What Are Icons of the Archangels?
Icons of the archangels are sacred images depicting the three archangels recognized by the Catholic Church: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. They are used for personal devotion and as reminders of the angels' protection and guidance.
Catholics venerate icons — they do not worship them. An icon is a window into the divine: the honor given to the image passes to the person it depicts. This teaching was defined at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 and remains part of Catholic practice to this day.
The Three Archangels
- St. Michael the Archangel — the warrior of God and captain of the heavenly hosts. Scripture calls him "the great prince who stands guard over your people" (Daniel 12:1), and Revelation shows him leading the angels against the dragon (Revelation 12:7). He is shown with a sword and shield, scales of divine justice, or a cross banner — and is the patron of soldiers, police officers, and firefighters.
- St. Gabriel the Archangel — the messenger of God who announced the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary: "I am Gabriel, who stand before God" (Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26–38). He is shown with a lily, a trumpet, or a cross-staff — and is the patron of messengers, communication workers, and expectant mothers.
- St. Raphael the Archangel — the healer and guide, companion of Tobias on his journey in the Book of Tobit, where he reveals himself: "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord" (Tobit 12:15). He is shown holding a fish, a staff, or a pilgrim's flask — and is the patron of travelers, the sick, and physicians.
Want to know more about who the archangels are? Read our guide: Who Are the Archangels? Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
Symbols of the Archangels
Each archangel is recognized by traditional attributes that appear in every icon. Knowing them helps you read the icon correctly:
| Archangel | Symbols | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| St. Michael | Sword, scales, banner, shield | Victory over evil, divine justice |
| St. Gabriel | Lily, trumpet, cross-staff | Purity, announcing God's will |
| St. Raphael | Fish, staff, pilgrim's flask | Healing, safe journey, divine guidance |
Our guide to archangel symbols and their meanings explains each attribute in detail — including the scales of St. Michael and the fish of St. Raphael.
The Seven Archangels
Tobit 12:15 speaks of "seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord." Scripture names three of them — Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; Christian tradition remembers four more: Uriel (flame or sword), Barachiel (white rose), Jehudiel (crown), and Sealtiel (censer). Devotion to the seven archangels is a pious tradition — the Roman calendar celebrates only the three named in the Bible, together on September 29.
How Our Archangel Icons Are Made
Every archangel icon in this collection is made in our workshop in Lublewo Gdańskie, Poland. The image is applied to an alder wood board with a unique imaging technology developed for icon production, and the gold is then applied by hand with gold leaf — the same technique used for centuries in church iconostases. The finished icon is adapted both to hanging and to standing display, receives a certificate of authenticity, and is packed in a protective box.
Because each icon is finished by hand, small differences between pieces are natural — they are the mark of handcraft, not a defect.
Sizes and Prices
All archangel icons are available in four traditional sizes:
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A | 10.5 × 14 cm (4.13 × 5.51 in) | $48 |
| B | 12 × 16 cm (4.72 × 6.29 in) | $60 |
| E | 17 × 23 cm (6.69 × 9.05 in) | $72 |
| F | 29 × 39 cm (11.41 × 15.35 in) | $120–$121 |
Prices start at $48 for size A. Size F — the large wall icon — is $120–$121 depending on the design.
Catholic and Orthodox Archangel Icons
Catholic and Orthodox iconography share the same roots — the sacred art of the undivided Church. Both traditions venerate the archangels, but they express it in different styles: Orthodox icons follow Byzantine canons with gold backgrounds and stylized figures, while Catholic sacred images often take more naturalistic forms shaped by Western art. Our designs suit both sensibilities.
Guardian Angel Icons
Next to the archangels, many families look for a Guardian Angel icon — the image of the angel assigned to protect and guide a person (Matthew 18:10). Guardian Angel icons live in our Sacred Icons collection: more than 40 designs for children and adults, hand-gilded and printed, from $29 — traditional gifts for a baptism, First Communion, or name day. Read our guide: Guardian Angel Icons — Meaning and How to Choose.
How to Choose an Archangel Icon
Choose the archangel first, then the size:
| Purpose | Recommended icon |
|---|---|
| Personal prayer and travel | Small St. Michael or St. Raphael icon (size A or B) |
| Home altar or children's room | Guardian Angel icon or archangel icon (size B or E) |
| Gift (baptism, First Communion, name day) | Guardian Angel icon or hand-gilded archangel icon (size A or B) |
| Church devotional space or large wall | Large St. Michael icon (size F) |
Feast of the Archangels — September 29
The Feast of the Archangels — Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael — is celebrated on September 29. In many countries the day is known as Michaelmas, and it is the traditional day to bless a home with an archangel icon or to give one as a gift. Learn more in our guide to the Feast of the Archangels and Michaelmas traditions.
What are the symbols of the archangels?
St. Michael is shown with a sword, shield, or scales; St. Gabriel with a lily, a trumpet, or a cross-staff; and St. Raphael with a fish, a staff, or a pilgrim's flask. Each symbol points to the archangel's role: victory over evil, the announcement of God's will, and healing with divine guidance.
Who are the archangels?
The Catholic Church venerates three archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael — the only archangels named in Scripture. Michael is the defender of the faithful, Gabriel the messenger of the Incarnation, and Raphael the healer and guide. Christian tradition also remembers four more — Uriel, Barachiel, Jehudiel, and Sealtiel — honored together with them as the seven archangels in popular devotion.
Who are the seven archangels?
The seven archangels are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael — venerated by the Church in the liturgy — together with Uriel, Barachiel, Jehudiel, and Sealtiel, remembered in Christian tradition. Devotion to the seven archangels is a pious practice, while Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are celebrated together on September 29.
When is the Feast of the Archangels?
The Feast of the Archangels — Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael — is celebrated on September 29. In many countries the day is known as Michaelmas. Icons of the archangels are especially appropriate for devotion on this day.
Why do Catholics venerate icons?
Catholics venerate — not worship — icons. The honor given to the image passes to the person it depicts: worship is offered to God alone, while the saints and angels are honored. This distinction was defined at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 and reflects the practice of the early Church.
What is the difference between Catholic and Orthodox archangel icons?
Both traditions venerate the same archangels with the same symbols. Orthodox icons follow strict Byzantine canons — gold backgrounds, stylized figures, Greek inscriptions. Catholic icons often use more naturalistic Western forms, with Latin inscriptions and frames in a variety of finishes. The choice is a matter of taste, not doctrine.
What does the Archangel Gabriel hold in icons?
St. Gabriel is most often shown holding a lily (the purity of the Annunciation), a trumpet (the herald of God's will), or a cross-staff (the messenger's staff). In some Eastern icons he carries a sword and a flame. Our collection includes two St. Gabriel icons: with the cross-staff, and with sword and flame.
What size archangel icon should I choose?
For a nightstand, shelf, or small gift, choose size A (10.5 × 14 cm) or B (12 × 16 cm). For a home altar or a child's room, size B or E (17 × 23 cm) works well. For a large wall or a church devotional space, choose size F (29 × 39 cm). Every icon is adapted to both hanging and standing display.
Are the icons made in Poland?
Yes. Every archangel icon in this collection is made in our workshop in Lublewo Gdańskie, Poland: the image is applied to an alder wood board and the gold leaf is applied by hand. Each icon ships with a certificate of authenticity and a protective box.
How do I care for a hand-gilded icon?
Dust a hand-gilded icon with a soft, dry cloth and keep it out of direct sunlight and away from damp walls. Never use water or cleaning products on the gold leaf. For storage, wrap the icon in soft paper and keep it in a dry place — our guide to caring for sacred icons explains the details.
Related reading
To learn more about the role of sacred images in the Catholic home, read our guide Understanding Catholic Icons: A Beginner's Guide to Sacred Art. Browse the full collection of sacred icons, including icons of Jesus Christ and icons of Our Lady.
