Michael the Archangel

Icon made on natural linden wood with water-gilding technique. After the thermal treatment, the wood was gilded with 22K gold leaf, in accordance with traditional Byzantine techniques. The icon has been painted with egg tempera for a higher quality and durability of the colors.

The Archangel Michael is the chief angel, the head of the holy host of Angels and Archangels. "Archangel Michael" includes five words:

arch - senior

angel - messenger

mi - who

ka - like

el - God

The literal translation of the name, "Who is like God?", suggests a questioning intonation. Thus, the name "Michael" means "no one is equal to God".