THIS ICON IS THE ARTIST’S INTERPRETATION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Michael means “Who is like God”. Other spellings of Michael’s name include Mikhael, Mikael, Mikail, and Mikhail. Archangel Michael (also known as Saint Michael) is God’s top angel, leading all of the angels in heaven. Michael’s main characteristics are exceptional strength and courage. Michael fights for good to prevail over evil and empowers believers to set their faith in God on fire.
Michael protects and defends people who love God. People often ask for Michael’s help to gain the courage they need to overcome their fears, obtain strength to resist temptations to sin and instead do what is right, and stay safe in dangerous situations. Many people believe that Michael works with guardian angels to communicate with dying people about faith, and to escort the souls of believers to heaven after they die.
The Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches revere Michael as Saint Michael. He serves as the patron saint of people who work in dangerous conditions, such as military personnel, police and security officers, and paramedics. As a saint, Michael serves as a model of chivalry and boldly working for justice.
In most art depictions Michael is represented as an angelic warrior, fully armed with helmet, sword and shield in the style of a Byzantine officer. In Byzantine art Michael was often shown wearing the formal court robes and loros that were worn by the Emperor and his bodyguard on special occasions, rather than as a warrior who battled Satan or with scales for weighing souls on the Day of Judgement.