Feast of the Holy Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers
November 8 / 21 – Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts
On November 21 (8) the Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the
Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers</strong:
the Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel and
Jeremiel. On this day we gather to glorify the leaders and hosts of the
heavenly powers, and to ask their protection and help for our salvation.
Origin of the Feast
This feast was established in the early fourth century at the
Local Council of Laodicea, held shortly before the First Ecumenical Council.
The 35th Canon of Laodicea condemned as heresy the worship of angels as gods
or “rulers of this world,” yet at the same time affirmed their proper
veneration as servants of the one true God.
The Fathers appointed this feast in the month of November, which was counted
as the ninth month from March (the beginning of the year in ancient times),
to signify the Nine Ranks of Angels. The day chosen is the
eighth day of the month, pointing to the
“Eighth Day” of the Kingdom of God, the unending Day of the
Dread Last Judgment. After the seven days of this present age,
“the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy Angels with Him”
(cf. Mt. 25:31).
The Nine Ranks of Angels
The Angelic Hosts are divided into three Hierarchies, each containing
three ranks:
- Highest Hierarchy: Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones.
- Middle Hierarchy: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities.
- Lowest Hierarchy: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
Although each order has its own name and ministry, Holy Scripture calls them all
“angels”, that is, messengers. The Lord reveals His will first to the
higher ranks, and through them it is made known to the lower ranks and finally to us.
Saint Michael, Chief Commander of the Heavenly Hosts
Over all the Angelic Powers the Lord appointed the holy
Archangel Michael as Chief Commander.
His name in Hebrew means, “Who is like unto God?”
With zeal for the glory of God, he cast down from heaven the proud Lucifer and
the spirits who followed him in rebellion.
Tradition tells us that Michael cried out to the faithful angels:
“Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator, and let us not dare
to do what is displeasing to God!”
We invoke Saint Michael as a mighty protector: from invasion of enemies, from
civil strife, from visible and invisible foes, and from every demonic assault.
He conquers all spiritual enemies.
The Holy Archangels
Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition give us the following names and ministries:
- Gabriel – “strength of God”; herald of the divine mysteries,
who announced the Incarnation to the Most Holy Theotokos. - Raphael – “healing of God”; curer of human infirmities
(cf. Book of Tobit). - Uriel – “fire” or “light of God”; enlightener of darkened minds.
- Selaphiel – “prayer of God”; inspirer and teacher of prayer,
who intercedes for mankind. - Jehudiel – “glorifying God”; encourager of zeal in good works
for the glory of the Lord, and intercessor for those who labor for Christ. - Barachiel – “blessing of God”; distributor of heavenly blessings
for good deeds, entreating God’s mercy for people. - Jeremiel – “raised up unto God”; who reminds us of the Last Judgment
and the life to come.
How the Archangels are Depicted
On holy icons the Archangels are shown according to their ministry:
- Michael tramples the devil underfoot, holding in his left hand
a green palm or date branch, and in his right a spear with a white banner bearing
a red cross, or a fiery sword. - Gabriel carries a branch from Paradise or a shining lantern,
and sometimes a mirror of jasper, signifying the mysteries revealed through him. - Raphael holds a vessel of healing and leads the youth Tobias,
who carries the fish for his father’s cure. - Uriel bears a drawn sword and a flame of fire, showing the
light and justice of God. - Selaphiel is depicted in a prayerful posture, hands folded
on his breast and eyes cast down in humility. - Jehudiel holds a golden crown in one hand and a scourge in the other,
signifying reward and correction. - Barachiel is shown with white roses upon his garment, a sign
of divine blessings. - Jeremiel holds scales of judgment, reminding us of the weighing
of souls.
Our Guardian Angels
The mercy of God appoints a guardian angel for every Christian,
and even for every nation (cf. Dan. 10:13). When a holy temple is consecrated,
it also receives its own guardian angel. These heavenly protectors constantly
intercede for us, strengthen us in good works, and guard us from evil, if only
we do not drive them away by sin and hardness of heart.
Holy Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven,
pray to God for us!
Translated by Archpriest Thomas Bekurishvili