Saint Gabriel And Michael (Koufos) Icon Set - Y029

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 sword, symbolizing his authority as the supreme Archangel.

This contemporary Byzantine icon depicts the glory of the Archangel Gabriel. Serving as chief liaison between God and man, he serves as messenger, including announcing the Incarnation to the Theotokos/Virgin Mary. Here, he is depicted in glorious vestments bearing a reed and orb, both symbolizing the authority delegated to him by the Lord of Hosts. The orb bears the Greek letter chi (X), the initial letter of Christos (Christ).

An angel is a messenger of God, and a being which has stood before God and praised Him from a time before human comprehension. We cannot fully grasp what an angel's exact nature is, but we can understand an angel's function on earth. 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.

These Icons were painted by Fr. Theodore Koufos and is part of the Legacy Icons Koufos Collection.