How to Choose an Orthodox Icon: Ready-Made or Commissioned

Choosing an Orthodox icon is not only an aesthetic decision but also a spiritual one. The question “Should I buy a ready-made icon or commission a custom one?” is natural and can trouble even a devout and experienced believer. After all, an icon is not merely a work of art; it is a spiritual image that will accompany you or your loved ones, serve as an aid in prayer, and provide spiritual support.

Your decision depends on several factors: how much time you can devote to the purchase, what image you want to have at home, and whether the desired icon is available in a church shop or online. It is also important to remember that every icon carries a particular spiritual message that manifests itself not only in the depicted saint but also in the method of execution, choice of materials, and framing.

Ready-made icons: quick, convenient, accessible

If speed and accessibility matter most to you, a ready-made icon can be the optimal choice. It already exists, and you can take it home immediately—selecting from a variety of subjects, sizes, and types of decoration. This option is particularly suitable when the precise image is not essential and the most important thing is the spiritual support the icon provides.

Church shops and online stores offer a broad selection: from traditional images of Jesus Christ and the Theotokos to icons of patron saints of family life, particular needs, or feast days. For a faithful person, it matters that the icon resonates in the heart; ready-made icons allow you to sense that resonance without long waiting times.

Ready-made icons are especially appropriate when:

• you need to give an icon quickly for a baptism, wedding, or other celebration;
• uniqueness is not a primary requirement;
• you wish to choose from an existing assortment.

Even a ready-made icon can become a spiritual companion if you approach its selection with prayer and attention to the meaning of the depicted saint.

A commissioned icon: uniqueness and spiritual depth

If you desire something special and unique, consider commissioning an icon. This path requires time, thought, and planning, but the result can be deeply rewarding: a commissioned icon carries an individual spiritual message invested by the iconographer with care and love.

The creation of an icon is both a creative and a spiritual process. Depending on the technique used, it can take from a few hours to several weeks. When commissioning, it is important to decide in advance what image you want, in what style it should be painted, and how it will be finished. This is especially important when the icon is intended as a gift for baptism, a wedding, or a family event—when every detail can carry symbolic meaning.

Techniques and framing

Icons are made in various techniques. They may be painted in oil—either in a modern style or with an antique look—carved and burned on wood, embroidered according to a pattern, or produced in printed form. Each technique requires its own skillset and brings its own value.

Beyond the method of execution, framing plays an important role. Icons may be adorned with semi-precious stones, metal work, or fine frames. Such adornments make the icon not only an object of veneration but also a piece of sacred art that invites contemplation.

Choosing the image and its spiritual meaning

Choosing a saint and an image is a delicate, deeply spiritual task. The same saint portrayed in different gestures or scenes can convey distinct meanings. For example:

1. A baptismal icon — often the first icon given in a child’s life, representing the saint who protects the child; traditionally given at baptism.
2. A name-day icon — may be of any size and symbolizes the protection of the saint after whom a person is named.
3. A family icon — unites the protectors of all family members and blesses the home.
4. A wedding icon — a gift to newlyweds, symbolizing their spiritual union and shared life.
5. A festal icon — depicts biblical events such as the Nativity or the Baptism of the Lord, reminding believers of the spiritual meaning of the feast.

Every icon carries its own meaning, so choosing an image is not merely an aesthetic decision but a spiritual one. Pay attention not only to the external appearance but also to the inner response: which icon touches your heart, with which saint do you feel a special spiritual affinity.

How to find an iconographer and where to commission an icon

There are many talented iconographers who accept commissions. You can find them online, in social networks, or through personal recommendations.

When choosing an artist, it is important to:

1. Review the portfolio to evaluate style and quality.
2. Read clients’ reviews—other people’s experience helps make a wiser choice.
3. Discuss details with the iconographer personally: materials, deadlines, sizes, and finishing.
4. Request a guarantee on the work—this protects you from disappointment.

Such preparation brings peace of mind and confidence that the final result will please both the eye and the heart.

Spiritual reflections on selecting an icon

An icon is not home decor. It accompanies the believer in prayer, helps focus one’s heart on spiritual matters, and reminds us of the saints and their lives. Choosing an icon gives you the opportunity to reflect on who will be your spiritual patron and how this image will support you through trials and joys.

Sometimes, when selecting a ready-made icon, one may sense that it answers the heart’s need—as if the saint has chosen you. Commissioned icons, by contrast, allow you to invest a special measure of prayerful attention and personal meaning into the work, turning it into a genuine family heirloom.

Choosing between a ready-made icon and a commissioned one is both a practical and a spiritual decision. A ready-made icon suits those who value speed and accessibility; a commissioned icon is for those who seek a unique image with special meaning.

Whatever path you choose, approach it consciously—with prayer and attention to spiritual meaning. A rightly chosen icon becomes a source of blessing and spiritual light for you and your family, reminding you of the saint’s protection and of God’s presence in everyday life.