When Is an Orthodox Icon an Appropriate Gift?

An Orthodox icon can be a meaningful gift when the sacred image has a natural connection with the person, family, or occasion. Icons are used for prayer and veneration, so choosing one thoughtfully is more important than treating it as ordinary decoration.

Baptism or Chrismation

An icon of the person's patron saint, Christ, or the Theotokos can commemorate entrance into the life of the Church.

Wedding

Icons of Christ and the Theotokos are often associated with Orthodox family life and can become part of the couple's home prayer corner.

Name day

A patron saint icon is particularly appropriate because the celebration itself centers on that saint. See Orthodox Name Day Gift Ideas.

New home

An icon can help establish a prayer corner in a new home.

Greek, Ukrainian, Serbian, Romanian, Russian, and other Orthodox iconographic traditions are not spiritually restricted by nationality.