The commemorative coin is dedicated to the supreme commander of the heavenly host, the biblical defender of the true faith and the conqueror of the forces of darkness — Archangel Michael. The image of the Archistrategos, embodied on the deacon’s doors of the Zhovkva iconostasis created by Ivan Rutkovych, is a remarkable monument of late-17th-century Ukrainian Baroque. This masterpiece of sacred art combines profound spiritual meaning with the high craftsmanship of Ukrainian Baroque icon painting, demonstrating a synthesis of Ukrainian and Western European traditions.
The obverse of the coin depicts the Royal Doors of the Zhovkva iconostasis with a prayer to Archangel Michael — one of the most widespread prayers in the Christian tradition addressed to the heavenly commander. Above the doors is a stylized arch symbolizing dawn and the victory of light over darkness (decorative element — local gilding). At the top of the composition are the Small State Emblem of Ukraine and the inscription “WHO IS LIKE GOD” — a traditional invocation to the Archistrategos, also interpreted as “Who is equal to God?”. At the bottom are the inscription “UKRAINE,” the year of minting 2025, the denomination 10, and the graphic symbol of the hryvnia.
The reverse of the coin features the figure of Archangel Michael (decorative element — color printing) from the icon of the Zhovkva iconostasis by Ivan Rutkovych. The Archistrategos is depicted in military armor, holding a sword and scales, standing upon clouds — as the commander of the heavenly host, defender of the faith, and fighter against the forces of evil. The background of the reverse is adorned with a Baroque-style floral ornament borrowed from one of the principal icons of the iconostasis.
