Based on the presented sources, two main approaches to interpreting the combination of the seal of the seven archangels with the cross in religious practice can be distinguished:

1.

Symbolism of Unity and Purity

Based on the presented sources, two main approaches to interpreting the combination of the seal of the seven archangels with the cross in religious practice can be distinguished:

1. The significance of symbolic unity and protection. In the description of the temple dedicated to the seven highest Archangels, it is noted that after the victory over idolatry, Christians cleansed and consecrated the building, turning it into a church, and “dedicated this temple in the name of the seven highest Archangels, or the Heavenly Archistratigos: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel — and depicted them on the walls of the church…” (source: link txt, page: 101). Here, the combination of the seal of the archangels with the cross conveys the idea of divine protection and stands as a testimony to the restored true faith, where each figure performs a strictly defined role in safeguarding believers.

2. The symbolism of moral purity and unwavering loyalty. The combination of images follows a strict symbolic canon, where, for example, Archangel Michael is shown as the conqueror over darkness. “It is precisely this image of Archangel Michael with a white banner and a cross that symbolizes moral purity and unwavering loyalty to the Heavenly King” (source: link txt, page: 1870). An additional explanation is provided in the description of the cross on the spear, where it is explained that “the white banner adorning the tip of the spear constitutes a distinctive mark of the archangel and his entire host, a testimony to his combative valor. It signifies unchanging moral purity and unwavering loyalty of the angels to the Heavenly King” (source: link txt, page: 4183). These descriptions emphasize that the combination is not merely a decorative element but carries a strictly defined theological message: the archangels are entrusted with preserving moral purity and serving as models of loyalty in the struggle against evil forces.

Thus, the interpretation of the combination of the seal of the seven archangels with the cross focuses on two components: first, as a symbol of divine protection and the affirmation of true Christian faith, and second, as a sign of moral purity and allegiance, reflected through a specific iconographic practice, strictly constrained to reinforce the theological message.

Supporting citation(s):
“When idolatry perished noisily and after many years the holy Christian faith prevailed, the Christians, seeing the exquisite beauty of that marvelous Diocletian’s bath... They dedicated this temple in the name of the seven highest Archangels, or the Heavenly Archistratigos: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel — and depicted them on the walls of the church... Saint Michael was depicted trampling Lucifer with his feet, holding in his left hand a green palm, and in his right a spear with a white banner fluttering at the top, woven with a scarlet cross.” (source: link txt, page: 101)

“It is precisely this image of Archangel Michael with a white banner and a cross that symbolizes moral purity and unwavering loyalty to the Heavenly King.” (source: link txt, page: 1870)

“(b)

What does the cross, ending the spear depicted in the hands of the archangel, signify?

... Thus, the white banner adorning the tip of the spear constitutes a distinctive mark of the archangel and his entire host, a testimony to his combative valor. It signifies unchanging moral purity and unwavering loyalty of the angels to the Heavenly King.” (source: link txt, page: 4183)