St Michael the Archangel Icon

St. Michael has been honored since the early centuries of Christianity as the supreme guardian angel of the Church. His name in Hebrew means “Who is like God?”, which was the war-cry of the good angels in the heavenly battle against the rebellious angels (Revelation 12:7-9). The abbreviations in the background at the top represent the words “The great Archangel Michael”. The rod or staff is often depicted with angels signifying their role as God’s messengers to humans. The halo around the head is a symbol for holiness. As the “protector of God’s people” (Daniel 12:1) Michael holds an orb which is inscribed with the text “Christ the Righteous Judge”. Michael’s face is depicted in Byzantine symbolic form. The eyes are large and soulful, gazing within or at infinity. The nose is long, contributing to a look of nobility. The mouth is small and closed, symbolic of contemplation. Angels are nearly always presented in a gender neutral fashion, symbolic of their other-worldly nature. This inspiring icon, written by Sr. Regina Krushen, O.S.B., serves as a poignant reminder that heavenly aid is always available to us in our struggle with the forces of evil.