Those "ugly" byzantine paintings of Mary with Baby Jesus:what are those Greek letters floating around?

Question

They look almost occult; secret-looking symbols borne by flying creatures (angels/cherubs?). Are they labels, names or magic words?

Answer 1

For starters, I don't think there is an ugly picture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus that is painted with faith. And if I recall right, those Greek letters are the Omega and Alpha, as in when God said, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"