Angels
The word “angel” (from Gr. ἄγγελος, angelos – “messenger”) refers to immortal beings in Abrahamic religions who execute God’s will. Angels are mentioned frequently in the Bible, but only three archangels are named explicitly: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Other names are known from apocryphal texts, particularly the Book of Enoch, which also states that there are seven archangels in total. Across various teachings, the number and hierarchy of angelic ranks vary. One commonly accepted classification is as follows:

1st Sphere

• Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2–3)
• Cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10:1–17)
• Thrones (Ezekiel 1:15–21; 10:17)

2nd Sphere

• Dominions (Colossians 1:16)
• Virtues (Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21)
• Powers (Colossians 1:16)

3rd Sphere

• Principalities (Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16)
• Archangels (Jude 1:9)
• Angels (Revelation 15:1)

Iconography

During the catacomb period, angels were depicted wearing white tunics adorned with clavi—sewn stripes symbolizing nobility. Wings and halos appeared in the 6th century. At this time, archangels were often portrayed in imperial court attire, including dalmatics and loros. In their hands, they held globes bearing either the monogram of Christ or a depiction of Christ, along with an imperial scepter or labarum—a military standard inscribed with the text “Holy, Holy, Holy” from the Seraphic hymn (Isaiah 6:3).

The Icon of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael

In Ukrainian iconography, one of the most common representations of the “Synaxis of the Archangel Michael” features only the archangels. A popular variation is the “Synaxis of Seven Archangels,” with Michael at the center holding a globe inscribed with the Christogram (IC XC, X) or a mandorla depicting Emmanuel. Konrad Onasch compares this symbol to the ancient Greek statue of Nike holding the emperor’s image. The other archangels hold globes inscribed with the letter S (abbreviated for “Holy”), reflecting the Seraphic hymn (Isaiah 6:3): “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts. Heaven and Earth are full of Your glory!”

From the second half of the 17th century, it became increasingly popular to depict a fiery Seraphim at the bottom of the composition and Cherubim at the top. Michael himself began to be portrayed in armor, wielding a sword. Occasionally, beneath Michael’s feet, a defeated Satan and his angels are depicted, illustrating Revelation 12:7–10:
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; the dragon and his angels fought back but were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

By the 18th century, icons began to depict the archangels with individual attributes. For example:

• Gabriel holds a lily,
• Raphael holds a vessel of medicine in his right hand while guiding Tobias with his left,
• Uriel wields a sword,
• Selaphiel is shown in prayer,
• Jegudiel holds a golden crown and a scourge with three cords,
• Barachiel is adorned in floral robes,
• Jeremiel holds scales.

Mikhail Skop