New home · Moving house

A housewarming gift: the icon that blesses the home

In the Christian tradition the first thing to enter a new home is a sacred image: a sign that the house is entrusted to God. For those moving house, marrying or restoring the family home, a hand-painted icon is an original gift that brings blessing.

Where to place an icon in a new home

At the entrance, to entrust to God those who come and go.
In the prayer corner, traditionally facing east.
In the living room, as the focal point of family life.
In the children's room, with the Guardian Angel.

Entrance — The icon welcomes those who enter. — Entrance
The icon welcomes those who enter.

Living room — Icon as the focal point of the home. — Living room
Icon as the focal point of the home.

Which subject to choose

Saint Michael the Archangel

Guardian of the home, traditionally placed near the door.

The Mother of God

The Tenderness or the Hodegetria, to entrust the family to her.

Christ Pantocrator

The central icon of the prayer corner.

The family saint

The patron of the family or of its place of origin.

The blessing of the home

Many families ask the priest to bless the icon together with the new home: a beautiful way to begin life in a place. Every icon is commissioned with an offering proportionate to the time and materials of the work, and arrives with a certificate of authenticity on real parchment, photographs of every stage and a booklet explaining its meaning.

Frequently asked questions

What to give someone moving into a new home?

A gift that stays in the house and gives it a soul: a hand-painted icon of Saint Michael, of the Mother of God or of the family saint.