Arch-strategist Michael. 2022
30х26 cm.
Tempera
«Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.» (Revelation 12:7-9).
The icon «Archangel Mihail» is written on the armor plate and is a symbol of the victory of the Ukrainian army over the enemy. Just as Michael, the most important of the angels, defeats the ancient serpent, so our people will overcome universal evil. Its creators put this kind of symbolism into this work. The «ArtArmor» project presents for the first time an icon written on an armor plate that stopped enemy bullets. Faith that strengthens the spirit is also armor, it protects and saves our Heroes.
Bright deeds are blessed by heaven, believers say. It was possible to create an icon in a week and a half! These are record terms. The image of Archstrategist Michael was chosen from among others quickly and, apparently, not by chance! As if by chance, already in the process of work, interesting ideas, details, and additions to the icon appeared. One of them is the flame that comes from the dragon’s mouth… And it is in this mouth that Archstrategist Michael hit with a spear.
Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epiphaniy. Archbishop of Rivne and Ostroh Hilarion. Iconographer Andriy Okhotsky — The icon «Archangel Myhail» was created with the blessing of the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epiphaniy, the Head of the unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Taking part in the «ArtArmor» project, His Beatitude once again emphasized that today is the time of the newest warrior-heroes who stood up for the truth and Homeland. Our defenders are on the side of good, which means that the darkness will not be able to conquer them.
The Primate remarks: «With prayer, with love for God, for Ukraine, for our neighbors, let’s fight against evil and we will see the victory!».
The Archbishop of Rivne and Ostroh Hilarion also contributed to the creation of the icon «Archangel Myhail».
