Archangels Michael & Gabriel – Silk Screen Print on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

Icon of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel on Naturally Aged Wood

The Bible frequently mentions angels. Angels are creations of God, immaterial and incorporeal, free from the passions of humans. In Orthodox tradition, the image of angels is often depicted with wings.

They are portrayed with reverence, in the form of a heavenly host. They are divided and ranked into choirs with distinct names: Angels, Archangels, Principalities, Powers, Authorities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim. At the head of the angelic forces are the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The name Michael is interpreted as “Who is like God?” and Gabriel as “The strength of God.”

The feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel is celebrated on November 8th. On this day, the Church celebrates the feast of the gathering of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and all the heavenly hosts, in remembrance of Satan’s rebellion. When Archangel Michael saw Satan fall, he called upon the heavenly hosts. He cried out “Let us attend!” and praised God with the other angels. This gathering was called the gathering of the bodiless powers, symbolizing the union and harmony of the good angels.

The uniqueness of this particular icon lies in the aged wood upon which the image of the Archangels is printed in silk screen. This wood was once part of an Athonite cell for many years. When it came time for restoration, it was carefully transformed into an icon. The cracks in the old wood where the icon is placed bear witness to the years of its life on Mount Athos.

As the icon is handmade and the wood is treated by hand, there may be small variations in the wood, though not in the depiction.

The icon is available upon request.

Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 2.5 cm