Miracle of Archangel Michael at Chonae (Sinai) Icon - F154

This historic icon commemorates the Miracle of Chonae. It is a faithful copy of the original painted by the faithful monks of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, where it resides today. According to Holy Tradition, this miracle occurred in response to the pleas of a faithful father for his sick daughter in ancient Asia Minor. The Archangel Michael directed him to have her drink for a certain spring. She was healed, and her family and many others were baptized into the faith. In opposition to the Church’s growth, local pagans diverted the flow of two rivers to flood the church. Responding to the prayers of the faithful, the Archangel Michael appeared and caused a great earthquake. The earth split open and the rivers flowed into the ground, and Saint Archippus offered a prayer of thanksgiving. After this, the place was renamed Chonae, which means "funnels" in Greek. The event is commemorated on September 6.

All angels in icons 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 and often by the sword he wields. In this icon above, the viewer is reminded of Holy Michael’s continuing defense of and protection for God’s people as captain of the bodiless hosts of heaven.