It is no secret to any believer that every person has a personal guardian angel. This is why an individual icon of a guardian angel is often painted from birth in order to pass it on to a new person.
After all, this Heavenly Teacher is believed to protect every person from their first breath to their last.
His job is to protect our lives. He cares not only about the physical condition of the body, but also about the state of the soul. In any difficult situation for a person, you need to remember that you are not alone and your angel is already taking care of you, begging God to protect your soul and body from the evil intentions of the devil.
The icon of the Holy Guardian Angel helps with this, who remembers this fact and is able to establish a connection with the Almighty and provide support.
Who are Guardian Angels
These heavenly creatures of the Creator are mentioned in the Sacred Texts, where it is said that they have participated in history since the presence of Adam and Eve in Paradise.
The Guardian Angel is a mediator between humanity and the Almighty Lord. The main task of this holy creature is to protect the individual and convey God’s will to her, therefore in Orthodoxy they strive to baptize a newborn as soon as possible in order to provide him with full protection from dark energies.
Greater faith brings a Christian closer to the Holy Spirit and God, which determines a better life in the body. However, the heavenly messenger does not interfere with the fate that the Lord himself created.
- The Guardian Angel communicates through the inner voice and intuitive connection with the person under his charge.
- The heavenly creature warns of impending danger and seeks to inspire to perform decent and useful deeds.
- The angel has the power to take away the tempting influence of worldly objects.
- People who carefully listen to their intercessors are often miraculously saved from disasters or receive mental insights.
- It helps you hear your inner voice and develop a tendency towards virtue.
- Angelic images eliminate fear of various types.
- The Guardian Angel guides you on the true path announced by the Lord and protects you from the attacks of haters.
To find a common language with him, daily and sincere prayer before the image is necessary. Priests strongly recommend communicating with the spirit of light, asking for help and protection. The angel will do his best to help the begging ward out of a difficult scrape.
On a note! Guardian Angel does not always guarantee happiness and tranquility. A Christian who has apostatized from the faith and is prone to aggressive and hateful behavior personally destroys the positive spiritual principle. A person who goes to extremes experiences disasters, failures and serious illnesses.
The angel has never been a person; he does not have a name or family affiliation, but is endowed with special personality qualities. Each Christian is assigned only one such bright spirit. There is a certain hierarchy of disembodied spirits, which are ranked depending on their power.
Guardian Angel Icon
How to choose a carved wooden icon
Hand-carved icons are made from beech, oak or ash. All these tree species are extremely durable and have their own special pattern. They are 100% environmentally friendly and are processed exclusively with certified, safe paint and varnish materials. Therefore, they can be placed even in a children's room. The products do not cause allergic reactions.
When ordering, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the wood itself so that it is perfectly smooth. Is the paint coating applied evenly, or are there noticeable transitions and stains? How well the carvers worked out each detail so that it is noticeable, and at the same time, does not look as if it was glued separately.
The creation of an icon has its own clear canons. And despite the fact that the Guardian Angel does not have a specific name, his image is well known both in Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Therefore, you should not ask the carver to make the face of your friend or relative for the Guardian Angel. Yes, such requests are also received. In this case, it is more advisable to order a portrait or an interesting panel.
Characteristics of the icon
In the Ancient East, images of winged creatures were often encountered. Images of angels decorated the altars of the largest temples. Figures made from various materials were found on Israeli soil, and information about objects with images of heavenly messengers was found on the pages of the Old Testament.
In Russian icon painting, familiar images appeared at the end of the 16th century. The purpose and meaning of the appearance is a minute-by-minute reminder to a person of the eternity of the soul itself.
- Guardian Angels are often depicted with a cross and a sword. The first attribute is intended as a gesture of blessing, and the second protects against invasions of dark energy.
- The clothing of intercessors is similar in appearance to the vestments of deacons (clergy). Robes for disembodied spirits are regarded as a symbol of eternal service to God. The color of the cloak is green, and the color of the chiton (shirt) is red. Guardian Angels are often depicted in dazzling white robes.
- The icons depict intercessors both half-length and in full height. In the latter case, they are placed on the cloud. The floating figure humbly asks for a return to the heavenly abodes from which humanity was expelled after the Fall.
- The intercessors have human appearances; their divine origin is indicated by large wings folded behind their backs. These bodily elements symbolize divine speed and the ability to move from the material world to the etheric regions.
- Guardian Angels are characterized by a third eye, which symbolizes clairvoyance and truthful intuition.
- If God's messenger is depicted with a staff, this speaks of his important spiritual mission on the sinful earth.
- With the help of a ball with a cross, the cherub contemplates the upcoming danger and seeks to warn his ward about the threat.
- The iconography differs in hand positions. Sometimes the upper limb is raised in a blessing gesture, at other times the hands are folded in prayer.
- The gaze is directed directly at the viewer or to the side. His head is bowed, which symbolizes complete humility before the will of the Creator. The gold ribbons in the curls also speak about this.
- Modern iconography often depicts cherubs with a small child, who represents the soul of the person under their care.
About Heavenly Powers:
- Prayer to all holy heavenly powers
- Who are the archangels and what is their purpose?
- Icon of the Angel “Golden Hair”
Who is depicted
In the New Testament, Michael leads the Army of God against the forces of Satan - in the Book of Revelation, during the war in heaven, he defeats Satan. In the Epistle of Jude, Michael is specifically referred to as "Archangel Michael."
Christian shrines to Michael appeared in the 4th century, when he was first seen as the Angel of Healing, and then, over time, as the protector and leader of the army of God against the forces of evil.
Early Christians considered some of the martyrs, such as St. George and St. Theodore, to be military patrons. They entrusted the care of their sick to Michael, and he was first revered as a healer in Phrygia (modern Turkey).
The earliest and most famous sanctuary of Michael in the ancient Near East was also associated with healing waters. This was Michaelion, built at the beginning of the 4th century by Emperor Constantine in Chalcedon.
The painting of the Archangel slaying a snake became a major piece of art at Michaelion after Constantine defeated Licinius in 324, eventually leading to the standard iconography of Archangel Michael as a holy warrior slaying a dragon.
In the 4th century, the preaching of Basil the Great placed St. Michael above ALL angels. He was called "Archangel". In the 6th century, the idea of Michael as a healer continued in Rome, where after the plague the sick slept at night in the church of Castel Sant'Angelo (dedicated to him for saving Rome), awaiting his healing.
Archangel Michael is mentioned in hymns and prayers, and his icons are widely used in Orthodox churches. In many Orthodox icons, Christ is accompanied by a number of angels, among whom Michael predominates.
In Russia, many monasteries, cathedrals, court and merchant churches are dedicated to the commander-in-chief Michael, and most Russian cities have a church or chapel dedicated to him.
Finding your own holy spirit icon
During baptism, the child receives a name, and together with the patron saint, a specific Guardian Angel is assigned to him. More often this procedure is carried out during Christmas time (the period from Christmas to the Baptism of the Son of God). However, the Church allows the ritual of unification with the heavenly protector to be performed arbitrarily if the person was baptized in adulthood.
In Christian calendars, several patrons may be celebrated with a date that will be close to the birthday of a small child. In this case, you are allowed to independently choose the patron you like.
Some images of holy protectors have several variations in execution in their iconography. The saint always helps children with the same name. When choosing a patron, you should rely on dates of birth or biography facts.
For the Orthodox tradition, spiritual kinship is closer, which is determined by sympathy.
On a note! If you are inspired by the life deeds of a particular saint, the church allows you to make him your patron. He is a real person who was canonized by the church (Virgin Mary, Seraphim of Sarov, etc.).
Archangel Michael in the Koran
Archangel Michael also plays an important role in Islam. Known as Mikael, the angel is associated with divine providence and food security due to his role as the “giver of rain.” Similar to his role as Israel's guardian, Mikael is also known as the “Angel of Mercy.” Often interceding on behalf of humanity so that Allah may grant them salvation.
In addition, Mikail acts as a guardian angel, protecting sacred lands and rewarding good deeds.
Of all the archangels, only Michael and Gabriel (Jibril) are directly mentioned by name in the Koran, the holy book of Islam. Quran 2:98 states that the two archangels are on the side of Allah against the “disbelievers.”
The Muslim faith also establishes the existence of other major angels: Israel or Azrael, called the Angel of Death. And Israfil or Raphael, who “will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.”
Correct prayers to the Guardian Angel icon
Sacred words spoken before the face of a heavenly being are able to visualize this bright spirit and set up communication with it. Orthodox tradition recommends listening carefully to the subconscious voice during prayer: at this moment the holy messenger communicates with the person under his charge.
- To achieve the desired happiness and peace of mind, daily prayers before the face of the Angel are necessary. Sacred words are pronounced slowly, thoughtfully and sincerely. A prayer written down on a piece of paper will help you concentrate better.
- Sacred requests made in the morning destroy negative influences, create a good-natured attitude and eliminate potential conflicts.
- Prayer for the evening protects a sleeping person from the invasion of dark energy into his consciousness. It allows you to see prophecy and warnings of dangers.
- In the Orthodox tradition there are many prayers that are intended for a specific problem and require advice and help from a messenger from heaven.
About prayer:
- Morning and evening prayers
- In front of which icon to pray for health
- How to pray correctly for Orthodox Christians
Icons of the Guardian Angel on the website SLYATTSY - online Orthodox online store.
Archangel Michael vs Lucifer
Archangel Michael is perhaps best known for being a constant thorn in Satan's side. As commander of the angelic army, Michael is the direct enemy of the devil. And is often depicted triumphant over his opponent (usually in the form of a dragon). In various works of art with a spear or sword in hand.
There are two chapters in the Bible that are believed to describe the fall of Lucifer, the former “light bearer” of heaven. The verses in Ezekiel 28 tell the story of a majestic being whom God “anointed as a guardian cherub.” Until "wickedness was found in him" when he plotted to usurp the throne of the Creator. He is also mentioned as the “morning star” that fell down, thrown out of the sky and “thrown into the kingdom of the dead.”
The few accounts in the Bible relating to the Archangel Michael and Lucifer fully capture what Catholics know about their eternal battle.
Russian fleet and horses
From the military history of Russia it is known that the ship “Archangel Michael” is one of the first linear brigantines with 52 cannons on board (launched in 1713). Its name contained a petition to the saint for special protection for the young Russian military fleet. The ship was built at the shipyards of Arkhangelsk, also named after Mikhail. It should be noted that those who have construction professions and are engaged in construction can also turn to this saint. After all, he is also considered their heavenly patron.
Once upon a time, Saint Michael taught the martyrs Laurus and Florus how to control horses. Therefore, he is the heavenly patron of horse breeders, jockeys, grooms and everyone involved in the breeding of these beautiful animals.
Iconography
What do the icons of Archangel Michael represent? This miracle worker in icon painting is often depicted with a spear-cane in one hand and a special mirror-sphere in the other. This sphere was given to Michael by the Lord and is a symbol of foresight.
Later icons of the Archangel Michael are depicted trampling Satan underfoot. Moreover, the triumphant holds a green date branch with his left hand, and with his right hand a spear with a white banner on which a scarlet cross is visible (it is a symbol of the victory of the Life-giving Cross over Satan). Very often in the image, Mikhail holds a burning shield and sword in his hands.
In general, starting from the 12th century, images of St. Michael appear in the ensemble of the Last Judgment. Icon painters depict him as a stern warrior with scales, one of which Satan is trying to outweigh. Some write Michael as an escort of the souls of the departed to the Last Judgment: he weighs the sinful and righteous deeds of people.
It is very interesting to look at ancient icons. Archangel Michael is presented on them as a guardian of the Heavenly Forces, galloping on a stallion or dressed in combat ammunition. Often it can be seen either on the northern doors of the iconostasis, or among the angels in paintings.
And which icon of the Archangel Michael is painted best? It is impossible to answer unequivocally here, but we can about, “The Council of Blessed Michael” and “The Appearance of the Divine Michael to Joshua.”
