The rules of icon writer

1. Before starting work: cross yourself, pray in silence, and forgive your enemies.
2. Work diligently over every detail, as you would work before God himself.
3. While working, pray to strengthen your body and soul, avoid unnecessary words, and keep silence.
4. Pray exactly to the saint whose face you depict. Do not let your thoughts wander, and so the saint will be close to you.
5. When you have to choose a color, pray to God and ask him for advice.
6. Do not envy the successes of your neighbor; they are also your successes.
7. When you finish the icon, thank God for the grace to paint holy images.
8. Place the icon on an altar and consecrate it; be the first to pray in front of it before giving it to others.
9. Never forget:
– The joy of spreading icons to the world
– The joy of icon painting
– The joy of giving the Saint the opportunity to shine through your icon
– The joy of union with the saint whose image you paint.