Russian Icon of Archangel Michael, Hand Painted. The icon is in good condition for its age. Material - wood, tempera. Origin - Russia. Period - second half of the 20th century. Michael is the main archangel, the main guardian of the heavenly kingdom and the main guardian of God's law. In addition, according to beliefs, the archangel Michael guards the body of Moses and leads souls to hell or heaven. The name Michael itself literally means "Who is like the Lord?" Archangel Michael is one of the four archangels in the Old Testament (along with Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel) and one of the seven archangels in the Bible. His face is usually found at the entrance of Orthodox churches, depicted with a sword and writing, calling to enter the church temple with a pure heart and pure thoughts. In Kabbalah, Archangel Michael is believed to stand on the Tree of Life - Sephir. Before the Messiah comes, Michael will lead the armies of Heaven against the Antichrist and defeat them.