Iryna Holovina

I paint icons on stones—which may sound unusual for an iconographer, but the stones began the conversation first.

My name is Iryna Holovina, and I am the founder of Orthodox Stone Icons. I have worked as an iconographer for more than 20 years, painting icons, iconostases, and church interiors in the Byzantine tradition.

Later, on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, I began finding beautiful sea stones. Each one had its own shape, texture, and character. Some looked as if they were already waiting for a sacred image.

Bulgaria is deeply connected to early Christianity and Byzantine culture. Orthodox tradition is still alive here—in ancient churches, canonical icons, Eastern spirituality, and Byzantine chant. I wanted my stone icons to carry something of this living tradition.

I paint each icon by hand using egg tempera, natural pigments, and real 24-karat gold leaf. For me, every work brings together nature, the artist, and God: time shapes the stone, and the human hand reveals the image.

The abbot of the Monastery of St. George in Pomorie blessed and encouraged this work. I sing there and serve as choir director.

Today, my icons are shown in churches, exhibitions, and selected shops in Bulgaria. They are also held in private collec...

Academic background in Computer Graphics, Design, and Philology. More than 20 years of professional practice in Byzantine iconography, including traditional egg tempera painting, iconostases, and church interiors.

Selected presentations of Orthodox stone icons in Pomorie and Burgas, Bulgaria. My icons are displayed in churches and selected art and souvenir shops along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Over time, they have found devoted collectors far beyond Bulgaria—from the United States and the United Kingdom to France, Portugal, other parts of Europe, and even the Azores.