Archangel Michael (XXc) Icon - S377

• This contemporary Byzantine icon of Holy Michael the Archangel depicts him as warrior and intercessor for the church. He bears a flaming sword and orb, marked with the Greek letter chi (X), symbolizing his authority delegated by Christ, Lord of Hosts.

In icons, angels—especially the high-ranking Archangels—are depicted in an earthly form. All the angels are dressed as humans, in clothing accented with gold, the color of holiness and Heaven.

• The Archangel Michael is the warrior of God, and in any given instance of heavenly warfare is likely present fighting for Him. In icons, Michael can always be identified by his soldier's attire, his armor, and the sword he wields. Also, Michael is frequently clothed in some shade of red. The color red can symbolize power, war, blood, and sacrifice: all appropriate to the angel who is engaged in warfare. His liturgical hymns refer to him as "the Commander of the bodiless hosts." He holds a flaming sword in one hand, a reference to the angel who guards the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis, and an orb in his other hand, symbolizing his authority as the supreme Archangel.