Full Iconostases
Damascene Gallery is pleased to offer several full iconostasis sets with many more currently in the process of being added to our collection. We accommodate two approaches to the completion of iconostasis projects, and both have somewhat different implications on how we begin.
Approach 1: Retrofitting Existing Iconostases
With this approach, the parish has an existing iconostasis but is in need of a matching set of icons, which could extend multiple tiers. The process of retrofitting an existing iconostasis entails the following basic steps:
- Determine the scope of the project: How many icons will be needed?
- Choose the icons from the Damascene Gallery collection.
- To fit the existing locations, custom layout work will likely need to be done. If so, this will be decided in this step.
- Receive a customized quotation from Damascene Gallery.
- Proceed with the retrofitting of your iconostasis.
In such projects, the customer has total control over many aspects of of the icons including:
- Background colors
- Icon widths / heights (all fully adjustable)
- Orthography (Icon Inscription) Language
- Application of Gold Leaf
- etc.
Retrofitting your iconostasis with custom fitted icons will transform your existing iconostasis from being simply a wall with icons hanging on it into being an authentic iconostasis that has a presence that worshippers will conclude was designed into the icon screen when it was built. Contact us today to begin work on retrofitting your iconostasis.
- See also: “Iconostasis at St. George in Howell New Jersey”
- See also: “The blessing of new icons for St. George’s Church”
Approach 2: Construction a New Iconostasis from Scratch
With this approach, a new iconostasis will be built from scratch. In some ways, this is the preferred approach since many iconostases (particularly in America) are built “backwards”… instead of building a screen which exists to house icons, many iconostases are built simply as walls with the actual layout and design of the icons only being considered as an afterthought. Constructing an iconostasis from scratch allows the creation of an icon screen where the icons dominate, not the wall.
Damascene Gallery is happy to work with churches to design and fully construct iconostases on site. Such projects have the following basic steps:
- Determine the vision the parish has for the iconostasis and review designs from our design catalogue.
- Review iconostasis sets that will fit with various designs.
- Finalize the selection of iconostasis design and iconostasis icons.
- Receive a customized quotation from Damascene Gallery including construction costs for on-site construction.
- Proceed with constructing the iconostasis and installing the icons.
As with retrofitting iconostases, the customer retains control over essentially all aspects of icon appearance including:
- Background colors
- Icon widths / heights (all fully adjustable)
- Orthography (Icon Inscription) Language
- Application of Gold Leaf
- etc.
A custom built iconostasis fitted with matching icons from Damascene Gallery will help to foster the prayerful atmosphere every parish should have in order to assist the faithful in laying aside the cares of this earthly life.
Contact us today to begin work on your custom iconostasis project!
“Then we went on to Greece, and the Greeks led us to the edifices where they worship their God, and we knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendour or such beauty, and we are at a loss how to describe it. We know only that God dwells there among men, and their service is fairer than the ceremonies of other nations. For we cannot forget that beauty. Every man, after tasting something sweet, is afterward unwilling to accept that which is bitter, and therefore we cannot dwell longer here.”
-From the Primary Chronicle of Russia
