Icons are one of the most significant aspects of Orthodox Christian culture. They are not just images of saints and immortalized biblical scenes but symbolize spirituality and faith, which are the foundations of Orthodoxy.
An icon has long been called "the Bible for the illiterate," "Pictorial Gospel," "Theology in colors," or "Wordless sermon." This extraordinary artistic object is infused with spiritual energy and carries a deep spiritual message.
Icons are fundamental to worship and prayer in Orthodox, Catholic, and other Christian rites. Deciphering the symbolism of icon painting is not easy. Every color, image, and detail has its meaning and helps convey spiritual teachings.
Our Orthodox duty is to understand and respect the meaning and symbolism of Orthodox icons, as well as to honor our history, tradition, and culture by having them present in our homes.
SALE OF ORTHODOX ICONS FOR YOUR HOME
The sale and purchase of icons today are available at just one click. In Serbian Shop, you can find icons of all saints, as well as religious holidays that will decorate your home and make it a religious temple.
Buying patron saint icons at Serbian Shop is very simple, and you can pay for your order with a card, PayPal from abroad, and also cash on delivery.
For any doubts regarding ordering, paying, and delivering, contact us, and we will gladly help you complete your collection or the collection of religious products of your dearest relatives and friends around the world.
In Orthodox tradition, the icon holds a special place, determined by the fact that an icon is not just a decoration of the temple and an object of veneration, but it has a deep significance among its believers. It is believed that it can protect Christians from evil and illness and help them solve everyday life problems.
When you wish to buy an icon for your home, besides the symbolism it represents, the material it is made from is also important.
The main material for icon painting is usually wood as a base. Coated canvas is one of the most popular materials for icon painting.
It is glued to a wooden base that is painted with colors. Frames are mostly metallic and gilded with the finest gold.
Today, icons are available not only to believers but also to collectors and lovers of art and tradition keepers. However, when purchasing icons, it is important to remember their significance and use them accordingly, respecting their sacred meaning and symbolism.
ICON OF SAINT ELIJAH
The figure of Prophet Elijah is equally respected by representatives of different faiths. Therefore, he seems even more significant and familiar than all the Old Testament prophets, not only as a Christian saint but also as a protector of agriculture.
Icons of Saint Elijah can be seen in all Orthodox churches. They are also found in many home iconostases, especially when it comes to people engaged in agricultural work.
Christian iconography of Saint Elijah originated in Byzantium. Byzantine iconographers use specific colors that carry certain symbolism.
On the icon of Saint Elijah, one can see the red color symbolizing fire and spiritual passion. Gold usually depicts divine presence, while blue represents the sky and the spiritual world.
The clothing of Saint Elijah on a Byzantine icon is often stylized in the classical Byzantine manner, with rich ornamental details. Stylized attributes like flames and other scenes from the life of Saint Elijah are painted in a way that reflects the artistic expression of Byzantine icon painting.
This icon is framed in a metallic frame with 24-karat gold plating. Besides being a guardian of the home and a mark of the feast the house celebrates, it can also be a timeless gift for someone dear and spiritually close.
ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
Each icon has its unique symbolism. The icon of the Mother of God is always depicted with baby Jesus in her arms, symbolizing her role in the birth and upbringing of Christ. This icon is also known as "The Mother of God with the Child." It shows Mary indicating her son as the leader of the path to salvation.
The Mother of God wears long clothing of blue or red color. Blue symbolizes the sky, while red may indicate her human nature or suffering. The clothing is often adorned with gold or silver ornaments.
The face of the Mother of God is expressed with love, kindness, and calmness. This expression reflects her holiness and acceptance of divine will.
Other icons depict specific events from the life of the Mother of God, such as the Assumption of the Virgin, humility, or Mary's mediation.
The iconography of the Mother of God often has a richly decorated background and a metallic frame adorned with 24-karat gold plating.
ICON OF SAINT NICHOLAS
The list of saints revered by the Orthodox Church is quite extensive. But some canonized individuals hold a special place among the Saints, and the first among equals is Saint Nicholas.
The icon of Saint Nicholas represents Nicholas the Miracle Worker and is found in every Orthodox church. This saint is celebrated in almost every third house in Serbia. It is believed that Saint Nicholas continues to walk the world and perform miracles after his death. Many icons of this saint are recognized as miraculous and salvational from misfortunes and illnesses.
In the icon, Saint Nicholas is depicted as an Orthodox Church bishop, wearing an episcopal omophorion and mitre, indicating his bishopric service. The colors on the icon are bright and rich, red, blue, gold, and white. These colors symbolize light, divine presence, and joy.
He is shown standing or sitting with a blessed expression on his face. His figure is presented frontally, symbolizing openness and intimacy. Around Saint Nicholas's head is a halo indicating holiness and divine closeness.
THE WHITE ANGEL – ICON
The icon of the White Angel is a world-renowned masterpiece from the 13th century. It is a fresco on the wall of the Serbian Orthodox Monastery Mileševa. Painted by an unnamed master, it belongs to the school of fresco painting present in Serbian medieval monasteries. The fresco is located inside the church and represents one of the most beautiful and famous works of Serbian medieval painting.
The icon depicts Archangel Michael, the protector and leader of the heavenly army. He is presented as a young angel in white clothing, with spread wings and hands, in a unique style and with a profound expression in the eyes.
This icon has exceptional artistic value and symbolic significance in Serbian Orthodox heritage. Many Serbs keep it on the wall right next to the icon of the saint they celebrate.
ICON OF SAINT PETKA
Saint Petka, Paraskeva, or Saint Petka of Tarnovo is known to the people as the protector of women, but also children and the elderly. She was known for her deeds of mercy, helping the poor, sick, and exiled.
Legend says that Saint Petka experienced a miraculous encounter when an angel appeared to her in a dream, instructing her to spread Christ's faith among the people.
Her relics lay until 1521 in the Church of Ružica on Kalemegdan. In Serbia, Saint Petka is celebrated on October 27th. On that day, people queue outside the Church of Ružica to take miraculous water from the spring, believed to have healing properties.
Saint Petka in the icon is depicted in modest, monastic dark clothing symbolizing ascetic life and devotion to God. The light circle around the head as a saintly status, in hand a cross and open hands in prayer.
The gilded frame of the icon adds to its value and nobility.
ICON OF ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
Archangel Michael is one of the most important archangels, depicted as the leader of the heavenly army, a fighter against evil, and a protector of believers.
He is often shown as a warrior in military gear carrying armor, a sword, and a shield. This warrior appearance symbolizes his fight against evil and his protective role.
The feast day icon of Saint Archangel Michael is gilded with 24-karat gold, the finest and purest gold available.
WHERE TO BUY A PATRON SAINT ICON?
Serbian Shop is a specialized store for the sale of religious products, including icons. We recommend carefully choosing where to buy icons, giving preference to stores that adhere to certain quality and authenticity standards. It is also useful to read reviews from other customers to gain insight into other people's experiences.
Prices of Orthodox icons at Serbianshop can be viewed below each product, and you can also learn about the manufacturing details, the icon's symbolism, and current promotional prices available in your Serbian Shop.
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