Iconography has been anchored in the Orthodox tradition and is considered the most noble of all arts because its subject is God.  The icon is an object of deep spiritual, philosophical and psychological content: a search for the reality that lies beyond external appearance.  It is the iconographer's prayer that those who view the icons be blessed by the presence of Christ in their lives now and forever.

Each icon begins with prayer and the discipline of writing continues with prayers offered throughout the writing of the icon.  The traditional preparation of the board includes a layer of gesso-saturated muslin or pure linen and many layers of gesso.  After each layer dries, it is then sanded until extremely smooth.  Only then is it ready to receive the "cartoon" or design.

The design for the icon is chosen from the traditional canon [accepted images] of Eastern orthodoxy.  Many thin layers of paint [acrylic or egg tempera] are applied in an ancient process which always moves from darkness to light.  Traditional painting moves from light to dark.

Twenty-three carat gold leaf is applied at the end of the writing of the icon.  Last, the inscription, through which the image receives its sacred character, is written.

Again, each step, from the selection of the wood to the final varnishing, is carried out with prayer and love, using traditional methods and the finest contemporary materials.  The length of time to complete the icon depends upon the size and the content.