Many people search for an icon that protects the home, which icon should be placed opposite the front door, or what is traditionally kept in the house for peace and blessing. Behind these questions is usually a sincere wish for the family to live in harmony and for the home to be a peaceful and safe place.
In Orthodox understanding, however, a home is not protected by an object acting on its own. An icon is not an amulet and does not have magical power. It is a sacred image before which a person prays to God. When people speak about an icon for the protection of the home, they mean an icon before which family members pray for God's help, peace, harmony and blessing. The Seven Arrows Theotokos, a cross with the Crucifixion and a prayer corner with icons of Christ, the Theotokos and the family patron saint are most commonly associated with this tradition.
The Seven Arrows Theotokos - a Russian icon for the protection of the home
When people search for a “Russian icon that protects the house” or a “Russian icon for the protection of the home”, they are usually referring to the Seven Arrows icon of the Theotokos. This Russian wonderworking icon is also known as Semistrelnaya and the Softener of Evil Hearts.
The icon depicts the Most Holy Theotokos with seven swords or arrows directed towards her heart. The image is connected with the prophecy of the righteous Simeon, who told the Theotokos that a sword would pierce her own soul, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke 2:35. The swords represent the deep sorrow she experienced because of the suffering of her Son.
The Seven Arrows icon therefore does not represent magical protection. It speaks about sorrow, forgiveness and reconciliation. In Russian and Serbian Orthodox devotion, believers pray before this icon for peace in the home, harmony among family members, an end to arguments and the softening of hearts affected by conflict.
According to Russian tradition, the Seven Arrows icon is often placed opposite the front door. In Orthodox homes, it may also be placed in the prayer corner together with icons of Christ, the family patron saint and other family icons. More important than the exact position is that the place is peaceful, clean and dignified.
Seven Arrows icons from our workshop:
- Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Seven Arrows - from 850 RSD
- Icon of the Theotokos of the Seven Swords - from 390 RSD
- Diptych of Saint Nicholas and the Seven Arrows Theotokos - from 870 RSD
Icons from our family workshop in Petrovčić, near Belgrade, are produced using lithography on an MDF base, with details finished by hand and protected with an environmentally friendly varnish. Every product comes with a certificate of authenticity.
A cross above the front door
Placing a cross above the front door is an old Christian custom. A cross at the entrance reminds family members and visitors that the home is a place of faith, peace, hospitality and shared life. It is not placed there as an object that independently prevents misfortune, but as a sign of Christ's presence and a prayer for the blessing of everyone who enters.
In some homes, only a cross is placed above the door, while in others a smaller icon is used. A cross with the Crucifixion may also be placed in the prayer corner, above family icons or in a separate area intended for prayer.
From our workshop, you can view the Wooden Cross with the Crucifixion of Christ for the Wall, with prices starting from 1,800 RSD. The cross is handcrafted from wood, while the image of the Crucifixion is produced using lithography, with details finished by hand and protected with an environmentally friendly varnish.
View the full collection of wooden wall crosses.
The prayer corner - the heart of an Orthodox home
Instead of searching for only one “protective” icon, Orthodox tradition speaks about the prayer corner. This is a part of the home set aside for prayer, usually on the eastern wall of the room where the family spends time together.
The prayer corner commonly includes an icon of Jesus Christ, an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Slava icon of the family's patron saint. A cross, an oil lamp and icons of other saints especially honoured by the family may also be placed there.
Not every apartment needs to have a large iconostasis. A clean and peaceful shelf or a small section of the wall is enough. What matters is that the icons are not placed only as decoration among unsuitable objects, but in a place where family members can pause and pray.
To arrange a place for prayer, view our home iconostases, with prices starting from 3,590 RSD, and our oil lamps, with prices starting from 1,490 RSD.
Read more about choosing an icon of the family patron saint in our guide: Slava Icons - Which Icon Is Used for Each Family Patron Saint Day.
The differences between the best-known depictions of the Mother of God are explained in our guide: Types of Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Blessing a new home and giving an icon as a housewarming gift
An icon is traditionally given when someone moves into a new home. Such a gift is not simply an object for the wall, but a sign of care and a prayerful wish for peace, health and harmony in the new household.
Icons of Christ, the Most Holy Theotokos, the family patron saint or a smaller diptych are often chosen for a housewarming. The Seven Arrows Theotokos is a suitable choice for a family that wants an icon before which they can pray for peace and reconciliation among those living in the home.
A priest may bless the new home and perform a prayer service with holy water. The blessing reminds the family that life in the new space begins with prayer and gratitude, while the icon receives its place in the prayer corner.
View all icons of the Most Holy Theotokos from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
Standard production and delivery throughout Serbia take 10-15 working days, while express delivery takes 3-4 working days. Because time is required for preparation and shipping, an icon intended as a housewarming gift or for another important occasion should be ordered in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Which icon is placed opposite the front door?
According to Russian tradition, the Seven Arrows Theotokos is often placed opposite the front door. In Serbian tradition, a cross is commonly placed above the door. Both the icon and the cross should be displayed with respect, as part of the prayer life of the home, not as amulets.
Does an icon protect the house?
An icon does not protect a house as a magical object. Orthodox Christians pray before an icon and ask God for protection, peace and blessing. The power is not in the material from which the icon is made, but in faith, prayer and the spiritual life of the family.
Where should the prayer corner be placed in an apartment?
The prayer corner is traditionally placed on the eastern wall of the room where the family spends time. When this is not possible because of the layout of the apartment, another peaceful, clean and dignified place may be chosen.
Which icon is suitable as a housewarming gift?
An icon of Christ, the Most Holy Theotokos, the family patron saint or a home diptych is often given as a housewarming gift. The Seven Arrows Theotokos may be chosen as a prayerful wish for peace and harmony in the new home.