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Byzantine Heritage shop
Order any of the three Paint & Create kits online at byzantineheritage.nl.
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· Byzantine Heritage Artworks ·
Paint & Create Together.
Rediscover the Beauty of Orthodox Tradition.
A meaningful activity for all generations
When was the last time you sat down with your family, put your phones aside, and created something beautiful together?
In the rush of everyday life, opportunities to enjoy each other’s company without distractions are becoming increasingly precious.
Byzantine Heritage invites you to rediscover these moments through Paint & Create, a growing collection of paint-your-own porcelain icon kits inspired by Byzantine Orthodox tradition.
Whether you are a parent spending time with your children, a grandparent sharing an afternoon with your grandchildren or someone seeking a peaceful creative activity, these kits offer an opportunity to slow down and create something meaningful.
Why Paint Your Own Icon?
More Than a Creative Activity
In the Orthodox Church, icons are much more than religious decorations. They depict Christ, the Mother of God and the saints, reminding us of their presence in the life of the Church and inviting us to prayer.
Painting a porcelain icon offers a simple and accessible introduction to this rich artistic and spiritual heritage.
It is an opportunity to discover the significance of Orthodox sacred imagery while developing patience, concentration and creativity.
Although these kits are not a substitute for learning traditional Byzantine iconography, they provide a welcoming introduction to its beauty and religious meaning.
Creating Memories Across Generations
Imagine spending an afternoon painting together with your children or grandchildren.
As you choose colours and share ideas, there is also an opportunity to talk about the person depicted in the icon, discover stories from the Orthodox tradition and share your own experiences of faith.
And you do not need to be an experienced artist. The collection is designed for beginners and experienced creative enthusiasts alike.
Recommended for ages six and above, Paint & Create offers an activity that can bring different generations together.
“Come to me, all who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest.”
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Finding Stillness Through Creativity
We live surrounded by screens, notifications and constant demands on our attention.
Painting offers something different.
It invites us to slow our movements, focus on the present moment and devote our attention to a single creative task.
The icon of Jesus Christ Pantokrator offers a particularly meaningful connection to this experience. Christ holds the Gospel, with its invitation:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
These words remind us that genuine rest is not simply the absence of activity. It can also involve making room in our lives for silence, prayer and spiritual renewal.
Discover the Paint
& Create Collection
Discover the Paint & Create Collection
The collection currently features three Byzantine-style porcelain icon kits.
The Most Holy Theotokos
An image of the Mother of God, whose maternal presence holds a special place in Orthodox spirituality and the devotional life of Christian families.
Jesus Christ Pantokrator
An image of Christ holding the Gospel, inviting us to reflect on His presence, His teachings and His promise of rest.
Saint Nicholas of Myra
Patron saint of our cathedral
Particularly meaningful to our community, Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of our cathedral in Rotterdam.
Remembered for his generosity and compassion, frequently expressed through acts of charity performed without seeking recognition, he reminds us of the importance of kindness and giving.
His icon offers families an opportunity to share his story and discover the spiritual heritage of our own cathedral.
The Paint & Create collection continues to grow, introducing further opportunities to explore Orthodox artistic tradition.
In every box
Everything You Need to Begin
Each Paint & Create KIT contains:
-
1
One porcelain plaster icon, ready to paint.
-
3
Three paintbrushes: round, flat and foam.
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7
Seven non-toxic high-quality acrylic paint colours.
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1
A painting palette.
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Painting ideas, instructions and a colour-mixing guide.
No previous painting experience is necessary.
Once completed, your icon is ready to display in your home, including in your family’s prayer corner, traditionally known as the iconostasi.
The finished piece is intended for display only and is not dishwasher-safe.
For baptisms & name days
A Meaningful Gift for Someone You Love
Paint & Create kits also make thoughtful gifts for baptisms, name days and other special occasions.
Rather than offering an object that is already finished, you are giving someone an opportunity to create something personally meaningful.
For godparents, they can offer a particularly special way to share Orthodox tradition with their godchildren.
Baptisms
Name days
Godparents
Special occasions
Where to find your kit
Online or in our Cathedral
In person
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Rotterdam
The kits are also available inside our Cathedral, where you can see the icons in person before you choose.
Get directions 
Orthodox Disability Theology for Christian Communities
Dr. Petre Maican, Orthodox theologian, PhD, and author based in Brussels, is devoted to bridging theology and disability. His work confronts a pressing question: how can Orthodox communities truly welcome people with disabilities, autism, mental illness, and neurodiversity?
This mission is sustained through his Patreon, where supporters receive monthly theological reflections, ministry updates, extended essays, and early access to resources—all while joining a community committed to building a more welcoming Church.
Dr. Maican’s goal is to reach 50 patrons, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to this work.