Εικόνα - Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ - Ξύλο

Bulgarian hand painted icon of Archangel Michael.

Archangel Michael is the main archangel, the main guardian of the heavenly kingdom and the main guardian of God's law.

In addition, according to beliefs, the archangel Michael guards the body of Moses and leads the souls of the dead to hell or heaven. The very name Michael literally means "Who is like the Lord?" (miyka'el was the battle cry of the heavenly armies in Hebrew).

Archangel Michael is one of the four archangels in the Old Testament (along with Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel) and one of the seven archangels in the Bible. It is believed that he helped the Lord in the creation of the Earth. Archangel Michael is also the leader of the angels and the patron of soldiers. Some believe that Archangel Michael is Adam reincarnated. As the commander of the heavenly hosts, Archangel Michael is also called "Archistratig".

In the Revelation of John, the battle of the archangel Michael and his angels with the serpent with seven heads and ten horns is described, as a result of which the Serpent, also called the Devil or Satan, was driven from the kingdom of heaven to earth.

His face is usually found at the entrance of Orthodox churches, depicted with a sword and writing, calling us to enter the church with a pure heart and pure thoughts. It is believed that it can take human or animal form and help people. It plays an important role in people's daily battle with evil demons and can revive.

In the Kabbalah, it is believed that the Archangel Michael stands on the Tree of Life - Sephir, the Hod aspect - glory, greatness. Before the Messiah comes, Michael will lead the armies of Heaven against the Antichrist and defeat them.