Icon of Archangel Michael

[Br Paul]

I am calling out for help. We have a discussion group in Adelaide, South Australia.

The discussion topic was about Angels, Archangels and the other Bodiless Powers, in reference to the recent feast.

One member of the group brought a icon. The question that could not be answered was this. In the icon St Michael was holding a orb-like device in his left hand. At best it could be concluded that it could be an orb of royal or imperial power (as held by kings), as it seemed to be transparent, not solid. Also, angels do not posssess that sort of power, as they are functionaries and messengers of God.

What also had them stumped was the meaning of the letters within the "orb". Other icons had shown angels holding white (not transparent) discs with the Slavonic abbreviation for "svyat", which seemed self-explanatory, but they had no answers for the letters in Archangel Michael's orb.

So the group and I are seeking the Orthodox world's help.

Br Paul

[Sandra June Hofstead]

Dear Paul,

Icons of Archangel Michael (and also Arch. Gabriel) on iconostasis and Deisis show the angel holding an orb in one hand and a staff in the other. Many smaller icons based upon these prototypes have been written. Inside the orb are often the superimposed greek letters X P. The "Chi Rho" symbol for Jesus Christ. Thus the orb carried by the archangel belongs to Christ and represents the kingdom of the enthroned Divine King.

I hope this helped,
Alexandra