At the beginning of the 4th century, a few years before the First Ecumenical Council, the Council of Laodicea was convened, at which it was established Orthodox veneration angels.
Angel means "messenger" in Greek. Through them, God conveys his will, they also intercede before the Lord for people. Some angels have the prefix “archi” in front, which indicates their higher position compared to other angels.
On the day of remembrance of incorporeal forces, the archangels are glorified: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Yehudiel, Barachiel and Jeremiel.
The most important and famous of them is the Archangel Michael.
At angelic ranks There are three hierarchies - the highest, the middle and the lowest. There are three ranks in each hierarchy.
Higher hierarchy: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Flaming and Fiery Hexwings seraphim
.
They are closest to Holy Trinity and motivate everyone with love for God.
Name Cherubim
(Gen. 3:24) signifies an outpouring of wisdom and enlightenment. It is through them, to whom the mysteries of God are revealed, that enlightenment is transmitted for true knowledge of God.
Thrones
(Col. 1:16), following the Cherubim, carrying God mysteriously and incomprehensibly, serve the justice of God.
The Middle Angelic Hierarchy is Dominions, Forces and Authorities.
dominance (Col. 1:16) - the rulers of the ranks of Angels following them. Their role is to instruct the earthly rulers of wisdom appointed by God. Dominions teach the control of feelings, the taming of sinful desires and temptations, the control of one's will.
Forces (1 Pet. 3:22) - doers of God's will. It is given to them to work miracles, they give the grace of miracle-working and clairvoyance to the saints of God. Forces help people in their obedience, they help to strengthen their faith.
Authorities (1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 1:16) - helpers of people in taming satanic temptations and in the fight against evil thoughts, they confirm the ascetics and protect them.
lower hierarchy- Beginnings, Archangels and Angels.
Beginnings (Col. 1:16) - they have under their control the lower angels, whom they direct to the fulfillment of the Divine will. It is they who rule the world, countries, peoples. The principles instruct and teach people to render honor to each according to his rank. Of people. Those who are endowed with power, the Principles are directed to the idea of fulfilling their duties not for personal gain, but for the glory of God and the benefit of people.
Archangels (1 Thess. 4:16) - they are the good heralds of glorious events, they help the understanding of the will of God, with their help the holy faith is strengthened.
Angels
(1 Pet. 3:22) - the closest incorporeal forces to people who instruct us towards holiness and virtue, support people when they fall, help them get up when they fall. Angels are always with us, they are always ready to help, if we, of course, wish it.
WHAT ARCHANGELS HELP
Archangels help people in the battle against evil and troubles. When praying to Archangel Michael, or to other archangels, you can be sure that she will be heard.
Archangel Michael is revered as the patron saint of warriors. He is the protector of Christians from various evils and the actions of evil spirits. Prayers to the Archangel contribute to the healing of diseases, they pray to him during the construction and consecration of the house. Archangel Michael is a reliable protector in a dream, and also protects the souls of the dead on the way to the Throne.
You can pray to him in absolutely all worldly matters, if the prayer is sincere, help will definitely come.
In the morning and evening prayer rules there are prayers to the angel. They, of course, must be read daily. But besides reading, first of all, you need to exclude craftiness, theft, laziness, anger and other serious sins from your life. Start correcting your life yourself, then it will be much easier for angels and saints to help you in your prayers.
It must be remembered that icons or saints do not "specialize" in any particular area. It will be right when a person turns with faith in the power of God, and not in the power of this icon, this saint or prayer.
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CATHEDRAL OF THE ARCHANGELS LEADED BY ARCHISTRATIG MICHAEL
On November 21 (8 according to the old style), the Orthodox Church established the feast of the glorification of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barahiel and Jeremiah.
On the icons, the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the nature of their service:
archangel Michael- "Who is like God" - such a translation from the Hebrew of this name.
Much has been written about this holy angel in both the Old and New Testaments. He is considered a "prince", "the leader of the army of the Lord", the main fighter against the devil and his wiles.
After the rebellion of the fallen angels, led by Satan, the archangel Michael was the first to fight them, and from that time he received the title of “archistrategos” - a senior warrior.
“And there was a war in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought against them, but they did not stand, and there was no place for them in Heaven. And the great dragon was cast down, the ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan.
The Apostle Jude briefly mentions the archangel Michael as an opponent of the devil. (Josh. 5:13; Dan. 10; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7-9; Luke 10:18).
The Church honors Archangel Michael as a defender of the faith and a fighter against heresies and all evil. On the icons he is depicted with a fiery sword in his hand, or a spear overthrowing the devil.
Archangel Gabriel. From Hebrew - the husband of God, and in Russian the Fortress of God or the Power of God. One of the highest angels, in the Old and New Testaments, appears as a bearer of joyful gospels. He announces to the priest Zechariah in the temple about the birth of John the Baptist, the Ever-Virgin in Nazareth - about the birth of the Savior of the world. According to the Bible, he is considered the guardian angel of the chosen people. On the icons he is depicted with a branch of paradise brought by him Virgin, or with a luminous lantern in right hand and a jasper mirror on the left.
Archangel Raphael- in Aramaic means Healing of God or Healing of God. He is a healer of human ailments.
In the "Book of Tobit" of Holy Scripture, it is described how the Archangel Raphael, in the guise of a young man, helped the righteous Tobiah, he protected him from misfortunes on the way, freed Asmodeus Sarah, the daughter of Raguilov, from the evil spirit, gave her as wife to Tobias, the son of Tobitov, removed the thorn from Tobit (Tov.3, 16-17; 5.4-6; 6, 8-9; 7.2-3; 11, 6-7, 10-13; 12, 6-7; 14, 15, 18). With the help of the fish that Tobias caught in the Tigris River, evil spirits were expelled, and with its bile, Tobias, on the advice of Raphael, restored his father's sight.
On the icon, the holy Archangel Raphael, a doctor of human ailments: is depicted holding a vessel (alavastre) with medical agents (medicine) in his left hand, and a pod in his right hand, that is, a clipped bird feather for anointing wounds.
Archangel Uriel - fire or light of God, enlightener. According to Orthodox Tradition Christian Church, the holy Archangel Uriel was appointed by God to guard Paradise after the fall and exile of Adam. According to the teachings of the Holy Fathers, Archangel Uriel, being the radiance of divine fire, is the enlightener of the darkened, unbelievers and ignoramuses. And the very name of the Archangel, corresponding to his special service, means the Fire of God or the Light of God.
Archangel Uriel was sent by the Lord to Ezra (3 Ezra 4, 1-50; 5) and predicted that the Savior would soon come to the people. It was about 500 years before the birth of Christ.
By icon-painting canon In the Orthodox Church, the holy Archangel Uriel is depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand against his chest, and a fiery flame in his left.
Archangel Selaphiel- God's prayer book that encourages people to pray. On the icon, the holy Archangel Salafiel, a prayer book, always praying to God for people and arousing people to prayer, is depicted with his face and eyes bowed (lowered) down, and his hands pressed (folded) with a cross on his chest, as tenderly praying. He shows us an example of how to properly pray to the Lord God.
“And so the Lord gave us a whole face of prayer angels, with their leader Salafiel,” writes Vladyka Innokenty of Kherson, “so that with the pure breath of their mouths they warm our cold hearts to prayer, so that they admonish us when and how to pray, so that we raise our very offerings to the throne of grace. When you see, brethren, on the icon of the Archangel, standing in a position of prayer, with his eyes downcast, with his hands applied with reverence to his Persians (to his chest), then know that this is Salafiel. (Cit. Op., pp. 11-12).
Archangel Yehudiel - translated into Russian, his name means God's Glorifier or God's Praise. He really, as the inscription on the fresco of the Cathedral of the Annunciation says, “has the ministry of approving people who are working in some way or, for the glory of God, intercede for them to be rewarded.” Archangel Yehudiel is considered the patron saint of monastics and, in general, of everyone who works for the glory of God. He is an intercessor and helper for these people in their affairs.
The Holy Tradition indicates that the holy Archangel Jehudiel is one of the seven Archangels who patronized, by the Command of God, the Israelites on their way during their 40-year wandering, and the name Jehudiel is given to that Angel who preceded the Israelites in a pillar of fire and cloud when they left Egypt, protecting them from their persecutors (Ex. 14, 19- 20).
God sent Archangel Jehudiel to help Moses and his people: “Behold, I am sending My Angel before you to keep you on the way and to lead you to the place that I have prepared for you; watch yourselves before him and listen to his voice; do not resist Him, for He will not forgive your sin, for My name is in Him” (Ex. 23:20-21)
The Archangel of God Yehudiel is depicted holding a golden crown in his right hand, as a reward from God for useful and pious labors to holy people, and in his left hand a scourge of three black ropes with three ends, as a punishment for sinners for laziness to pious labors.
Archangel Jeremiel - The name of the holy Archangel Jeremiel means in Russian the Height of God or the Elevation of God. He is sent from above from God to man in order to promote the exaltation, the return of man to God. The Archangel of God not only opens up the gloomy perspective of the sinful world, they say, the farther the worse, but also helps to see in the dying world the holy grains of eternal life. (see John 12:24). He is depicted holding a scale in his right hand.
SOME MIRACLES OF ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
Description of some miracles associated with the name of the Archangel Michael:
Miracle in Khoneh
According to legend, near Hierapolis, which is located in Phrygia, there was a spring, with the waters of which the daughter of one of the inhabitants was healed of dumbness.
At night, the archangel Michael himself appeared to the father of this girl and said that his daughter needed to drink water from the source, and she would be able to speak. And so it happened - the maiden drank water and gained speech. Seeing such a miracle, the whole family of this man was baptized (before that they were not Christians) and, in gratitude to such a miracle of God, the happy father built a temple in honor of the holy Archangel Michael near the source.
After that, many healings occurred from the source, not only for Christians, but also for pagans, who, thanks to such miracles, were baptized and converted to the faith of Christ.
During the time of Christian persecution, the Monk Archippus of Herotop served at this church for 60 years. He was a good preacher and greatly annoyed the pagan rulers with his pious life. According to his writings, many pagans converted to Christianity.
In order to destroy the church and destroy Archippus, the pagans connected two rivers and sent water to the temple. But through the prayers of St. Archippus, the Archangel Michael came to their aid, and he struck the mountain with his rod, a large gap formed in it, where streams of water went. The temple was saved.
This miracle was called the “Miracle in Khonekh”. Hony - means "hole", "cleft".
Plague in Rome
Pope Gregory the Great during the plague in Rome in 590 held a prayer service and during the procession he saw the holy archangel Michael on top of the mausoleum of Adrian, who sheathed his sword, symbolizing the end of the battle with adversity. After that, the epidemic began to recede.
A statue of the Archangel Michael was placed on top of this mausoleum, and in the tenth century this mausoleum became the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Saving Sipont, an Italian city from the siege of the Germanic tribes in 630. By the will of God and the help of the Archangel Michael, a terrible thunder began, and a fiery cloud formed, in which lightning flashed. This cloud rushed towards the attackers who fled from it.
Saving Novgorod from the invasion of Batu Khan in 1239 was due to the fact that the Archangel Michael appeared to the Khan and forbade him to fight with Novgorod.
Joan of Arc Archangel Michael patronized from childhood. It was with his help that the British were defeated at Orleans. Without the help of the archangel and other forces of heaven, the troops of the Virgin of Orleans would not have been able to win this victory.
Many descriptions have been preserved that the Archangel Michael provided assistance to the inhabitants of the Aegean coast during pirate times. Only prayers to the holy commander helped people avoid the fate of being killed, robbed or driven into slavery.
Magnification
We magnify you, Archangels, and Angels and the entire Host, Cherubim and Seraphim, glorifying the Lord.
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And others Heavenly Forces incorporeal was established at the beginning of the 4th century at the Local Council of Laodicea.
The Council of Laodicea took place a few years before the First Ecumenical Council. With the 35th canon, he condemned and rejected the heretical worship of angels as creators and rulers of the world and approved their Orthodox veneration. A holiday is celebrated in November - the ninth month from March (from which the year began in ancient times) - in accordance with the number of 9 ranks of the Angels. The eighth day of the month (according to the old style) points to the future Council of all the Powers of Heaven on the day of the Last Judgment of God, which the holy fathers call “the eighth day,” for after this age, which goes by weeks of days, the “Of the Osmosis Day” will come, and then “the Son of Man will come in His Glory, and all the holy angels with Him” (Matt. 25:31).
The ranks of the Angels are divided into three hierarchies - the highest, the middle and the lowest. Each hierarchy is made up of three ranks. The higher hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Closest to the Holy Trinity are the six-winged seraphim(Flaming, Fiery) (Isaiah 6:2). They burn with love for God and incite others to it.
After the Seraphim, the Lord will have many clean Cherubim(Gen. 3:24). Their name means: an outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment, because through them, shining with the light of the knowledge of God and the understanding of the mysteries of God, wisdom and enlightenment are sent down for true knowledge of God.
Behind the Cherubim - the God-bearing ones come by the grace given to them for service, Thrones(Col. 1:16), carrying God mysteriously and incomprehensibly. They serve the justice of God.
The average Angelic hierarchy is made up of three ranks: Dominions, Forces and Powers.
dominance(Col. 1:16) rule over the successive orders of Angels. They instruct earthly rulers appointed by God in wise management. Dominions are taught to control feelings, to tame sinful desires, to enslave the flesh to the spirit, to dominate one's will, to overcome temptations.
Forces(1 Pet. 3:22) do the will of God. They work miracles and send down the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to the saints of God. Forces help people in bearing obediences, strengthen them in patience, bestow spiritual strength and courage.
Authorities(1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 1:16) have the power to tame the power of the devil. They repel demonic temptations from people, affirm ascetics, protect them, and help people in the fight against evil thoughts.
The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Principals, Archangels and Angels.
Beginnings(Col. 1:16) rule over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfillment of Divine commands. They are entrusted with managing the universe, protecting countries, peoples, tribes. The Principles instruct people to give each one the honor due to his rank. Leaders are taught to perform official duties not for the sake of personal glory and benefits, but for the honor of God and the benefit of their neighbors.
Archangels(1 Thess. 4:16) they proclaim great and glorious gospels, reveal the mysteries of faith, prophecy and the understanding of the will of God, strengthen the holy faith in people, enlightening their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel.
Angels(1 Pet. 3:22) are closest to people. They proclaim the intentions of God, instruct people to a virtuous and holy life. They keep believers, keep from falling, raise the fallen, never leave us and are always ready to help if we wish.
All ranks of the Heavenly Forces bear the common name of Angels - in essence of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest Angels, and they, in turn, enlighten the rest.
archangel Michael
archangel Michael (who is like God) leader of the heavenly host.
They say that Satan takes great credit for making the painters NOT DESIGN themselves defeated under the feet of the Patron of the human race.
Mentioned in canon books:
Dan. 10:13; 12:1.
Jude. Art. 9.
open 12:7-8.
The book “Guide to the Painting of Icons of the Saints” says that the holy Archangel Michael “is depicted trampling (trampling underfoot) Lucifer and, like a conqueror, holding a green date branch in his left hand on his chest, and in his right hand a spear, on top of which is a white banner, with the image of a red cross, in commemoration of the victory of the Cross over the devil.” (Academician V. D. Fartusov, Moscow, Synod. Typ., 1910, p. 226).
Russian Chrysostom, Archbishop Innokenty of Kherson wrote as an edification: “He was the first to rebel against Lucifer (Satan) when this one rebelled against the Almighty. It is known how this war ended, with the overthrow of the morning star (Satan) from heaven. Since then, Archangel Michael has not ceased to fight for the glory of the Creator and Lord of all, for the salvation of the human race, for the church and its children.
… Therefore, for those who are adorned with the name of the first of the Archangels, it is most fitting to be distinguished by zeal for the glory of God, fidelity to the King of Heaven and the kings of the earth, constant war against vice and wickedness, constant humility and self-denial” (Sedm Archangels of God, M., 1996, pp. 5-6).
Archangel Gabriel (from Hebrew - man of God) .
One of the highest angels, in the Old and New Testaments, appears as a bearer of joyful gospels. He announces to the priest Zechariah in the temple, while offering incense, about the birth of John the Baptist, the Ever-Virgin in Nazareth - about the birth of the Savior of the world. According to the Bible, he is considered the guardian angel of the chosen people. Kabbalists consider him the teacher of Patriarch Joseph; according to the teachings of the Mohammedans - from him Mohammed received his revelations and was carried away to Heaven by him. It is depicted on icons with candles and a jasper mirror as a sign that the ways of God are not clear until the time, but are comprehended through time by studying the word of God and obedience to the voice of conscience.
Mentioned in canon books:
Dan. 8:16 and 9: 21;
OK. 1:9 and 26.
The Holy Archangel Gabriel, as explained in the Guide to Painting Icons, “is depicted holding a lantern with a candle lit inside in his right hand, and a stone mirror in his left.” (Fartusov, p. 226). This mirror of green jasper (jasper) with black and white spots on it, illuminated by the light of truth, reflects the good and bad deeds of the peoples, proclaims to people the mysteries of God's economy, the salvation of mankind.
The name Gabriel, received by the Archangel from God, means in Russian Fortress of God or The power of God .
Archangel Varahiel
Archangel Varahiel (God's blessing) .
This name is known only by tradition. It is not found in the Bible and the Gospel.
The name of this heavenly messenger Barahiel is translated into Russian - God's blessing .
The book “Guide to the Painting of Icons” says the following about him: “The Holy Archangel Barahiel, the distributor of God’s blessings and intercessor, asking for God’s good deeds for us: is depicted carrying white roses on his chest on his clothes, as if rewarding at the command of God for prayers, labors and moral behavior people and heralding bliss and endless peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Fartusov, p. 227). These white roses mean the blessing of God. What could be purer and more fragrant than white roses, from which rose oil is extracted? So the Lord, through his Archangel Varahiel, sends his blessing from the depths of his clothes for prayers and labors to people.
“Inasmuch as the blessings of God are different,” writes St. Innocent of Kherson, “then the ministry of this Angel is diverse: through him the blessing of God is sent to every deed, to every good worldly occupation.” (Cit. cit., p. 14).
Archangel Salafiel
Archangel Salafiel (prayer to God) .
3 Ezd. 5:16.
“And so the Lord gave us a whole face of prayer angels, with their leader Salafiel,” writes Vladyka Innokenty of Kherson, “so that with the pure breath of their mouths they warm our cold hearts to prayer, so that they admonish us when and how to pray, so that we raise our very offerings to the throne of grace. When you see, brethren, on the icon of the Archangel, standing in a position of prayer, with his eyes downcast, with his hands applied with reverence to his Persians (to his chest), then know that this is Salafiel. (Cit. Op., pp. 11-12).
The book “Guide to the Painting of Icons” says: “The Holy Archangel Salafiel, a prayer book, always praying to God for people and rousing people to prayer. He is depicted with his face and eyes bowed (lowered) down, and his hands pressed (folded) with a cross on his chest, as if tenderly praying.” (Farusov, pp. 226-227).
Archangel Yehudiel
Archangel Yehudiel (praise God) .
This name is known only by tradition. It is not found in the Bible and the Gospel.
The name of the holy Archangel Jehudiel translated into Russian Glorifier of God or Praise God, after all, he really, as the inscription on the fresco of the Cathedral of the Annunciation says, “to have the ministry of approving people who are working in something or, for the glory of God, ask for retribution for them.”
As explained in the Guide to the Painting of Icons, the Archangel of God Yehudiel “is depicted holding a golden crown in his right hand, as a reward from God for useful and pious labors to holy people, and in his left hand a scourge of three black ropes with three ends, as a punishment for sinners for laziness to pious labors.” (Fartusov, p. 227).
“Each of us, young and old, is obliged to live and work for the glory of God,” writes Archbishop Innokenty of Kherson. The greater the feat, the higher and brighter the reward. In the right hand of the Archangel is not just a crown: it is a reward for every Christian who works for the glory of God.” (Op. cit., p. 13).
Archangel Raphael
Archangel Raphael (God's help) .
Mentioned in a non-canonical book:
Tov. 3:16; 12:12-15.
Whoever wants to be worthy of Raphael's heavenly help, first of all, he himself needs to be merciful to those in need - instructs Archbishop Innokenty of Kherson (Cit. cit., p. 9).
Raphael in Aramaic means God's healing or God's healing .
The “Guide to the Painting of Icons” briefly explains that: “The Holy Archangel Raphael, the doctor of human ailments: is depicted holding a vessel (alavaster) with medical agents (medicine) in his left hand, and a pod in his right hand, that is, a clipped bird feather for anointing wounds.” (Fartusov, p. 226).
Archangel Uriel
Archangel Uriel (fire of God) .
Mentioned in a non-canonical book:
3 Ezd. 4:1; 5:20.
According to the Tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church, the holy Archangel Uriel was appointed by God to guard Paradise after the fall and exile of Adam. According to the teachings of the Holy Fathers, Archangel Uriel, being the radiance of divine fire, is the enlightener of the darkened, unbelievers and ignoramuses. And the very name of the Archangel, corresponding to his special ministry, means Fire of God or Light of God .
According to the icon-painting canon of the Orthodox Church, the holy Archangel named Fire of God“depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand against his chest, and a fiery flame in his left.” (Fartusov, p. 226).
“As an Angel of light, he enlightens the minds of people with the revelation of truths that are useful to them; as an Angel of Divine fire, he inflames hearts with love for God and destroys earthly unclean attachments in them,” explains Vladyka Innokenty, Archimandrite of Kherson. (Cit. cit., p. 10).
Archangel Jeremiel
Archangel Jeremiel (height of God) .
Mentioned in a non-canonical book:
3 Ezr. 4:36.
“In the 3rd book of Ezra (4:36) the Archangel Jeremiel (the height of God) is also mentioned,” writes Archimandrite Nikifor in the “Biblical Encyclopedia” (M., 1891, p. 63). He was present at the first conversation of the Archangel Uriel with the priest Ezra and answered the latter's question about the signs preceding the end of the sinful world, and about the beginning of the eternal kingdom of the righteous.
The name of the holy Archangel Jeremiel means in Russian God's height or Exaltation of God. He is sent from above from God to man in order to promote the exaltation, the return of man to God. The Archangel of God not only opens up the gloomy perspective of the sinful world, they say, the farther the worse, but also helps to see in the dying world the holy grains of eternal life. (see John 12:24). He is depicted holding a scale in his right hand.
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Cathedral of St. Archangel Mich A silt and other incorporeal forces was installed at the beginning of the 4th century. at the Laodicean Council. The Council, by its 35th canon, condemned and rejected the heretical veneration of angels as creators and rulers of the Universe and approved their Orthodox veneration.
The festival takes place in November - the ninth month from March, from which the year then began - in accordance with the number of 9 ranks of angels. The eighth day of the month points to the future Council of all the Powers of heaven on the day of the Terrible Judgment of God, which Sts. the Fathers call “the eighth day” when “the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him” (Mt. 25:31).
All ranks of the Arkhangelsk - nine, at the direction of St. Dionysius the Areopagite: cherubim, seraphim, thrones, dominions, powers, powers, principles, archangels and angels; their number is very large.
The ranks of the Angels are divided into three hierarchies- high, middle and low. Each hierarchy is made up of three ranks. The higher hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Closest to the Holy Trinity are the six-winged seraphim(Flaming, fiery) (Is. 6, 2). They burn with love for God and incite others to it.
After the Seraphim, the Lord will have many-eyed Cherubim(Gen. 3:24). Their name means: an outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment, because through them, shining with the light of the knowledge of God and the understanding of the mysteries of God, wisdom and enlightenment are sent down for true knowledge of God.
Behind the Cherubim - the God-bearing ones come by the grace given to them for service, Thrones(Col. 1, 16), mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God. They serve the justice of God.
Image of a cherub from the Resurrection Cathedral in Rostov The average Angelic hierarchy is made up of three ranks: Dominions, Forces and Powers.
dominance(Col. 1, 16) rule over the subsequent ranks of Angels. They instruct earthly rulers appointed by God in wise management. Dominions are taught to control feelings, to tame sinful desires, to enslave the flesh to the spirit, to dominate one's will, to overcome temptations. Forces(1 Pet. 3:22) do the will of God. They work miracles and send down the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to the saints of God. Forces help people in bearing obediences, strengthen them in patience, bestow spiritual strength and courage.
Authorities(1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 1:16) have the power to tame the power of the devil. They repel demonic temptations from people, affirm ascetics, protect them, and help people in the fight against evil thoughts.
Image of a cherub worn during religious processions on Rogozhsky The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Principals, Archangels and Angels.
Beginnings(Col. 1, 16) rule over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfillment of Divine commands. They are entrusted with managing the universe, protecting countries, peoples, tribes. The Principles instruct people to give each one the honor due to his rank. Leaders are taught to perform official duties not for the sake of personal glory and benefits, but for the honor of God and the benefit of their neighbors.
Archangels(1 Thess. 4:16) they proclaim the great and glorious, reveal the mysteries of faith, prophecy and understanding of the will of God, strengthen the holy faith in people, enlightening their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel.
Angels(1 Pet. 3, 22) are closest to people. They proclaim the intentions of God, guide people to a virtuous and holy life. They keep believers, keep from falling, raise the fallen, never leave us and are always ready to help if we wish.
Wall painting in Pokrovsky cathedral ROCC in Moscow All ranks of the Heavenly Forces bear the common name of Angels - in essence of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest Angels, and they, in turn, enlighten the rest.
Above all nine ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew is “who is like God”) - a faithful servant of God, for he cast down from Heaven a proud day-stand with other fallen spirits. And to the rest Angelic Powers he exclaimed: Let's go! Let us become kind before our Creator and do not think of what is displeasing to God! ”
Archangel Michael, 18th century icon According to Church tradition, captured in the service of the Archangel Michael, he took part in many Old Testament events. When the Israelites left Egypt, he led them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Through him, the Power of the Lord appeared, destroying the Egyptians and Pharaoh, who were persecuting the Israelites. Archangel Michael defended Israel in all disasters.
He appeared to Joshua and revealed the will of the Lord to take Jericho (Joshua 5:13-16). The power of the great Archangel of God appeared in the destruction of 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian king Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35), in the defeat of the wicked leader of Antioch Iliodor, and in the protection from fire of the three holy youths - Ananias, Azariah and Misael, who were thrown into the oven to be burned for refusing to worship an idol. (Dan. 3, 92-95).
By the will of God, the Archangel transferred the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon in order to give food to Daniel, who was imprisoned in the den with lions (kontakion of the akathist, 8).
Archangel Michael forbade the devil to reveal to the Jews the body of the holy prophet Moses for deification (Jude 1:9).
The Holy Archangel Michael showed his strength when he miraculously saved a boy thrown into the sea by robbers with a stone around his neck off the coast of Athos (Paterik of Athos).
Archangel Michael-Patron of the Russian land
Since ancient times, the Archangel Michael in Rus' has been glorified by his miracles. In the Volokolamsk Patericon, the story of the Monk Pafnuty of Borovsky is given from the words of the Tatar Baskaks about the miraculous salvation of Novgorod the Great: “ And how the Great Novgorod would never be taken from the Agarians ... always, by God's permission, the sin for our godless Hagarian king Baty the Russian land would be captured and burned and go to the New City and God and the Most Pure Mother of God covered it with the appearance of Michael the Archangel, and forbid him to go to him. He went to the Lithuanian castles and came to Kyiv and saw the great Michael the Archangel written above the doors of the stone church and the prince pointed with his finger: “Forbid me to go to Veliky Novgorod“”.
Intercession for the Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven has always been carried out by Her appearances with the Host of Heaven, under the leadership of the Archangel. Grateful Rus' sang the Most Pure Theotokos and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedral, palace and town churches are dedicated to the Archangel.
In ancient Kyiv, immediately after the adoption of Christianity, the Archangel Cathedral was erected and a monastery was built. Archangel cathedrals stand in Smolensk, Nizhny Novgorod, Staritsa, a monastery in Veliky Ustyug (beginning of the 13th century), a cathedral in Sviyazhsk. There was no city in Rus' where there would not be a temple or a chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. One of major temples the city of Moscow - the temple-tomb in the Kremlin - is dedicated to him.
Numerous and beautiful are the icons of the Chief of the Higher Forces and his Cathedral. One of them - icon “Blessed is the army of the Heavenly King”- written for the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, where the holy warriors - Russian princes - are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.
Blessed be the army of the Heavenly King, State Tretyakov Gallery Archangels are also known from Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition:
Archangel Gabriel- the fortress of God and the herald of the mysteries of God.
Archangel Raphael- doctor of diseases and guide.
Archangel Uriel- the stimulator to prayer and the enlightener of the darkened.
Archangel Yehudiel- an intercessor on the way, a helper to those in need of something for the glory of God.
Archangel Varahiel- giver and intercessor God's grace and the guardian of purity of soul and body.
Archangel Salafiel- a doctor for shaking disease and a prayer to God for people.
Archangel Hephael- igniter of love for God.
Archangel Tahiel- helper and protector from troubles and misfortunes.
(See: Prologue November 8; Rev. 12, 7-8; 3 Ezr. 4, 1; Tov. 3, 16-17, etc.).
The Cathedral of Arch. Michael_ presumably 18th century, restoration in 2010, is in a private collection. http://pravicon.com/image-22046 On the icons, the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the nature of their service:
Michael- tramples the devil underfoot, holds a green date branch in his left hand, in his right - a spear with a white banner (sometimes a flaming sword), on which a scarlet cross is inscribed.
Gabriel- with a branch of paradise, brought by him to the Blessed Virgin, or with a luminous lantern in his right hand and a jasper mirror in his left.
Raphael- holds a vessel with healing potions in his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish.
Uriel- in the raised right hand - a naked sword at chest level, in the lowered left hand - "fiery flame".
Selaphiel- in a prayer position, looking down, arms folded on his chest.
Yehudiel- in the right hand holds a golden crown, in the shuitz - a scourge of three red (or black) ropes.
Barahiel- on his clothes a lot pink flowers.
Jeremiel- Holds a scale in his hand.
Prayer to Archangel Michael from an old prayer book:
She, recruited by Konstantin Spektorov
Prayer to the Archangel Michael typed by Konstantin Spektorov from the above ancient manuscript http://spektorov.narod.ru/slav/Mikhail.pdf
Prayer text in PDF:
A slightly different version of the prayer, which was written at the entrance to the cathedral church of the Miracle of St. Archangel Michael, built at the beginning of the 16th century in the Chudov Monastery in the Moscow Kremlin, near the Spasskaya Tower.
PRAYER TO ARCHISTRATEG MICHAEL
If a person reads this prayer, that day the devil will not touch him or an evil person.
Lord, great God, King without beginning, send, Lord, your archangel Michael, to help my sinful servant name, deliver me, Lord, from my enemies, visible and invisible, and forbid all my enemies fighting me, create them like a sheep, and crush them, like dust before the face of the wind, Lord, Lord, great Michael the Archangel, the first prince and governor of the heavenly forces without flesh angels, cherubim and seraphim of six-winged, and all the angel and archangel, wonderful and terrible, and honest, Archangel Michael, be my helper to my servant name, in troubles and sorrows and sorrows, and in deserts and in tight places, on the battlefield and on the rivers, and at the crossroads, with kings and princes and boyars, and nobles, and all kinds of authorities and from deliver me all the charms of the enemy, Lord, Lord, the great Archangel Michael, hear the voice of the sinful servant of your name, praying to you, and calling for help your most holy name, hasten the generous one to help me and hear my prayer, great Archangel Michael, and conquer all that opposes me, by the power of the Most Holy Spirit and the prayers of the most pure Mother of God, and the holy saints and the confessor, and the unmercenary, and the holy martyrs and martyrs, and reverend father and all the saints with prayers.
Great Michael the Archangel, help me your sinful servant name, deliver me from a coward and a flood, and from fire and sword and pestilence, and from vain death, and from deadly ulcers, and every reptile and flattering enemy, and observe the storms that are applied, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
The article uses illustrations and material from the forum "Old Believers"
Related links
In one line: material from Father Alexander Pankratov (Veliky Novgorod)
To increase the horizons of dear readers, we provide additional information that has been collected on the topic for several years by a respected Old Believer priest and a prolific Internet browser Father Alexander Pankratov .
Michael's day has come, more precisely, the Cathedral of the Holy Archangel Michael and other holy heavenly forces of the incorporeal, - one of the major, significant and notable days in the Saints of the Church of Christ ... I congratulate everyone!
Of course, last night and this morning there was a full statutory service in our church. Now, in the evening, I sat down at the monitor and thought: what will I tell my readers and viewers about?
After all, it would seem that almost all aspects of this day have already been covered ...
Let me remind you that back in 2010, on November 21, he described our parish everyday life, how technically the service is performed in the conditions of a modest, small community, almost without the verb “father's helpers”.
Further, in February 2011, he told, with a large number of pictures, about the ancient monastery of St. Arch. Michael, that “on the Frying Pan”, in the vicinity of Novgorod, which is also closely associated with the founder of our church, St. Archbishop Moses, and about her, alas, wonderful (perhaps the best of Novgorod) frescoes of the XIV century destroyed by the war. And also that our restorers are now slowly, literally bit by bit, collect and restore .
In the same 2011, he placed a good movie about nov. church of st. Arch. Michael on Prusskaya st., converted now in the region. library for the blind.
Last year, 2012, on this day, I congratulated our dear birthdays, three priests, fathers of Mikhailov (there was also a video from their services, from Nizhny Novgorod, more
This ancient holiday is especially dear to all Orthodox Christians who venerate saints. It contains many interesting stories and secrets. For example, it is believed that if you ask for forgiveness for all your sins and believe in it, some kind of guardian angel will definitely appear. It will protect you from troubles and help you find your way in life.
The history of the holiday
In the era of the formation of Christianity, a lot of free interpretations of the Holy Letter were born. New cults appeared, the prophets and the Orthodox churches following them constantly split into several currents.
In order to put in order all God's foundations, to separate thoughts corresponding to Christianity from those mixed with pagan beliefs traditions, Councils were established. This is a congress of the highest representatives of the church.
During each Council, important questions of religion and parishes were decided. In addition, holidays were appointed, which were to be observed by the parishioners. Other celebrations that people invented were not recognized as biblical.
During one of these Councils, Laodicea, the fate of one of the most important holidays of that period was decided.
Cathedral of Laodicea
According to church researchers, this happened in the year 360 from the Nativity of Christ. Its name comes from the place Laodicea, which is located in Asia Minor, where the venerable servants of the temples were called.
According to one version, this congress preceded the famous First, who forever established the main rules Christian religion.
At the Laodicean Council, several significant decisions were made, which are honored and observed to this day.
On it, the clergy decided that after the ceremony a person should be chrismated. This means that the Holy Spirit descends to him at the moment of Baptism. In addition, the ministers of the temples expressed their condemnation to those people who, instead of praying to the Son of God, honored the angels more, considering them the creators of everything that exists.
This belief was forbidden by the church, and the ministers of the idea were proclaimed heretics and excommunicated from the parish. At that meeting, the feast of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael was created.
Angels
In the Christian religion, angels are only messengers of the will of God. They can only convey it to people, being them in different types or pushing them to the right and right decision.
Angels represent either creatures or souls with superpowers. They do not have a specific gender. Each of them has wings.
According to the New Testament, the saints in heaven have a certain hierarchy of nine camps. For disobedience to the will of the elder, they can be exiled or lay down their wings, becoming fallen.
Angels are called to protect God and, if necessary, can become an army for protection. In honor of each of them there are their own Russian holidays. Orthodox Church.
Almost every world religion has angels. In Islam, for example, they are one of the central actors.
The leader of the army of God in Christianity is the Archangel Michael.
Holiday
Faithful Christians after the meeting of the first fathers-priests in Laodicea were to celebrate on the ninth month, on its eighth day, a new event. They became the Cathedral and other incorporeal Heavenly Forces.
Modern people are surprised that the holiday is November, and it is customary to celebrate in the church on the ninth month. The thing is that according to the old calendar, he was the ninth month, counting from March.
Symbols
The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Forces contains two references to divine Scripture at once, already in the very dates of its celebration.
So, the ninth month is a direct indication of how many angelic hierarchies exist in Christianity.
The eighth day is the heavenly judgment. According to legend, during the apocalypse there will be a meeting of all angels and spirits. According to the old calendar, the eighth day is equal to the 21st according to the new calendar. Official November 21 - Orthodox holiday Michael and angels.
Angelic ranks
- Seraphim are saints with six wings. They carry within themselves a fiery and unselfish love for God.
- Cherubim - with four wings, giving knowledge, wisdom and intelligence.
- Thrones are messengers that carry God. He, as if on a throne, sits during the judgment.
- Dominations are angels who should help with advice and guidance to monarchs and those who are in power.
- Forces - are responsible for the miracles that happen to those who are pleasing to God.
- Power - serve to tame the devil's power.
- Archons - control the entire universe and the elements.
- Archangels are teachers who protect people, giving them the knowledge they need for this. They are elevated by the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael.
- Angels are the last on the list. Most often they interact with people. They appear on earth in order to push a person to the right deed.
The Revelations mention seven cherubim, each of which, as an indication of the messenger, holds a pipe.
Why did the church create a holiday
This holiday was established, first of all, not in order to honor the saints, but in order to distinguish between divine power and angelic power.
According to the church, angels are more like people, have human likeness. Accordingly, they could descend to earth and live with the living. From alliances with messengers, Nephilim appeared - half-humans, half-angels.
Seraphim, according to church ideas, just like people, pray to God, ask for his forgiveness and faithfully serve him. On the icon “Cathedral of the Archangel Michael”, the angels continue, kneeling, crying out to their Creator.
Holiday legend
According to the Holy Scripture, God, before creating everything visible to the human eye, as well as man himself, created another world. He populated it with incorporeal beings, spirits, angels. This place is several times larger than a human.
So, Moses spoke about how God created the heavens and the earth. The Church interprets this message as an indication of the heavenly world. They give two designations to providence: as visible to man, and not a visible place inhabited by souls.
Angels live in that world - spirits without flesh. All of them were created by God. It is them that the icon “Cathedral of the Archangel Michael of God” depicts.
In order to help unfortunate people, the descendants of Adam and Eve, who were once expelled from Paradise, a more ideal world, God sends cherubim to earth.
Archangels
- Archangel Michael became the leader of the army in heaven, ready to defend God's kingdom during the end of the world. The church believes that he, who once defeated Satan, is preparing for another battle. And I had to force all the icon painters in the world not to depict that terrible battle in which she lost to Michael and lay at his feet. In honor of the Archangel Michael, an Orthodox holiday is celebrated on November 21.
- whose name means "God's husband" is called to bring good news. He guards the chosen people. dedicated to Gabriel different days Orthodox holidays. So, he is honored on March 26 and July 13, as was customary under the old calendar style.
- Varahiel - he is "a blessing from God." This archangel is not found in the Bible, it can only be found in legends. Barahiel gives gifts to righteous people for their faith in God. Often depicted with white roses on his chest, which he gives to people for their kindness.
- Salafiel - "prays to God." This archangel is not mentioned in the Bible, only in non-canonical writings. Salafiel should admonish and instruct people with the help of prayers. Even on the icons he is depicted in a prayer pose. The holidays of the Orthodox Church do not include the exact day of this archangel.
- Yehudiel - "God's praise." The name of the archangel exists in ancient legends. In the images of Yehudiel, he holds a wreath of gold in his hand as a gift from God for those people who, with their exemplary behavior, atoned for original sin and became saints.
- Raphael - this archangel is called to help God. People should follow the example of the saint and also try to help the Lord with their actions.
- Uriel - the name of the archangel is translated as "God's fire." According to the tradition of the Orthodox Church, it was this saint who stood at the gates to Paradise, after the first people were expelled from it for their sins. This archangel enlightens the ignorant, grants them knowledge.
- Archangel Jeremiel - "God's height". It should be sent by the Almighty to those people who have lost hope or have begun to lead an unworthy life. The Saint must guide them to the high path that will lead them to Grace.
“Cathedral of the Archangel Michael" - icon
Traditionally, the image depicts all the archangels, who should gather at the moment when the decisive battle of good against evil takes place.
In the center of the icon is Archangel Michael himself. From this image, one can understand that the host of angels, along with Michael, does not claim a divine role. They eagerly glorify the Lord God, as well as the entire Trinity indivisible.
Icon-patron and Michael
According to the Orthodox Christian tradition, each angel is someone's patron. Each icon can help those who pray to God and hope for a miracle.
The icon from Novgorod is the most popular. It was written at the end of the fifteenth century and is considered to be made according to the canon. Nevertheless, each church has its own icon glorifying the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and his Heavenly Army - the defenders of people, the messengers of God's will.
Michael is the patron saint of many cities and countries. After Christianity appeared in Kyiv, a temple, huge at that time, of an unprecedented scale, was built for it. Cathedrals in honor of the archangel stand in Nizhny Novgorod, Smolensk, Veliky Ustyug, Staritsa, Sviyazhsk.
In Moscow, a temple-tomb rises on the main square, in the Kremlin. This temple is dedicated to the saint. They celebrate the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. The sermon at this time is read solemnly.
On icons, the saint is usually depicted standing over the defeated devil, holding a date branch in one hand as a sign of victory and peace, and in the other a spear or sword. On his weapon, as a rule, a red cross is drawn.
The date branch also symbolizes the tree that grew in Paradise. He gave it to the Virgin Mary as a token of his love and faithful service.
On November 21, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Forces. We will tell about the history and traditions of the holiday; about who the archangels are and why Michael is the archangel among them.
What is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Forces - Christian holiday, which in the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated on November 21 according to the new style (November 8 - according to the old one). A holiday is celebrated in November - the ninth month from March (earlier, the year began from March). The fact is that, according to Christian theology, there are nine angelic ranks. And the eighth day of the month (according to the old style) is an indication of the future Council of all the powers of heaven, which will take place on the day of the Last Judgment. The Holy Fathers called the Last Judgment "the eighth day."
When is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael celebrated?
The celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal heavenly forces takes place on November 21 according to the new style (November 8 - according to the old one). This is a permanent holiday.
What you can eat at the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
There is no fasting on this day, that is, Orthodox Christians can eat any food.
Angelic ranks
The ranks of the angels are of three hierarchies. The highest is Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Closest to the Most Holy Trinity are the six-winged Seraphim (translated as “Flaming, Fiery”). Medium - Domination, Strength and Power. The lowest - Beginnings, Archangels and angels.
All ranks of heavenly forces are called angels. Angel means "messenger". This reflects their purpose - to convey God's will to people, to be protectors and teachers of people. Archangel Michael stands above all nine ranks and is therefore called the archangel.
We also know the names of other archangels: Gabriel (“God’s power”), Raphael (“God’s healing”), Uriel (“God’s light”), Selaphiel (“God’s prayer book”), Yehudiel (“praise God”), Barahiel (“God’s blessing”), Jeremiel (“exaltation to God”).
archangel Michael
Archangel Michael in Hebrew means “who is like God” or a little differently, with an interrogative intonation - “who is like God?”. He is called the archangel, because he led the heavenly army, which rebelled against the angels who had fallen away from God and their leader Dennitsa. We also know Dennitsa as Lucifer, which means “morning star” in translation. The Lord endowed this angel with great perfections, but for his pride and rebellion against the Creator, Dennitsa was cast out of Heaven.
What does Archangel Michael help with, what do they pray to Archangel Michael
According to the hierarchy of the ranks of the angels, the Archangels preach to people about the Mysteries of God, reveal to us God's will. Historically, in Rus', the Archangel Michael was prayed for help in getting rid of grief, at the entrance to new house and on the foundation of the house, on the patronage of the royal throne and, in general, the state, on the salvation and preservation of Russia.
The history of the celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
The Feast of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces was established by the decree of the Council of Laodicea, which took place approximately in 363 - a few years before the First Ecumenical Council.
Archangel Michael in the Old Testament
The tradition of the Church, which is revered by believers along with the Holy Scriptures, says that the Archangel Michael was a participant in many Old Testament events. For example, he showed the way to the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt - in the form of a cloudy pillar during the day and a pillar of fire at night. In addition, he revealed to Joshua the will of the Lord to take Jericho and transferred the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon in order to give food to Daniel, imprisoned in the lions' den.
Miracles associated with the name of the Archangel Michael
Many miracles are associated with the name of the Archangel Michael. Here is just one of the stories. Archangel Michael saved the Athos youth. The robbers wanted to drown the young man: they dreamed of getting a luxurious treasury, which he accidentally found. In memory of this miracle, the Bulgarian courtier Dohiar built a temple on Mount Athos in honor of the Archangel Michael. The gold found by the youth was used to decorate the church.
There are also miracles that happened on Russian soil. For example, in the Volokolamsk Patericon, one can read the story of the Monk Pafnutiy Borovsky about the miraculous salvation of Novgorod the Great: “And how the Great Novgorod will never be taken from the Agarians ... sometimes, by God’s permission, it’s a sin for our sake, the godless Agarian king Baty of Russia, captivate and burn and go to the New City and cover it with God and the Most Pure Mother of God by the appearance of Michael the Archangel , forbid him to go against him. He went to the Lithuanian castles and came to Kiev and saw the great Michael the Archangel written above the door of the stone church and spoke with his prince, pointing with his finger: “Forbid me to go to Veliky Novgorod.”
Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh
The miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh took place in the 4th century. As the legend says, in Phrygia (an inner region in the west of Asia Minor) there was a temple built in honor of the Archangel Michael. A spring flowed near that temple, in which, through prayer to the Archangel Michael, the mute daughter of one of the local residents was healed. In gratitude to the heavenly intercessor, the man erected a temple here. Not only Christians, but also pagans went to the spring for healing, many of whom renounced idols and turned to the faith of Christ.
In the church of the Holy Archangel Michael for 60 years the pious Archippus served as a sorcerer. Once the pagans decided to destroy the temple and kill the sexton. To do this, they connected two mountain rivers into one channel and directed their course to the temple. Saint Archippus fervently prayed to the Archangel Michael, and the Archangel appeared to him, opened a rift in the mountain with a rod and led the waters of the raging stream into it. The temple remained unscathed. The place where the miracle happened was named Hona, which means “hole”, “cleft”. Hence the name "the miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh".
Icon of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Powers
On the icons, the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the nature of their ministry. Michael tramples the devil underfoot, holds a green date branch in his left hand, and a spear with a white banner (sometimes a flaming sword) on which a scarlet cross is inscribed in his right hand. Gabriel is painted with a branch of paradise, which he brought to the Virgin Mary on the day of the Annunciation, or with a luminous lantern in his right hand and a jasper mirror in his left. Raphael holds a vessel with healing potions in his left hand, and with his right hand he leads Tobias carrying a fish. Uriel holds a naked sword in his raised right hand at chest level, in his lowered left hand - a “flame of fire”. Selaphiel is depicted in a prayer position, looking down, arms folded across his chest. Jehudiel holds a golden crown in his right hand, and a scourge of three red (or black) ropes in his left. Barahiel's robe is depicted with many pink flowers, and Jeremiel holds a balance in his hand.
Prayers to the Archangel Michael of God
First Prayer to the Archangel of God Michael
The holy and great Archangel of God Michael, the inscrutable and essential Trinity, the first primate in the Angels, the kind of human guardian and guardian, crushing with his host the head of the prideful day in heaven and always put to shame his malice and deceit on earth!
We resort to you with faith and pray to you with love: be an indestructible shield and firmly take away the Holy Church and our Orthodox fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from all enemies visible and invisible. Be a wise mentor and helper to all Orthodox Christian wearing them from the Throne of the King of kings enlightenment and strength, joy, peace and consolation. Be the leader and companion invincible to our Christ-loving army, crowning it with glory and victories over adversaries, may all those who oppose us know that God and His holy angels are with us!
Do not leave about the Archangel of God, with your help and intercession, and us, glorifying today holy name your; behold, if we are many sinners, we both do not want to perish in our iniquities, but to turn to the Lord and be revived from Him for good deeds. Illuminate our minds with the light of God, so that we can understand that there is a good and perfect will of God for us, and lead everything, even it is fitting for us to do and even despise and leave. Strengthen by the grace of the Lord our weak will and our feeble will, and having established ourselves in the law of the Lord, we will stop the rest of the earthly thoughts and lusts of the flesh and for the sake of the perishable and earthly, eternal and heavenly madness to forget. Above all of these, ask us from above for true repentance, unhypocritical sadness according to Bose and contrition for our sins, let us complete the number of days of our temporary life remaining for us in blotting out the evils we have committed. When the hour of our death and liberation from the bonds of this mortal body approaches, do not leave us, the Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of malice in heaven; Usual to block the souls of mankind, ascend to the mountain, yes, guard you, we will reach these glorious villages of paradise without a hitch, where there is sadness, no sighing, but life is endless, and we will be able to see the Most Bright face of the All-good Lord and Our Master and give glory to Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Second Prayer to the Archangel of God Michael
O Saint Michael the Archangel, light-like and formidable voivode of the Heavenly King! Before the Last Judgment, weaken to repent of my sins, deliver my soul from the net that catches me and bring me to the God who created it, sitting on the Cherubim, and praying for her diligently, but with your intercession I will go to the place of the deceased.
Oh, the formidable voivode of the Heavenly Forces, the representative of all at the Throne of the Lord Christ, the guardian, who is firm in all people and a wise armourer, strong voivode of the Heavenly King! Have mercy on me, a sinner who requires your intercession, save me from all visible and invisible enemies, moreover, strengthen me from the horror of death and from the embarrassment of the devil, and make me shamelessly present to our Creator at the hour of His terrible and righteous judgment. Oh, all-holy great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise me a sinner, praying for your help and your intercession in this life and in the future, but make me worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit with you forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Powers
Heavenly armies of the Archistratisi, we implore you forever, unworthy, but with your prayers protect us with the roof of the wings of your insubstantial glory, preserving us, falling down diligently and crying out: deliver us from troubles, as the officials of the Higher powers.
Kontakion of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces
Archangels of God, servant of Divine glory, Angels of the chief and men of the mentor, ask us useful and great mercy, like the Bodiless Archangels.
It is believed that it was the Archangel Michael who appeared and helped Joan of Arc. The archangel instructed Jeanne to carry out her mission - to crown Charles VII in Reims. According to legend, when Orleans was liberated from the British, Michael, surrounded by a whole host of angels, appeared shining in the sky and fought on the side of the French.
According to the tradition of the Balkan Christians, the Archangel Michael taught the martyrs Florus and Laurus the art of driving horses. That is why Flora and Laurus are often depicted on local icons with horses, the reins of which are held in the hands of the Archangel.
Coptic Christians dedicated to Saint Michael the main river of Egypt - the Nile. The Copts adopted the Byzantine tradition of celebrating in honor of the Archangel Michael, but moved its date to November 12th. Also on the 12th of each month, a special service is held in the Coptic Church in memory of St. Michael, and on June 12, when the Nile overflows its banks, the Archangel is praised for the flood of the river and the future harvest.
Metropolitan Anthony of Surozh. About names and angels. Day of the Archangel Michael.
“No one is like God” - this expressed all the knowledge of the great Archangel of his God. He does not describe Him, he does not explain Him - he stands up and testifies. This is his communion with the radiance of the Divine, and this is the extent to which he manifests this radiance and opens the way for us to the mystery of the Lord with his word and that name, which expresses all his incomprehensible experience of the incomprehensible God.
There is a place in the book of Revelation where the seer John tells us that when the time comes and we will all be in the Kingdom of God, then everyone will receive a mysterious name that only God, who gives it, knows, and the one who receives it will know. This name, as it were, contains the whole secret of man; this name says everything about him; no one can know this name except God and the one who receives it, because it defines the one and only relationship that exists between God and His creature - each and only creature for Him.
We bear the names of saints who lived and fulfilled their calling on earth; we are dedicated to them, as temples are dedicated to this or that saint; and we should ponder both the meaning of his name and the personality of the saint, which is available to us from his life. After all, he is not only our intercessor, intercessor and defender, but to some extent and the image of what we could be. It is impossible to repeat anyone's life, but it is possible to learn from the life of this or that person, a saint or even a sinner, to live more worthy of oneself and more worthy of God.
And today we celebrate the honor and memory of the Archangel Michael, surrounded by the Angels of the Lord. Angels are messengers; An angel is one whom the Lord can send with a commission and who will completely fulfill it to the end. It may seem strange that we call a whole group of the Lord's creatures by a name that designates their position, their ministry, as if there is nothing else in them. And in fact this is so, and this is their holiness: purified, shining with the light of God, according to the words of Gregory Palamas and our liturgical books, they are the second lights, reflections of the eternal light of the Divine. They do not have that opacity, that obscurity that allows us to be called by a name, and this name is the definition of our place in the face of God and our place in the creation of the Lord. They are the second lights. What does this mean?
This means that a certain divine light flows through them unhindered, freely, in a wide river; but not just as along an empty chute, not only as through lifeless glass, but as it pours, and sparkles, and shines, and the light multiplies when it falls on gem, will reach his heart and from there, with a reciprocal radiance, beats to the sides, illuminating, and sometimes blinding with its beauty.
This is an image of true holiness, and in this respect they are really Angels, because we recognize them, we experience them only as a radiance of Divine light, a radiance not diminished, not darkened, but a multiplied and joyful radiance that brings life - and the essence of their being and the essence of their holiness remain a mystery between them and God, who knows the depths of His creation ...
But their personal holiness is revealed to us especially by that separate name by which each of them is called. Some of these names entered the Holy Scriptures, were revealed to the experience of the Church and show us where their special holiness lies. The Archangel of the Forces of Heaven, to whom many among us here and many in the Russian land are dedicated, is called Michael. "Michael" is a Hebrew word, and it means "No one is like God"; and this word expresses the whole standing of the great Archangel when Dennitsa rebelled against God, wishing to establish himself in some, at least created, isolation and independence, and when the great Archangel Michael stood up and uttered this one word, which determined everything for him: “No one is like God”, and confirmed him in such a relationship with God, which made him the guardian of the gates of paradise. “No one is like God” - this expressed all the knowledge of the great Archangel of his God. He does not describe Him, he does not explain Him - he stands up and testifies. This is his communion with the radiance of the Divine, and this is the extent to which he manifests this radiance and opens the way for us to the mystery of the Lord with his word and that name, which expresses all his incomprehensible experience of the incomprehensible God.
On the icons, the Archangel Michael is depicted in armor, with a flaming sword in his hand. He tramples on the dragon, which signifies evil; The archangel stands at the gates of paradise, preventing those who are not ready for this from entering this holy and sacred place; and he is also depicted on those gates of the iconostasis through which the clergy leave the altar: a priest with the Gospel, at the Great Entrance, or a deacon at a litany; and this is the gate through which, in the liturgical, liturgical order, no one enters the Holy of Holies, the altar.
Another Archangel, Gabriel, whose name means "God's Fortress", is depicted on the gate through which the deacon enters back into the altar during worship. Gabriel is the one who announces to us that the door is open so that we can enter again into the presence of God; that the power of God is manifest, that God has overcome and we are saved. From the Evangelist Luke we know that the Archangel Gabriel brought the news of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah, he also announced to the Virgin Mary that she had found grace with God and would give birth to the Savior to the world; therefore, we see him on icons with an olive branch in his hands - a sign of God's reconciliation with the world.
We read about the Archangel Raphael in the book of Tobit, how he accompanied his son Tobias and healed Tobit and his daughter-in-law, and his name means "Healing of God"; and the Holy Scripture tells us about other Archangels and Angels; and the faith of the Church, Christian experience tell us about guardian angels.
About the day of memory of the saint, whose name we bear, we say that this is "the day of our Angel." And in a sense, in the sense of our dedication to the saint, this is true; but with different holy people - as well as with those around us ordinary people- communication with us develops in different ways: some are closer to us personally, through prayer and through their life, which we would like to imitate; we admire others as if from afar. With the Guardian Angel, our relationship is completely different: we are entrusted to him, and he is our Guardian, no matter how we turn to him, whether we remember him at all or not, like our mother and father, with whom we have an indestructible bond, no matter what we think, no matter how we act towards them, no matter how we behave ...
And one more thing: one person on earth was called the messenger and angel of the faith of the church: this is the Baptist John, and we read words about him that are exactly similar to what I just said about the angels. The beginning of the Gospel of Mark says about him: He is the voice of one crying in the wilderness ... He is a voice, he is only the sound of the Lord's voice, he is an Angel, because God Himself speaks through him, and he himself says about himself that he needs to diminish so that the image of the Lord stands before people in full measure.
This is the way on earth; we must shrink, decrease, gradually lose what seems so precious, but in fact there is a condensation of our visible nature. We must gradually become transparent in order to become, as it were, invisible - like a precious stone is invisible and is revealed only by the light that, striking it, illuminates everything around. Then we seem to lose something of our temporary being, but only in order to acquire an inalienable knowledge of God, the only one that each of us who calls himself "I" can have and which he can reveal to all others, because each of us knows God in a unique and unique way. Our path is from earth to Heaven, from our heavy incarnation into enlightenment and transparency ... An unfalse witness is an angel on earth - John the Baptist, who is on the way, and the One Whom the Holy Scripture calls the "Great Council Angel" - God, who came in the flesh.
These are the images, those thoughts, those thoughts from our veneration of the Angels, from our love for them, from our fellowship with them in prayer and their intercession for us, which can help us find the path of our own soul from earth to Heaven, from our own obscurity to perfect enlightenment. Through the prayers of the holy Angels and Archangels, may the Lord grant us, having renounced ourselves, free will, love for God, begin to diminish until God Himself shines in full measure in each of us. Amen.
Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in the Kremlin has been the tomb of the great princes and Russian tsars since ancient times. In the old days it was called "the church of St. Michael in the square."
The history of the Archangel Cathedral dates back to the 14th century. In 1333, the first great Moscow prince Ivan Kalita founded a white-stone church in the name of St. Michael the Archangel, whom the Russian people considered the patron saint of warriors. In 1505-1508, a new majestic cathedral was erected on the site of the ancient temple. The construction was supervised by the Venetian architect Aleviz Novy invited by the Grand Duke.
From the moment of its foundation until the 18th century, the Archangel Cathedral served as the resting place for Moscow princes and tsars. Tombstones to the princes with the words of prayers and epitaphs on white stone slabs are located under the vaults of the temple in a strict order. Tombs of the Rurik dynasty - along the walls of the temple. The tombs of the kings from the Romanov dynasty - at the southwestern and northwestern pillars. The first Russian tsar Ivan the Terrible and his two sons were buried in a special royal tomb located in the altar of the cathedral.
Among the most revered shrines of the Archangel Cathedral were the relics of St. Prince Michael of Chernigov, who died a martyr's death in the Golden Horde, and St. Tsarevich Dmitry, the younger son of Ivan the Terrible. The remains of the saints were not interred, but placed in special arks - shrines, intended for the worship of believers. The shrine with the relics of Tsarevich Dmitry is installed at the southwestern pillar under a carved stone canopy.
The cathedral was first decorated with murals during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. From this ancient painting, only small fragments on the pillars of the temple and several compositions in the altar and the royal tomb have been preserved. In 1652-1666, the cathedral was painted anew - a large artel of Russian masters worked. The work was supervised by the famous tsarist painter Simon Ushakov.
Among the saints depicted on the pillars of the temple, we see Princess Olga, Grand Duke Vladimir, the Baptist of Rus', his martyred sons Boris and Gleb, Princes Andrei Bogolyubsky, Alexander Nevsky, Daniil of Moscow. A unique feature of the painting of the Archangel Cathedral is the cycle of tomb portraits: in the lower tier, above the burial places of the Rurik princes, their “imaginary” portraits are painted. This "portrait" gallery of historical figures opens with the image of the Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan Kalita and ends with the image of Georgy Vasilyevich, the younger brother of Ivan the Terrible.
The iconostasis of the cathedral, crowned with the Crucifixion, was built during the reign of Fyodor Alekseevich Romanov in 1679-1681. All icons are painted by masters of the Tsar's Armory. Only in the local, lower row, several ancient icons have been preserved. To the right of the Royal Doors, there is a temple icon of the cathedral - "The Archangel Michael in Action", created around 1399. According to legend, this icon was commissioned by the widow of Dmitry Donskoy, nun Evdokia, in memory of the Grand Duke and his victory in the Battle of Kulikovo Field.
Michael's Day - folk customs of the celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
In Rus', the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces was one of the most happy Holidays. From that day on, cattle were driven into barns - for winter food. They arranged a wide feast, invited guests to the hut. They baked pies, served fresh honey to the table. The festivities could last a whole week - this is how the peasants prepared for the strict Christmas, or Philippov, fast.
A few days before the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, the priest with the clergy went to the houses of the parishioners and served prayers. The owners, in gratitude, treated them to a carpet of bread or money - from 5 to 15 kopecks from the yard.
