Description
Size: 23×13 mm / 0.91×0.51 in
Weight: ~3,8 g / 0.13 ozIcon pendant “Archangel Michael”
The miniature icon “Archangel Michael” is a great choice of gift for any Orthodox Christian. While every Christian has his or her guardian angel, the Archangel Michael is the guardian angel of mankind. He ...is also thought of as an intermediary between God and humanity as a whole. Therefore, prayerful communion with the Archangel is important for every one of us.
Symbolism of the icon pendant “Archangel Michael”
The icon is round and has a movable hoop at the top. Inside the pendant there is a relief image of the Archangel Michael. The iconography is based on an Old Russian image that was often used in the 15th -16th centuries. Michael is depicted as the Archistrategist or Supreme Commander of God’s army, in armour and with his bare sword raised.
Michael is the eldest and the most revered of the seven Archangels. His name means “one who is like God”. In prayers he is referred to as “protector and guardian of mankind”. In the Old Testament he is identified as protector of the Jewish nation. In the New Testament he became a guardian angel of all Christians.
Aspects of the Archangel’s ministry are broad and varied. He is revered as a healer and patron of sacred sources, guardian of the heavenly throne, guide of souls in the afterlife, patron of farmers and artisans. However, Michael is best known for being and archstrategist. The Archangel Michael is invoked in prayers for help in times of war. He is also asked to advocate for believers in the afterlife and on the Day of Judgement. He is the patron of merchants, soldiers and sailors, as well as of the infirm.
The reverse of the icon bears the words of the prayer for Archangel Michael in Church Slavonic.
Technical details of the icon pendant “Archangel Michael”
The icon is crafted from grade-925 sterling silver and decorated with backening. The wide rim around the icon is plated with 24k gold. So is the large movable hoop at the top, which is intended for threading a chain. The gilded section consists of central band decorated with miniature metal grains, flanked by two smooth bands.
The icon is rather small, with a size of 0.91×0.51 in (23×13 mm), and weighs 0.13 oz (3.8 g). As a result, it can be worn in plain sight or concealed underneath one’s clothing with equal ease.
About Master Jeweler Yuri Feodorov
Yuri Feodorov has spent over 35 years working with small sculptural items of an iconographic nature. He has created several collections of personal sacred items produced using a special casting technique, including cross pendants, scapulars and foldable icons. In addition, the artist has studied ancient Russian and Byzantine art and participated in archaeological expeditions and thematic exhibitions of Orthodox artwork.
Y. Feodorov’s collection is constantly exhibited at jewelry exhibitions and exhibitions of Orthodox items in Russia and abroad.
The artist’s work has received numerous awards, including several orders from the Carl Faberge Memorial Foundation. Y. Feodorov has repeatedly received incentives from the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and won prizes at various exhibitions and contests.
It is important to mention that this item is made in Y. Feodorov’s workshops and together with the hallmark imprinted on the item it also has the passport of authenticity (shown in the picture).
