Michael, the Archangel, is mentioned four times in Scripture. He is often considered a guardian and defender of God's people in a general sense. In a particular sense, Michael is regarded a helper of individuals at the time of their death, rescuing them and escorting their souls to God.
With the introduction of the iconostasis into Orthodox worship, which had the effect of distancing the faithful from the clergy, who offer the Bloodless Sacrifice, a full length icon of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel was placed on the two doors leading into the sanctuary. Symbolically, they gaurd the sanctuary from unauthorized entry.
Photo by John Washinsky Text by the Ken Mitchel Family
