Archangel Michael – Handmade Iconography – Olive Tree Trunk – Mount Athos

Description

Χειροποίητη Αγιογραφία Επάνω σε Κορμό Ελιάς από τα Χέρια Μοναχών του Αγίου Όρους

An exceptional icon depicting Archangel Michael, entirely hand-painted on an olive tree trunk.

This particular icon was created by the Mount Athos monk Father Kosmas, based on Byzantine iconographic standards. The depiction of the Saint is entirely hand-painted. The coating of the icon with pure beeswax ensures that the colors of the image remain unchanged over time.

Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ

The Archangel Michael appears as the Commander-in-Chief and plays a pivotal role in both the Old and New Testaments.

It was he who saved the angelic forces from their fall with the words, “Let us attend! Let us stand aright, let us stand with fear.” For his boldness, the Triune God granted him the position of “Lord of the angelic Hosts,” Commander-in-Chief, and Archangel. He proclaimed, along with all the angels, the Trisagion Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of His glory.” Additionally, it is believed that by God’s command, the Protoplasts were driven out of Paradise by Archangel Michael.

It was he who announced to Abraham the need to sacrifice his son Isaac, and who later prevented the sacrifice. It was he who appeared to Lot and rescued him and his family from the destruction of Sodom, as well as to Jacob, saving him from his brother Esau, who wanted to kill him. Moreover, Archangel Michael was the one who led the people of Israel in their flight from Egypt, appearing as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding them to the Promised Land.

In the New Testament, it is he who will announce the second coming of Jesus Christ. He is prophetically depicted leading a host of angels in a battle in heaven against “the great Dragon, the ancient serpent, Satan,” and his demons. He has been established as the patron saint of the Air Force. He is usually depicted holding a spear, though in several representations, he also holds a scepter, a symbol of the authority granted to him by God.

Since the icon is handmade and the wood is hand-crafted, there may be slight variations in the wood, but not in the depiction.

The icon is available upon request.

Dimensions: 13 x 23 x 5 cm