Exaltation of the Holy Cross Icon

Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to find physical proof of the Gospel stories at her son's request. Her efforts led to the miraculous rediscovery of the Holy Cross and the sites of Christ's Crucifixion and Burial, drawing crowds of believers eager to venerate the relic. While Constantine was not present during this event, icons often depict him to highlight his critical role in the glorification of the Cross. In 17th century Russian, icons of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross included the reigning Tsar and Patriarch, emphasizing the historical continuity from Ancient Rome through Constantinople to the emerging Muscovite state.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross icon reflects the artistry of lacquered icons workshop, where we create folding icons, crosses, and various-sized icons.

The creation process begins with preparing wooden boards, which are cut into smaller panels and smoothed into refined oval shapes. These panels are transformed into polished lamellas that are then glued together to form a solid base. After selecting and laminating images stored for this purpose, artisans fit these images to the panels, cutting and verifying their symmetry before applying special glue to secure them. A final polish enhances durability and aesthetics.

Once the icons are fully dried, they undergo a blessing ritual, with a stamp of authenticity from the convent placed on the back. Each lacquered icon, crafted through this meticulous process, serves as thoughtful gift, or as part of your prayer corner.