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Archangel (Archangel) Michael. Archangel Michael the Saint: history, prayers, cathedral and icons Who is Archangel Michal Archangel

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Few of the believing Orthodox people are familiar with the angelic world. The main reason for ignorance is the limited amount of information about these celestial creatures. Angels appeared long before mankind and are spiritual beings that represent such basic features: will, power, mind and personality.

These creatures, invisible to the human world, are the messengers of God himself. Often they convey messages from the Lord to people regarding the fate of mankind or the whole world. And the main among all heavenly creatures is the Holy Archangel of God Michael (or Archangel Michael). In ancient writings, he was considered the leader, the prince of the Lord's army, since he is the main fighter against evil.

Angels are intercessors from people before the Lord, who are waging a thousand-year war against the enemies of the forces of light. Many angels have their exalted position. As already mentioned, the main among them is Michael. It is mentioned in both the New and Old Testaments of the Lord. The Holy Archangel Michael appears to people to announce the miraculous will of the Lord.

The Archangel won his first victory in heaven, when he and his heavenly warriors opposed the fallen angel Lucifer. The battles between Michael and Lucifer continue today. Only at the moment this war is not taking place in heaven, but on earth. And every living person is a participant in this war.

Miracle of the Archangel Michael

In ancient literature, there are a lot of references to the miracles performed by the great angel. For example, in 1239, the Archangel helped the inhabitants of Novgorod in the confrontation with the invasion of Batu Khan. They say that Mikhail simply stood up in front of the attackers and forbade them to enter the Novgorod fortress. Thus was stopped Great War.

But the true miracle of the Angel was created long before that. At the beginning of our era, one believing peasant decided to create a temple in honor of the Archangel. This desire appeared in a man because Michael appeared to him in a dream and promised to heal his dumb daughter if the girl drinks water from a healing spring.

This dream was prophetic. The girl was healed. The peasant began to believe in God even more strongly. He built a small temple in honor of the saint. But the opponents of the Christian faith did not leave it all like that. They decided to destroy the religious building by flooding the valley.

The righteous could not do anything about it, except to pray. And at that moment the Archangel descended from heaven and saved the temple. Since that moment, on September 19, the miracle-feast of the Archangel Michael has been celebrated. People call this holiday "Mikhailov's miracle".

What helps the Archangel Michael

The archangel, in addition to fighting evil spirits, helps people in misfortunes and troubles. Every sincere prayer that is addressed to an angel will surely be heard. because he is a reliable protector from the omnipresent evil for every believing Orthodox Christian.

The Archangel is addressed with various requests:

on everyday issues;
about healing;
help on a long journey;
from troubles and misfortunes;
most importantly, about protection from dark forces.

Also, Michael will always help against evil and in protection from thieves and robbers. He is the patron saint of those affected by war or natural disaster. There are also a lot of appeals to him with great sadness and grief.

The miraculous power of prayer appeals

The saint helps believers to perform miracles, albeit small ones. He will willingly help a student or schoolboy to successfully pass the exam. To do this, it is enough to read a prayer.

Prayer will bring considerable help if you go on a long journey or if you often travel from your home on duty. The archangel very often helps to prevent all sorts of misfortunes. If your prayer is sincere, then the Angel will support you in any situation, even very difficult ones. The most powerful is the prayer that is read on the day of the Archangel Michael - September 19th.

What prayers should be read?

Turning to the Archangel daily, you will be bypassed:

troubles;
grief;
wars;
natural disasters;
evil and impure forces;
death.

An angel always helps anxious, confused people who cannot find a certain position in life. Also, the Heavenly Guardian can strengthen your faith, remove all anxieties and fears. Especially the ones that torment your soul. There are prayers where the reader asks to be given courage, strength, endurance, to get rid of selfish and arrogant motives in order to achieve the desired goal.

If you turn to the Angel from your sincere heart, he will not bypass you. You will definitely feel it on a physical level when this warm energy passes through your body. If you need reliable protection, read the prayer to the Archangel for protection:

O Saint Michael the Archangel, have mercy on us sinners who demand your intercession, save us, the servant of God (names), from all visible and invisible enemies, moreover, strengthen us from the horror of death and from the embarrassment of the devil and make us shamelessly present to our Creator at a terrible hour and His righteous judgment. O all-holy, great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise us, sinners, who pray to you for help and your intercession in this life and in the future, but make us worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit with you forever and ever.

Remember that the patronage of this angel is worth a lot. After all, he is able to protect you from the deceit and evil of people. One has only to remember the feast of the Archangel Michael. He is capable of many things. Therefore, read daily protective prayers, turn to the Heavenly Guardian in your own words. And he will surely hide your house from evil strangers.

How to correctly address the Archangel Michael

Today, a lot of young modern people live far from the church. They have their own separate faith. Such people remember the existence of higher powers only when some serious misfortune or misfortune has already happened. They do not pay attention to the fact that before that their life was filled with fornication, deceit, theft, laziness. This position is far from correct.

Remember that before you fill your heart with good divine energy, you need to get rid of the bad one. Otherwise, exacerbations are possible.

For this you need:

ask for forgiveness from all the people you offended;
stop criticizing people;
do not take drugs and other psychotropic substances;
remove swearing from your conversations.

After that, you can proceed to prayer appeals to all the Saints of the Heavenly Kingdom.

The Lord is always with you!

Watch the video about the Supreme Angel Michael:

The disembodied heavenly powers, called angels, invisible to earthly inhabitants, are God's messengers. This is how the word "angel" is translated from Greek. Often it is the angels who convey to mere mortals the will of the Lord God.

In the heavenly hierarchy there are forces that, in comparison with others, carry a more exalted service, and therefore the particle “archi-” is added to their name, meaning a higher position, seniority. Such angels are called archangels. Such is the Archangel Michael, whose name is translated from Hebrew as "Who is like God."

Warrior and Archangel, miracle worker

Sometimes the saint is depicted with a sword. “Leader of the army of the Lord” - this is how the Holy Scripture calls this archangel. He is the main fighter against the Evil that exists in the world and leads the heavenly host. Therefore, he is also called the archangel, that is, the senior warrior, commander, leader.

Almost all icons represent the Archangel Michael dressed in military armor and armed with a sword (spear). After all, he was the first who raised the bright heavenly army to fight the fallen angels led by Lucifer, defeated them and cast them "into the depths of the underworld."

And the battle between Good and Evil continues to this day, but already on earth. This is a battle for human souls, and therefore each of us living here is an unwitting participant on one side or the other.

The most significant miracle performed by the Archangel Michael in Khonekh is even worthy of a special celebration.

At the beginning of a new era in one Phrygian area there was a temple in honor of the Archangel and a healing spring next to it. This temple was built by one city dweller in gratitude to God and the holy Archangel Michael for healing his daughter from dumbness.

Archangel Michael revealed to him in a dream that the girl would gain the gift of speech by drinking water from this source. And so it happened. And since then, not only Christians, but also pagans began to come to the holy spring, many of whom believed in Christ. The sexton Archippus, who had served in the church for a long time, also helped.

Miracle in Khonekh. Angered at Christians in general, and at Archippus in particular, the pagans conceived the idea of destroying the temple, and at the same time destroying its zealous servant. They connected two mountain rivers into one channel and directed the stream to the temple.

Through the fervent prayer of Archippus, the Archangel himself appeared at the church and, striking the mountain with his rod, opened a wide cleft in it, where the seething waters rushed. The temple thus remained unscathed. And this place began to be called Hony - "cleft, hole."

The Church has established two days of celebration in honor of the Archangel Michael: On September 19, the miracle he performed in Khonekh is remembered, and on November 21, from the beginning of the 4th century, the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is celebrated, denoting the totality of all the Incorporeal Heavenly Forces headed by the Archangel Michael. It is especially recommended to turn to him with prayer these days.

Ancient literature keeps many references to miracles performed by the Great Angel. One of them happened on our land. IN early XIII century, the Archangel helped the people of Novgorod to resist the invasion of Batu Khan. He literally stood before the adversaries, forbidding them to enter the fortress walls, and the great war was stopped.

Protection and support: in what cases

The main goal of angels - the fight against unclean spirits - does not obscure the concern for earthly people, help in their various troubles and illnesses.

Christian history has preserved many facts of such miraculous help, shown by the archangel. The great number of Orthodox churches consecrated in his honor testify to the veneration of the holy Archangel Michael among the people. Originally, he is considered the protector and patron of warriors.

The icon of the Archangel Michael is revered as miraculous. Pray to him in such cases:

The hypostasis of the Archangel as a healer seems a little unusual. However, this is not without a reasonable basis, which has come down to our days from ancient times. The early Christians believed that the source of all diseases was the intrigues of evil spirits, and since the Archangel Michael was their winner, therefore, it was in his power to get rid of diseases.

And this idea is confirmed by the many healings that occur through prayers to the angelic leader. Not without reason in the earlier tradition was the creation of chapels in honor of the Archangel at hospitals, or medical institutions built as close as possible to the St. Michael's churches of cities and villages. At the monasteries created in his honor, holy springs are not uncommon, where literally miraculous healings took place.

The Holy Archangel patronizes those who suffered during military operations and from the forces of the elements, consoles in great sorrows and sorrows, anxiety and confusion. Through prayer, he performs small miracles to schoolchildren and students during exams.

Archangel Michael is still seen as the protector of the sleeping, as well as the souls of the departed, guarding them on their way to the Throne of God from the dark forces that are trying to drag our sinful souls into their dark world. It is also believed that the Great Holy Angel is able to beg God for the forgiveness of the sins of people who, in their earthly life, did at least some good deeds and deeds.

It is better to pray to the saint on Michael's days. There is also this version: on Michaelmas days (remember September 18 and November 21?), one must pray intensely for the souls of the dead: after all, the living can pray for themselves, go to church, put a candle, order a prayer service, but the dead are not able to do this and can only rely on the memory and prayers of living loved ones.

According to the testimony of the holy fathers, these days the Archangel Michael himself lowers his wing into hell, and when at this time the living pray for the dead, the Lord forgives the last of their sins, even can alleviate the fate of suicides.

And prayer with bow to the ground- the simplest: “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, grant the Kingdom of Heaven, forgive the voluntary or involuntary sins of Your servants (names)” - can help to beg relatives from the underworld.

A few words about prayer

Unfortunately, modern young people exist far from the Church and live according to the old Russian proverb: “Until the thunder breaks out, the peasant will not cross himself” - and only when trouble comes, they remember God and His saints, order prayers, make bows. But after all and to saints it is necessary to address competently. To start:

ask for forgiveness from the people you offended;
stop judging others
do not swear;
and, of course, do not use alcohol, drugs and psychotropics.

Only then can one turn for help to all the holy and incorporeal Heavenly Forces.

A prayer service to the Archangel Michael can be ordered at any church on any day, when there is a service. It is ordered in the same way as for other saints: on the submitted note it is written to whom the service is dedicated, what request is made and the names of the people for whom it is necessary to pray. Similarly, you can order a service for both the living and the dead.

Such a prayer service can be combined with an akathist. The latter can be read at home, standing in front of the icon of the Archangel. Akathist text:

Chosen of Heavenly forces as a voivode and a kind of human intercessor, this to you, even by you we deliver from the sorrowful, we bring thanksgiving singing: you, as if standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, free us from all troubles, but with faith and love we call you in praise:

Like the angelic fiery faces of the primate, with angelic ubo and tongues it is better to praise thee, Michael; but until we are admonished by you, we will get used to the incorporeal verb, hear, even from human, both grateful mouths, chinese:

Rejoice, primitive star of the world;
Rejoice, golden candle of truth and righteousness.
Rejoice, receiver of the first rays of light of the uncreated in angelic liturgies.
Rejoice, leader of the angels.
Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Right Hand shines most brightly.
Rejoice, because the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings flaunt.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

Seeing the eyes of faith, the greatness of spiritual beauty and the power of your lightning-fast right hand, Archangel of God, we, as if on earth and in flesh, are filled with surprise, joy and thanksgiving to the Creator of all kinds, calling with all Heavenly powers: Alleluia.

The mind is pure and free from passions, ask us, miraculous Michael, the chief of heavenly ranks, yes, ascending in thought from the earthly to the heavenly, let us sing a song of praise to this woman:

Rejoice, closest to the viewer of God's inexpressible beauty and kindness.
Rejoice, sincere mystic of the all-good advice of the Most Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, faithful executor of the eternal fate of the Trinity.
Rejoice, for the heavenly hosts marvel at him with love.
Rejoice, for the earthly people glorify him with faith.
Rejoice, whose hellish forces tremble.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

Showing the power of irresistible zeal for the glory of God in yourself, you became at the head of the faces of the angels, Michael, against the proud Dennitsa breathing with malice, and with his dark slanders from the heights of heaven to the underworld, the creature was cast down, the armies of Heaven, most gloriously led by you, with joy, like with one mouth, before the Throne of God, exclaiming: Alleluia.

To have you, Archangel Michael, the whole Christian race is a great intercessor and a marvelous helper in wars with the opposite; For the sake of your miraculous cover, if you wish to be honored, on the day of your triumph, we cry out to you:

Rejoice, because Satan, like lightning, has fallen from heaven.
Rejoice, by whom the guarded human race ascends to heaven.
Rejoice, wonderful adornment of the all-bright world of the Mountain.
Rejoice, glorious intercession of the fallen world of the valley.
Rejoice, defeated by the forces of evil.
Rejoice, with all the Angels of God in truth and righteousness for ever approved by the grace of God.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

Deliver us from the storms of temptations and troubles, the angels of the first throne, with love and joy, your bright triumph; you are a great helper in troubles and at the hour of death from evil spirits, the guardian and intercessor of all who cry to your and our Master and God: Alleluia.

Seeing your boldness against the hordes of satanic, all the ranks of the angels joyfully follow you to fight for the Name and glory of their Lord, crying out: who is like God? We, leading Satan under your feet, are defeated, we call you, like a winner:

Rejoice, through whom peace and silence have settled in heaven.
Rejoice, from the worthless spirit of malice you even descended to hell.
Rejoice, directing the angelic armies and the forces of the invisible world to the destruction of evil.
Rejoice, invisibly taming the indignation of the elements of the visible world.
Rejoice, those who lift battles to spiritual malice, marvelous champions under heaven.
Rejoice, strong and helper of those who are exhausted in the temptations and misfortunes of this age.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

The divine source of great miracles appeared in your temple, even in Khonekh; not only the great and terrible serpent, which abides in that place, is consumed by your strength, but also the jets of water, healing every bodily ailment, opening up, and all the Lord of the Angels glorifying you with faith is called: Alleluia.

Hearing and leading you, as if a great shone, shining in the midst of the faces of angels, miraculous Michael, we run to you, according to Bose and the Most Holy Mother of God: illumine with the rays of your light all of us, crying to this site:

Rejoice, leader and guardian of God's chosen people in the wilderness.
Rejoice, high mediator of the law, by the hand of Moses on Sinai given.
Rejoice, unworthy judges and leaders of Israel have found strength and protection.
Rejoice, through the worthless prophets and high priests of Judaism, the gift of knowledge from the All-Knowing God has been received.
Rejoice, God-fearing legislators with secret wisdom.
Rejoice, placing judgment and righteousness on the hearts of those who do goodness.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

The forerunner of God's fates, when I once saw Manoah, be filled with bewilderment and fear, I do not live on earth; but he was taught from his wife about the goodness of the appearance and the meekness of your words, in joy about having been born, according to your word, your son Sampson, thankfully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Thou shone with miraculous glory, Michael, when, in the form of humanity, before Joshua, thou stood, saying: kick the boot from thy foot, - I am the Archangel of the power of the Lord. Such a phenomenon of yours is strange, with love we cry out to you:

Rejoice, vigilant guardian of the divinely crowned heads.
Rejoice, those who oppose the authorities, as if resisting the command of God, quick to the deposed.
Rejoice, pacifier of popular unrest.
Rejoice, invisible destroyer of evil customs.
Rejoice, for you enlighten those who doubt in the hour of fierce perplexity.
Rejoice, for you tempt those who are tempted from pernicious obsessions.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

Although the Lord of all sorts show that the lots of the sons of men are not self-random, but are contained in His Right Hand, giving you an intercessor and guardian to the kingdoms of the earth, and preparing the tribes and peoples for the eternal Kingdom of God; for this sake, all who lead about your great service to human salvation, gratefully call God: Alleluia.

A new miracle was shown to us, Archangel, by you on the land of all miracles, the Creator and Lord, when the temple, created in your name, miraculously saved you from flooding with river waters, commanded to rush into the bowels of the earth with jets of stream; Seeing the blessed Archippus with his spiritual children, cry out to you thankfully:

Rejoice, indestructible fence of the holy temples of God.
Rejoice, an invincible obstacle to the enemy of the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, for the elements obey his command.
Rejoice, by whom all evil intentions are crushed.
Rejoice, wearer of joy from the Throne of the Almighty to the faithful.
Rejoice, you who lead the unbelievers to the path of righteousness and truth.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

A strange miracle of your strength, Archangel of God, take away Habakkuk on yourself, when, by the beckoning of God, you have taken him away from Judea to Babylon, give food to Daniel, I am enclosed in a lion's den; the same marvel at the great action of your power, cry out with faith: Alleluia.

Thou art all in the highest, Michael, stand before the Throne of the King of Glory, thou art not far from the lower ones, fighting against the enemies of human salvation; the same to all, the desired Fatherland. Those who want to achieve heaven, according to your name:

Rejoice, leader of the thrice-holy angelic singing.
Rejoice, ever-ready intercessor and guardian of the earthly.
Rejoice, proud Pharaoh striking strangely with the unbelieving Egyptians.
Rejoice, faithful Jews guiding in the wilderness gloriously.
Rejoice, by whom the flame of the cave of Babylon was extinguished.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

All the monks of the Holy Mount Athos came to a joyful trembling, seeing how God-fearing the lad was, furiously from the wicked gold-lovers into the depths of the sea with a stone defeated, saved thou; the same, the monastery that accepted him, flaunting your name, gratefully cries out to the Lord: Alleluia.

Vityus verbs and philosophic meanings do not suffice for the utterance of your power, Michael, how in one night one hundred and seventy and five thousand struck you from the howls of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, may the rest be punished not to blaspheme the Name of the Lord; but we, honoring your holy zeal for the glory of the True God, call to you with joy:

Rejoice, invincible governor of the Orthodox armies.
Rejoice, fear and deposition of evil hosts.
Rejoice, righteous faith and worship of the planter.
Rejoice, destroyer of soulful heresies and schisms.
Rejoice, having strengthened the pious Maccabees many times on the battlefield.
Rejoice, striking the wicked leader of Antioch Iliodor in the temple itself.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

Be a firm helper to those who want to be saved, Archangel of God, deliver and keep us from troubles and misfortunes, moreover, from our evil skills and sins, yes, prospering in the faith, hope and love of Christ, with joy about your previous intercession to the Lord of Angels and people, thank you call: Alleluia.

Thou art a wall to a believing person, Archangel of God, and a strong pillar in battle with enemies visible and invisible; for this sake, we deliver you from the nets of demons, with a grateful heart and mouth we call to this:

Rejoice, invincible opponent of the enemy of the faith and opponent of the Holy Church.
Rejoice, tireless companion of the humble herald of the Gospel.
Rejoice, enlightening those who sit in the darkness of evil faith with the light of the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, instructing those who have gone mad on the path of truth and repentance with false wisdom.
Rejoice, formidable avenger who swears the Name of God in vain.
Rejoice, lightning-fast punisher of those who scoff at madness about the sacraments of the holy faith.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

All laudatory singing is conquered by your multitude of miracles, Archangel of God, as if the essence of you was perfected not only in heaven and on earth, but also in the dark seneh of the underworld, where you bound the deep serpent with the bonds of the power of the Lord, so that when you deliver him from malice, bless the Lord of heaven and earth, calling: Alleluia.

The luminous servant of truth and purity of worship appeared to you, Archangel, when, seeing the intrigues of the spirit of darkness, you forbade him in the Name of God, may the secret body of the deceased leader of Israel Moses not dare to reveal to deification by the sensual son of Israel; for this sake, honoring now your blessed cathedral, thankfully we cry to you:

Rejoice, thou who preserved the purity of theology in the days of the Old Testament among the Jews.
Rejoice, many times eradicated the tares of delusions in the days of the New Grace.
Rejoice, destroyer of pagan soothsayers and idols.
Rejoice, strengthener of Christian ascetics and martyrs.
Rejoice, filling the weak in spirit with the power of the grace of God.
Rejoice, clothe those who are weary of the flesh with the full armor of faith.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

Ask for grace from God from Heaven to us, who sing to the glory of your all-honourable name, Michael, yes, we overshadow your intercession, we will live in all piety and purity, until we are freed by death from the bonds of the flesh, we will be able to stand before the fiery Throne of the King of glory and cry with angelic faces: Alleluia.

Singing your manifold miracles, Michael, done for our salvation, we pray to the Lord and Master of all, that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God, who is in you, will not become impoverished even in us who call to you:

Rejoice, placing the faithful servants of God at the right time to the height of power beforehand.
Rejoice, thou who invisibly cast down the bold and unworthy from the heights of power and glory.
Rejoice, on the last day of the chosen ones from the four corners of the earth, you have to gather.
Rejoice, even sinners, like tares, according to the voice of God, will be betrayed by eternal fire.
Rejoice, because Satan and his angels will be thrown into the lake of fire forever.
Rejoice, because the righteous will be more glorious in the dwellings of the Heavenly Father.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the heavenly powers.

O marvelous Commander of the Archangels and Angels, for your pre-eminent service to the salvation of the human race, receive from us the voice of praise and thanksgiving now lifted up to you and, as if fulfilling the power of God, cover us with your immaterial wings from all enemies visible and invisible, but glorified by you and glorifying you We call the Lord: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

And for every day, this prayer will come in handy:

to the Archangel Michael about intercession, help and from diseases

O Saint Michael the Archangel, have mercy on us sinners who demand your intercession, save us, the servant of God (names), from all visible and invisible enemies, moreover, strengthen us from the horror of death and from the embarrassment of the devil and make us shamelessly present to our Creator at a terrible hour and His righteous judgment.

O all-holy, great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise us, sinners, who pray to you for help and your intercession in this life and in the future, but make us worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit with you forever and ever.

When praying to the Holy Archangel, one must clearly understand that prayer, by and large, ascends to God, who, through His holy helpers, can satisfy our request. Or maybe not satisfy: everything is His will, and the ways of the Lord are inscrutable. The main thing is to accept the fulfilled with gratitude, and the unfulfilled - with worthy humility.

On November 21, the Orthodox Church celebrates the day dedicated to the heavenly host - the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied heavenly forces. This holiday, although not among the twelfth, nevertheless has great importance for the Church, and is rooted in deep antiquity.

It appeared in the 4th century, and its establishment is associated with the decision of the Local Council of Ladioki (about 363 AD), where the heresy of worshiping angels and other heavenly ranks as creators and rulers of the universe was condemned.

But, rejecting the idea of the power of angels over the world, the Church proclaimed the Orthodox understanding of them as servants of God and established a celebration for them.

According to the old style, the day of the holiday falls on November 8th. Why? There is a certain symbolism in this: November is the ninth month from the beginning of the year (which was previously considered from March), which corresponds to the number of angelic ranks, and the eighth day of the month is a hint at the eighth day of creation, when "The Son of Man will come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him."

Heavenly hierarchy

There is a tradition of the Church, reflected in Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, based on the mention of angelic ranks in the Epistles of St. app. Paul and other texts of Scripture. According to him, the heavenly powers are divided into three hierarchies, each of which in turn consists of three ranks. The first, highest, hierarchy includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Seraphim - flaming, fiery - the greatest of spirits, burning with love for God and kindling others with it. Cherubim are the embodiment of the wisdom of God, helpers in true knowledge of God. Thrones are servants of God's justice.

The second hierarchy is made up of Dominions, Forces and Authorities. Dominions rule over all the ranks of the Angels who are under them, as well as over earthly rulers. It is they who teach people to rule over their temptations and passions, to overcome them and control them. Forces help in spiritual strengthening, bring miracles to people and the gift of miracles for God's chosen ones. The authorities stand guard against the tricks and attacks of the devil and help those who fight against them to reject his attacks.

The third hierarchy includes the Principles, Archangels and Angels. The principles rule the universe (not arbitrarily, as the heretics taught, and not as creators, but as God's vicars) and teach the earthly authorities to rule not for their own sake, but for God and for people. Archangels - reveal the will of God. Angels are closest to us - our mentors to a righteous life, guardians and helpers in the fulfillment of the commandments of the Lord.

Why is the Archangel higher than the seraphim?

If there are as many as nine ranks, and the Archangels are in the third hierarchy, then why is the holiday called the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal heavenly forces? Why is Archangel Michael exalted above other ranks?

Archangel Michael, fresco of Hagia Sophia in Kyiv, XI century.

There are no fixed hierarchies for the Lord. It was Archangel Michael who was placed by Him over all nine angelic ranks. According to legend, it was Michael, whose name in translation means “who is like God?” At the beginning of time, when Satan rebelled against the Lord, he exclaimed: “Let us stand up! and crushed the apostate. Since then, Michael is not just an Archangel - he is an Archangel, the leader of the entire angelic host.

About the Archangel Michael tells both the Old and New Testament. He keeps our world from the first day and will keep it until the very last: as at the beginning of time the Archangel fought with the apostate Dennitsa, so at the end he will fight the Devil Dragon and defeat him. And Scripture allows us to trace how the name of the glorious Archangel appears at key moments in biblical history.

Christians believe that it was Michael who was the archangel whom God appointed to guard the gates of paradise after the expulsion of people, although there is no direct indication of this in Scripture. However, this tradition is reflected in the iconography: the halo of the Archangel Michael often consists of a floral ornament, which hints at his place at the Garden of Eden.

Prince of the people of Israel...

Archangel Michael became the guardian of the people of Israel when they left Egypt. He walked before them during their journey to the Promised Land - at night in the form of a pillar of fire, in the daytime - in the form of a cloud. Through the archangel Michael, the power and will of God appeared, which destroyed the pharaoh and his soldiers, who were rushing after the Israelites.

Archangel Michael appeared to Joshua before taking Jericho: “and behold, a man stood before him, and in his hand was a naked sword,” and further on he is called the Captain of the host of the Lord (Josh. 5:13-15).

Archangel Michael saved three youths from the fiery cave: “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel and delivered his servants” (Dan. 3:95).

Michael helped his brethren in every possible way, as it is said in the book of the prophet Daniel. The archangel Gabriel appeared to the prophet and told how hard his path was: “... the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me for twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the first princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia ... However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the true scripture; and there is no one who would support me in this, except Michael, your prince.

Prophet Daniel learned and also wrote down the will of God about the participation of the Archangel Michael in the last Battle: And at that time Michael will rise, the great prince, who stands for the sons of your people; and a time of trouble will come, such as has not happened since the existence of people, until now; but at that time all of your people will be saved who are found written in the book

Archangel Michael argued with the devil about the body of the prophet Moses. By the will of God, it had to remain hidden from his people, so that they would not arrange for themselves the “cult of Moses” and, with the tendency of the Old Testament Israelites to fall away from the One God, would not turn the remains of the prophet into an object of pagan worship. The devil, of course, really wanted this to happen, but Michael stood in his way.

This passage from Scripture testifies not only to the eternal direct confrontation between the Archangel and the Fallen One, but also to the amazing humility of Michael:“Michael the Archangel, when he spoke with the devil, arguing about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce a reproachful judgment, but said: may the Lord forbid you.” Endowed with the greatest power that creatures have, have, and will have, Michael nonetheless puts his entire trust only in God's will and His prohibition. Interestingly, this text is already known to us from the New Testament Epistle of the Apostle Jude, although its roots go back to the Jewish apocrypha about the Assumption of Moses.

last fight

And perhaps the most famous evidence of the Archangel-Archangel is contained in the Revelation of St. John the Theologian. These are words about Michael's participation in the battle of the Day of Judgment. 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 longer a place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, the ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast out to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The overthrow of Satan by heavenly powers. Composition on the Suzdal Golden Gates. Con. 12th century (Nativity Cathedral in Suzdal).

In addition to Scripture, Michael occupies a considerable place in Christian Tradition. So, it was Archangel Michael who was “handed” the trumpet of the Last Judgment, which should raise with its sound from the coffins and graves of all the dead from the beginning of time.

Archangel Michael in Apocrypha

According to some Christian apocrypha, such as, for example, the non-canonical Gospel of Nicodemus, which contains the story of the descent of Christ into hell, it says that it was Michael who was entrusted with the souls of the righteous who were waiting for salvation.
Theophanes the Greek. Archangel Michael. Fresco in the dome of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. 14th century Novgorod the Great.

It is the Archangel, according to another apocrypha, "The Revelation of Paul", who washes the souls of the righteous before they enter New Jerusalem.

And in the well-known work “The Virgin’s Passage through Torment,” it is the Archangel Michael who accompanies the Virgin Mary on Her mournful journey through hell, tells Her about sinners and explains why this or that punishment is deserved.

Savior of Rome from the plague and patron of the Nile

They resort to Archangel Michael with prayer and as a healer - after all, who, if not he, can drive away the tormenting evil spirit? In the time of Byzantium, Michael was honored precisely as a healer.

The Archangel appeared as a healer during one of his most famous miracles: in 590 Rome was mowed down by a plague, and St. Gregory the Dialogist, Pope of Rome, held a solemn prayer procession for the deliverance of the city from disaster. Then the Archangel Michael appeared, and the pope saw the Archangel sheathing his sword. Since that day, the plague has subsided.

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

Interestingly, the Copt Christians dedicated the Nile to the Archangel Michael, and on June 12, the day the river floods, they celebrate and thank the Archangel for this.

In Rus', Archangel Michael is known for the miracle of saving Novgorod the Great from Batu in 1239. According to the Patericon of Volokolamsk, the Lord and the Blessed Virgin sent the Archangel to block the path of the khan. Batu himself testified to this when he saw a fresco depicting the Archangel in Kyiv: “Here, take me to drink on Veliky Novgorod.”

Michael in Scripture and Tradition is known more than other angelic forces, with the possible exception of the Archangel Gabriel, the messenger of God. But do not forget that Michael does not fight alone, and today's holiday is dedicated not to him alone, but to the entire heavenly host. A whole host of Angels, Archangels, Principles, Forces, Authorities, Thrones, Dominions, Cherubim and Seraphim fight for our souls and are always ready to pray for us before God and resist the devil.

Archangel Michael is revered in many countries as one of the main saints. His image is considered sublime in the Christian religion, as well as among the followers of Judaism and Islam. This character is at the head of the Holy Host, consisting of angels and archangels, so he was given the title of archangel. Prayer addressed to Saint Michael gives protection and patronage to the supreme being, who controls the nine ranks of angels. The meaning of the name Michael - "who is like God" - identifies him with the heavenly ruler and endows him with unprecedented spiritual power.

Origin story

The warrior of light is revered in three world religions, but the origin of his image is shrouded in mystery. Researchers disagree on this issue. It is believed that the name of Michael was already known in the 8th century BC and was used by people who inhabited the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates. Scientists suggest that the legends about the saint are rooted in the religion of ancient Persia, in which it is customary to divide the warriors of light and darkness into two opposing camps.

The cult of the archangel is associated with folklore. Beliefs said that Michael appeared on three mountain peaks, in the former habitat of the pagan deity Odin. Hence the saint's commemoration day, which falls on September 29th. This is the date of the harvest and the feast in honor of fertility. Since the 8th century, images of Archangel Michael have been applied to German battle banners.

He patronized the German troops opposing the Hungarians who invaded foreign lands. Michael was often associated with Siegfried, the slayer of the dragon. Occult teachings mention the name of the archangel. Sacred texts also contain stories about him.

The biography of Archangel Michael is full of events that made him revered even among Muslims. The stories and legends that accompany him say that Michael, the leader of the light, leads the army of the Lord into battle with the forces of evil and darkness, controlled by Belial. In Islam, as well as in Christianity, the Archangel Michael occupies a high position. He is God's messenger, bestowing kindness and grace on human hearts. Michael also commands the clouds. He monitors the observance of God's law and will be present at the Last Judgment as the protector of all the lost believers.

The history of the Archangel Michael has more than one century, since the Bible became its source. It tells how, long before the appearance of the first man in heaven, there was a war due to the fact that Dennitsa, who experienced pride, raised a rebellion against the Creator. He was cast out along with several angels who supported him. Having turned into demons, they represented the side of darkness, and the archangel Michael, speaking in defense of the Creator, led his army. The book of Revelation describes the struggle of angels with the dragon, when the ancient serpent, the incarnation of the devil, was cast down to earth.

Archangel Michael is also mentioned as a heavenly warrior in the Book of the Prophet Daniel. There is also a belief that Michael helped the people of Israel in search of the promised land. Scholars of Scripture speculate that he led the Israelites across the Black Sea, using a pillar of fire to cause the waters to part. The Old Testament tells of the deeds of the heavenly messenger, who is personified with the archangel Michael.

The saint is often addressed, asking for health. It is believed that it protects against evil forces that provoke ailments, and helps to resist them. There are many magical sources in the world that bear the name of the saint. According to legend, Michael guards the gates of heaven, protecting them with a sword from uninvited guests.

Attributes and Meaning

Saint Michael was portrayed more often than others by artists of different eras. His image is extremely in demand in painting and icon painting, sculpture and stained glass. Usually the archangel is depicted in military armor, modernized in accordance with the time the image was created. He appears before the viewer in the guise of a Roman legionnaire, endowed with an ordinary or flaming sword. Sometimes a spear appears in his hands, which is found in the images, where he acts as a protector of the path to the tree of life.

The head of an archangel is rarely protected by a helmet. The headdress is replaced by a crown, symbolizing power. Sometimes Michael holds a shield, monogrammed with intertwined Greek letters "X" and "P", a Star of David and a cross. Under his feet is a dragon, a serpent, or a freak struck by a warrior of light.

Western artists considered the scales to be an attribute accompanying Michael. It was the scales that symbolized the role of the hero at the Last Judgment, during which Michael will weigh positive and negative deeds, letting him go to heaven or dooming him to the torments of hell.

Much less often, the archangel is described with a banner or standard in his hands. According to Latin tradition, he is considered the standard-bearer of Salvation and the Holy Trinity. The banner is also an attribute of a warrior who is true to his cause.

On Russian icons, Michael was painted riding a winged horse with a horn at his mouth. He held a book and a cross or a sword that slays the devil in the form of a dragon. This image was called the Archangel Michael Voevoda and was traditional in the 16-17 centuries.

Many icons depict not only how the archangel kills the snake, but also the life of the great saint. Some stories are connected with the phenomenon in Heroptes or the "miracle of Flora and Laurus", whom he taught to drive horses, making them the patrons of animals.

Archangel Michael in culture

Saint Michael is often mentioned in literary monuments: in the Old and New Testaments, in the Book of the Prophet Daniel. The Apocalypse talks about the army he gathered and how the battle went with. In the Epistle of Jude he is described as the archangel of God.

Religious literature is divided into canonical texts and apocrypha, which have not received official church recognition. The Apocrypha book of Enoch describes the significance and role of Michael in the life of the ancient Jews. The Qumran scrolls, found on the Black Sea coast, tell of Michael, the leader of the army marching against the angels of darkness. The Qumran community existed in the 2nd century BC, and this fact allows us to appreciate the depth of history associated with St. Michael.

The Apocrypha, in which Michael is first mentioned, echoes the Hebrew story. Eschatological writings that raise the question of the end of the world and the afterlife appeal to the story of Michael and Lucifer.

The archangel in the role of a judge, calling souls to the Last Judgment, is depicted on the icons.

In the 4th century, the Gospel of Nicodemus was written, describing the mission of Michael as the transfer of saved souls to paradise. He is echoed by the "Revelation of Paul". In "Walking

Theotokos through torment” tells that Michael accompanied the Queen of Heaven on her way to hell. "The Apocryphal Revelation of John the Theologian" tells of the patronage of mortals on the Day of Judgment.

Ancient Jews and Muslims called Michael Mikael, believing that he is the guardian of one of the cardinal points, like Raphael and Uriel. The Quran calls Saint Michael. Muslims believe that the archangel is endowed with emerald-colored wings.

In Orthodoxy, Michael is the guardian of God's law, defender and warrior. He is the patron of the “church militant”, uniting all who remain faithful to the Creator. A prayer and an akathist dedicated to the archangel carry a sacred meaning. They have powerful energy and are pronounced by believers and spiritual mentors during a service or visit to a temple. This is part of the religious culture, kept by the peoples of the world for many centuries.

Orthodox icons depict Archangel Michael countless times. He is a fighter with the devil, a defender of the truth of God, whose image was located in every temple and church. The most famous image of the Archangel Michael is the icon that he painted.

On it, a warrior of light is depicted in scarlet robes with golden wings and a spear in his hands. His brow is adorned with long hair falling over his shoulders, his gaze is piercing and accusatory. This image was created in the canonical tradition of Orthodox icon painting.

Few people know that by praying to the Archangel Michael, we can save our loved ones and relatives from hellfire. It is believed that the Archangel Michael, on the eve of his holidays, is on the banks of the valley of fire at night and lowers his right wing into hellfire, which at this time goes out. And praying on the night of the feast of the Archangel Michael on September 19 and November 21, we ask for our dead for salvation and the granting of eternal life.

The veneration of the holy angels has its roots in the Old Testament Church. The Prophet Moses, who received from God the Moral Law - the famous 10 Commandments, received from Him the command to put in the Holy of Holies the first camp temple - the tabernacle of the golden images of the Cherubim (Ex 37: 7-9). For the first time, the Apostle Paul told his disciple about the ranks of the Angels, whom he converted from the pagans to Christ during a sermon in the Areopagus (supreme court) of Athens. The name of this disciple is Dionysius the Areopagite, he set out everything he heard from Paul in his essay “On the Heavenly Hierarchy”.
All ranks of the Heavenly Forces bear the common name of Angels - in essence of their ministry.

Archangel Michael was placed above all nine ranks, since it was He who cast down from Heaven the proud Dennitsa with other fallen spirits.

Saint Michael the Archangel torments the soul of the rich. Wall from the vestibule of the Church "Nativity of the Virgin" in the monastery of St. John of Rila

Miracle of the Archangel Michael

A sermon delivered by Timothy, Patriarch of Alexandria, on the feast of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael on September 19, announcing the great mercy bestowed by God on people:

“The peace of God will descend upon you, brethren. I will tell you what happened to me, Timothy, a servant of Jesus Christ. Once I went to the Holy Life-Giving Cross and the Holy Sepulcher and to all the holy places through which our Lord Jesus Christ passed.

I went into the house of Saint Prochorus, the beloved disciple of the Evangelist John the Theologian. Here I found a book written by Prokhor. In this wonderful book I read the following great consolation of John the Evangelist.

When the Angel and I came closer, I saw a huge lake and a terrible execution of unrepentant sinners.

“Once I was walking accompanied by an Angel of God, who revealed to me Heavenly mysteries about people. And then I heard a noise like the noise of many waters falling from a great height. When the Angel and I came closer, I saw a huge lake and a terrible execution of unrepentant sinners. I asked my guide, and he explained to me what this terrible abyss was. We saw a huge flame coming from this hell - with a cloud of huge smoke above it.

The flames seethed and rose noisily to 300 meters in height. Vile worms, the size of a viper, crawled over the bodies of sinners in this abyssal lake.

O John, friend of God, the torment that we have just seen is worse than all executions. This lake of fire can contain - the whole world. Its depth is infinite: worm-snakes that gnaw the bodies of sinners make them rise up. John wept bitterly over the loss of human souls. “Do not cry, John, friend of God, do not cry, soon you will see great joy - great favor to the Archangel of God Michael from the Lord.”

At this time, I saw in the wonderful beauty of the Archangel Michael himself, who, in a beautiful boat of Cherubim and Seraphim, accompanied by many Angels, saints, prophets and martyrs, was approaching the lake of fire.

All of them were clothed with a beauty indescribable. Soon the angels approached the sinners who were put to death. Immediately the fire went out, the abyss ceased to smoke, the disgusting animals disappeared. When everything calmed down, Archangel Michael plunged his snow-white wing into the lake - brought out many human souls and transferred them to the shore. Then he lowered the same right wing a second time - and brought even more souls out of the lake than the first time. Then the Cherubim and Seraphim prostrated themselves before him and began to ask him to submerge the wing - for the third time. Archangel Michael turned his benevolent, pleading gaze to the Lord, offered fervent heartfelt prayers for the salvation of those suffering for their sins.

Then again he plunged the snow-white wing into the lake and brought forth countless multitudes of new souls.

Archangel Michael arguing for the soul with the devil. Art Museum of Catalonia. Barcelona. Spain. OK. 1200

Then the angels and saints, having received these souls with great joy, washed them with the water of Grace, anointed them with the fragrance of joy, and placed them before the face of God. At that hour, a voice came from the veil of the Lord: “By the intercession of the Archangel Michael and My Mother, the Blessed Virgin, and all My Angels and the elect, who have fulfilled the will of My Father on earth, bring these souls into Paradise of bliss, Eternity and peace. Amen". At this terrible and holy deed, Saint John marveled at the compassion of Michael the Archangel.

November 21

Sacred Tradition brings to us the story that before the visible world, God created the invisible, angelic world. But one Angel Lucifer, which means "Luminous", became proud and wished to become equal to God. He rebelled against the Creator and dragged along some of the angels. Then one of the Archangels is Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?”, i.e. "Who can be equal to God?" led the Angelic army against the fallen spirits and expelled Lucifer, the main apostate. Since then, Lucifer has been called Satan (which means "resisting") or the Devil ("slanderer"), fallen spirits - "demons", and Archangel Michael is revered as the main fighter against the forces of evil.

The angel said: “When our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the tomb, it was Michael the Archangel who rolled away the stone and brought the good news to the myrrh-bearing women. He kept Satan in hell and took everything he had. God gave Archangel Michael great power and authority to save those who are in torment.

The Lord named him the ranks of the incorporeal heavenly forces and allows him annually on September 19 and November 21, accompanied by Angels and saints, to approach the souls condemned to torment.

Archangel Michael helps to save those who made alms in his name, as well as in the name of martyrs and saints. He forever frees from execution those for whom sacrifices and prayers are offered. Archangel Michael does not cease to work God's mercy every year on September 6/19 and on his day on November 8/21 - which will continue until the end of time. On his holy holidays, all the Angels gather around the Archangel Michael at the veil of God. Then he took me to the Mount of Olives, and then he left me, flying up to Heaven. I was surprised a lot and glorified God and Archangel Michael.”

This story was found by me in the house of Prochorus, a disciple of John the Theologian.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Lord God the Great King, Beginningless! Send, Lord, Your Archangel Michael to help Your servant (name) take me away from my enemies, visible and invisible. Oh Lord Michael the Archangel! destroyer of demons: forbid all enemies fighting with me, create them like sheep and crush them like dust before the face of the wind. Oh Lord Great Archangel Michael! The six-winged first prince and governor of the heavenly powers Cherubim and Seraphim. Oh, pleasing Michael the Archangel, be my helper in all grievances, in sorrows, sorrows; in deserts, at crossroads, on rivers and seas - a quiet haven. Deliver me, Great Michael the Archangel, from all the charms of the devil, when you hear me your sinful servant (name) praying to you and calling you and calling your holy name: hasten to help me and hear my prayer. Oh great Archangel Michael! Defeat everything that opposes me with the power of the Holy and Life-Giving Heavenly Cross of the Lord, with the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and the holy apostles, the holy prophet of God Elijah, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. . Amen.

Oh, Great Michael the Archangel, help me your sinful servant (the name of the rivers), deliver me from a coward, flood, fire, sword and flattering enemy, from a storm, from invasion and from the evil one. Deliver me, your servant (name), the great Archangel Michael, always, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Holy Archangel of God Michael, if my relatives (the names of the deceased ...) are in the lake of fire, then take them out of the eternal fire with your blessed wing and bring them to the Throne of God and beg our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive them their sins.

Whoever reads this prayer every day, neither the devil nor the evil person touches him, and his heart will not be tempted by flattery, and hell will be delivered.