1. Are your icons authentic and entirely hand-painted?
Yes, absolutely. Every icon in our collection is 100% hand-painted by a single artist using traditional techniques. We do not sell prints, decoupage, or mass-produced replicas. When you purchase from Sacred Greek Icons, you are acquiring an original, one-of-a-kind piece of religious art.
2. What materials do you use?
The icons are created on solid, specially prepared wood panels. For the painting process, I primarily use high-quality, professional-grade acrylics and rich oil paints. These materials allow for deep, vibrant colors and exceptional longevity. On specific occasions, depending on the piece, I may also incorporate traditional egg tempera. Backgrounds and halos often feature gold leaf, and every final piece is meticulously sealed with a museum-quality protective varnish to ensure it remains beautiful and safe for generations.
3. How should I care for and clean my icon?
To preserve the beauty of your hand-painted icon for generations:
4. Are the icons blessed by a priest before shipping?
No, the icons are not pre-blessed. According to Orthodox Christian tradition, it is customary for the faithful to take their newly acquired icon to their local parish priest to be blessed and placed on the Holy Altar before taking it home for private veneration.
5. Do you accept custom orders or commissions?
Yes, I am happy to paint specific Saints, Feast Days, or family patron Saints upon request. Please note that custom commissions take time to complete properly. If you have a specific request, please email me at sacredgreekicons@proton.me with the details, and we can discuss the size, timeline, and pricing.
6. Do you ship to the United States?
Yes, we do! Please note that the Greek National Postal Service (ELTA) has officially suspended all standard parcel shipments to the United States due to strict U.S. customs regulations. Because standard mail is no longer an option, we have upgraded all our U.S. shipments exclusively to premium private couriers (DHL Express or FedEx). While this means the shipping cost is higher than it used to be, it guarantees a fully tracked, secure, and incredibly fast delivery (usually within a few days) straight to your door.
7. How is the icon packaged? Will it survive international shipping?
Yes! We are very serious about our packaging. After the final varnish is completely dry, the icon is carefully wrapped in acid-free materials, cushioned with bubble wrap, and secured in a hard box to ensure it arrives safely anywhere in the world.