Rules for the Icon Painter

Bulgarian        French

1. Before starting work, make the sign of
the Cross; Pray in silence, & pardon
your enemies.

2. Work with care on every detail of your
ikon, as if you were working in front
of the Lord Himself.

3. During work, pray in order to strengthen
yourself physically and spiritually; avoid
above all useless words and keep silence.

4. Pray in particular to the Saint whose
face you are painting. Keep your mind from
distractions, and the Saint will be close to you.

5. When you have to choose a color, stretch
out your hands interiorly to the Lord &
ask his counsel.

6. Do not be jealous of your neighbor's
work; his success is your success too.

7. When your ikon is finished, thank God
that His Mercy granted you the grace
to paint the Holy Images.

8. Have your ikon blessed by putting it
on the altar. Be the first to pray before it,
before giving it to others

9. Never forget:
The joy of spreading ikons in the world.
the joy of the work of ikon-painting
The joy of giving the Saint the possibility
to shine through his ikon.
The joy of being in union with the Saint
whose face you are painting.

(Unknown Origin)

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