This icon of St. Michael shows the ultimate outcome of the heavenly battle between good and evil.
In the upper left hand corner, we see Christ enthroned in Heaven surrounded by the faithful. The moon and stars in the right hand corner speak to the universality of salvation.
The portrayal of Satan depicts a demon with two heads. The second head inthe belly is a reference to the Orthodox belief that gluttony, not pride, was the original sin.
With all the trees in the garden to choose
from, it was Eve's greedy and excessive self indulgence that opened the
door for what was to follow.
