Icon "Synaxis of Archangel Michael"
- Inv. #
- Ж-1319
- Century
- 19th century
- Category
- Icons
- Tags
- Dimensions
- 35.5 × 30 × 3.3 cm
- Materials
Description
At the center of the icon, within a golden disc, is a half-length image of Jesus Christ in a red chiton and green himation, blessing with his right hand. Above is a half-length image of Archangel Michael, both hands raised, holding in his right a small disc with the inscription "MЪ" and in his left a disc with the inscription "STЪ." To the left and right stand archangels, three on each side. They are dressed in blue, red, and green chitons and himations, with halos above their heads. Behind the archangels stand the patron saints of livestock: on the right, Florus and Blasius; on the left, Laurus and Modestus, dressed in chitons and himations. Their names are written on the halos. At the bottom of the icon, within a rectangular frame, is an image of Saint George the Victorious, above whom is a six-winged Seraph. Around the perimeter of the icon is a wide floral-geometric ornament.
The icon was seized at the Chop customs post. It entered the Kharkiv Historical Museum's holdings by decision of the State Customs Committee of Ukraine and the National Committee for the Return of Cultural Property to Ukraine under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 1995.
Legend: the icon "Council of the Archangel Michael" is a sacred image showing Archangel Michael together with the whole heavenly host and other angels. The word "council" here signifies the common gathering of all the bodiless powers of good around God. Archangel Michael is regarded as the chief fighter against the powers of darkness and the patron of soldiers. This image shows the strength of good and the unity of the heavenly powers. The icon reminds the faithful that angels protect people from evil and help them in life.