (ark), which symbolizes the unity of the earthly and heavenly worlds, and on the back oak braces are inserted to prevent the board from warping.

To create a proper surface for icon painting, a layer of gauze is glued onto a prepared wooden panel. Multiple layers of gesso are then applied. This ground is made from animal glue and natural chalk. Finally, the surface is carefully sanded and polished until it becomes perfectly smooth and ready for painting.

The reverse side of the board is coated with stain, giving it an attractive appearance, improving surface durability, and providing protection against insect infestation.

At this stage, the chosen image, drawn from ancient iconographic traditions, is first sketched on paper, then transferred onto the board, and every line is brought to life with careful brushwork.

Gold in the icon symbolizes Divine light, eternity, and the presence of the Heavenly Kingdom. For gilding, real 23.75–24 carat gold leaf is used.

At this stage, the main colors of the garments, flesh, background, and objects are applied in thin layers many times with egg tempera, establishing the overall color harmony of the icon.

Here the icon painter models the forms from dark to light, which symbolically shows a person’s path from earthly darkness to God’s light. Icons are not realistic, because their purpose is not to copy the visible world, but to reveal spiritual reality.

The face, hands, and hair in the icon are painted last, because it is through them that the spiritual essence of the image is conveyed.

These are golden strokes on the icon that symbolize Divine light, grace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The halo, the opush (the frame surrounding the icon), and the inscription are painted. The inscription makes the image unique, giving it sacred and canonical significance.

At the final stage, the icon is covered with linseed oil or a specially prepared oil varnish. This protects the pigments, enriches the depth of the image, and helps preserve the icon for generations.

Before sending, the icon is carefully and beautifully packaged.