Virtual Vertep Vision is a series of articles and videos dedicated to each character of the traditional Ukrainian Vertep. Created as part of the project “BoykoTravel: Vertep PreServes Ukraine”, implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.
Glory to God in the highest,
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to all on earth!
(Carol “This Day in Bethlehem Blessed Mary Gave Birth”)
The Ukrainian Vertep is a living, evolving world that has always embraced not only canonical figures but also new characters reflecting the spiritual needs of their time. In days of great trial, the figure of the Angel of Peace gains prophetic power, uniting Ukrainian tradition with the global Christian experience.
Unlike the Bearer-Angel, who proclaims the birth of Christ, the Angel of Peace represents the fulfillment of the Christmas message: “Peace on earth to people of good will!” (Luke 2:14). His mission is to carry harmony among people, between humanity and God – a sign of spiritual purification and hope.
The image of the Angel of Peace has profound parallels in world culture.
Mystical tradition. In Portugal, since the late Middle Ages, there was veneration of the Guardian Angel of the Kingdom (Anjo Custódio do Reino). In 1916, through the apparitions in Fatima, this devotion was renewed. The children saw “a youth of about 14–15 years old, whiter than snow, transparent like crystal.” Calling himself the Angel of Peace, he taught them prayers for repentance and the salvation of the world. This figure became a symbol of humanity’s spiritual awakening on the eve of the great catastrophes of the 20th century.
Monuments of peace. In Munich, in 1899, a gilded monument called Friedensengel – the Angel of Peace – was erected to commemorate 25 years of peace after the Franco-Prussian War. Inspired by the ancient goddess Nike, its figure holds a palm branch – a sign of life’s victory over death. After World War II, another “Angel of Peace” memorial was built in Mannheim (1951–52), dedicated to victims of Nazism. Its austere, sorrowful expression reminds of suffering – yet points toward reconciliation: peace as healing.
Artistic symbol of hope. In 1900, English artist Walter Crane painted The Angel of Peace, influenced by the Anglo-Boer War. It is a personification of peace estranged from the world. On the canvas, a radiant winged youth in blue garments hovers above the earth, holding an olive branch – a universal sign of peace.
The Angel of Peace in the Ukrainian Vertep continues this global tradition. He is not merely a character, but a symbol of prayer for peace – peace in the heart, in the family, in the homeland.
His garments are light blue or silvery, approaching the purity “whiter than snow,” embodying heavenly presence. Behind him – large, outstretched wings, symbols of protection and guardianship. In his hands – an olive or palm branch, or a candle: a sign of victory, reconciliation, and unwavering hope that overcomes the darkness of war.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27)