Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and all heavenly powers. Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
November 21 is a big Orthodox holiday, cheerful and bright - Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces - angels created by God before man and usually inaccessible to earthly vision. This holiday is the main of all holidays in honor of the holy angels. In common parlance, it is called Mikhailov Day and is very revered by believers.
The Cathedral is the union, the totality of all the holy angels, headed by the Archangel Michael, who collectively and unanimously glorify the Holy Trinity, unanimously serve God.
Archangel Michael is the leader of the Heavenly Forces, on the icons he is depicted in a formidable and warlike form: a helmet on his head, a sword or spear in his hand. A dragon struck by him is under his feet. Who is this brave leader fighting with? We know that the entire angelic world, created even before the creation of man and the entire visible world, was endowed with great perfections and gifts. Angels, like humans, had free will. They could abuse this free will and fall into sin. This happened to one of the supreme angels - Dennitsa, who discovered in himself the source of evil and pride and rebelled against his Creator. The spiritual world hesitated and some of the angels followed Dennitsa. At that moment, the Archangel Michael stepped out from the angelic environment and said: "Nobody is like God!" - addressing this appeal to all the angels. With these words, he showed that he recognizes only one One God, the Creator and Ruler of the entire universe.
The struggle was difficult, for Dennitsa was endowed with great perfections. But the forces of good won, and Dennitsa was overthrown from heaven with all his followers. And the Archangel Michael was established as the leader of the entire angelic world, faithful to God. Since then, in the hands of the archangel the sword, because Satan, cast down from heaven, does not rest. The fallen angels were prevented from penetrating into the higher regions of the universe and, therefore, they directed all their anger at people, and first of all at those who believe in God. Can the sword of the Archangel Michael remain inactive under such circumstances? Of course not! He never ceases to fight the angels of evil and darkness, protecting the faithful children of God from their insidious intrigues.
The word "angel" means "messenger". This name is given to disembodied spirits, because they proclaim the will of God to people. Angels live everywhere, but mainly in heaven, around the Throne of God. We ourselves are not able to see and feel the glory of God - we need intermediaries who transform it in such a way that it becomes available to us as well. It is the angels who are these mediators, without which we would never be able to feel and perceive, even to a small extent, the Divine light. Angels are sent to earth to serve people.
A person who has received holy baptism is given by God a guardian angel for life. Therefore, this holiday is considered the second day of the angel of all Orthodox Christians.
According to some teachers of the Church, a person must make up for the number of fallen angels. Therefore, we must enter the Cathedral of Angels. How pure and holy then our life should be! How else here on earth we must prepare ourselves to enter the light and holy gathering of Angels! For this, we must acquire angelic thoughts and feelings, cleanse our hearts for love. Live according to the commandments of the gospel.
The history of the celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces is as follows. Even in apostolic times, a false teaching about angels was widespread. Heretics appeared among Christians who worshiped Angels as gods and taught that the visible world was created not by God, but by Angels, honoring them above Christ. This doctrine was so dangerous that at the beginning of the 4th century the holy fathers were forced to convene a local council in Laodicea (the Laodicean Local Council), at which the heretical worship of angels as creators and rulers of the world was condemned and established a pious veneration of Angels as servants of God, guardians of the human race, and it is commanded to celebrate the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other Heavenly Forces on November 8 according to the old style (November 21 - in a new style).
The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance. November is the 9th month after March, which is considered the first month after the creation of the world. In commemoration of the 9 angelic ranks, it was in November - the 9th month - that the holiday of the Angels was established. The 8th number indicates the day of the Last Judgment, in which the Angels will directly participate. It is they who will testify at the Judgment about our life and deeds - righteous or unrighteous. The holy fathers call the day of the Last Judgment the eighth day. Time is measured in weeks (weeks). The 8th day will be the last day of the world, the day of the Last Judgment.
The Angelic ranks are divided into three hierarchies - higher, middle and lower. Each hierarchy consists of three ranks. The highest hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The six-winged Seraphim (Flaming, Fiery) are closest to the Most Holy Trinity (Isaiah 6, 2). They are aflame with love for God and encourage others to love it.
After the Seraphim, the many-read Cherubim stand before the Lord (Genesis 3:24). Their name means: an outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment, for through them, shining with the light of knowledge of God and understanding of the mysteries of God, wisdom and enlightenment are sent down for true knowledge of God.
For the Cherubim - stand the God-bearing by the grace given to them for their service, the Thrones (Col. 1:16), mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God. They serve the justice of God.
The middle Angelic hierarchy consists of three ranks: Dominance, Strength and Authority.
Dominions (Col. 1:16) rule over the subsequent ranks of the Angels. They instruct the earthly rulers appointed by God to wise management. Dominance teaches to master the senses, tame sinful desires, enslave the flesh to the spirit, dominate one's own will, and overcome temptations.
Forces (1 Pet. 3:22) do the will of God. They work miracles and send down the grace of miracles and clairvoyance to the saints of God. Forces help people in bearing obedience, strengthen them in patience, grant spiritual strength and courage.
Authorities (1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 1:16) have the power to tame the power of the devil. They reflect demonic temptations from people, assert the ascetics, protect them, and help people in the fight against evil thoughts.
The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Beginnings, Archangels and Angels.
The beginnings (Col. 1, 16) rule over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfillment of Divine commands. They are entrusted with ruling the universe, protecting countries, peoples, tribes. The beginnings instruct people to give everyone the honor that befits his title. They teach the rulers to fulfill their 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 Sol. 4:16) preach the great and glorious, reveal the secrets 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, instruct people to a virtuous and holy life. They keep believers, keep them from falling, raise up the fallen, never leave us and are always ready to help if we wish.
All ranks of the Heavenly Forces bear the general name of Angels - in essence of their ministry. The Lord reveals His will to the higher Angels, and they, in turn, enlighten the rest.
Above all nine ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael (his name in translation from Hebrew - "who is like God") - a faithful servant of God, for he threw down from Heaven the proud Dennitsa with other fallen spirits. According to Church tradition, captured in the service of the Archangel Michael, he took part in many Old Testament events. During the exit of the Israelites from Egypt, he led them in the form of a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at 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 calamities.
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 was in the destruction of 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian king Sennacherib (2 Kings 19, 35), in the defeat of the wicked leader Antiochus Iliodorus and in the protection from the fire of three holy youths - Ananias, Azaria and Misail, thrown into the furnace for burning for refusal 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, imprisoned in a den with lions (kontakion 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 youth thrown into the sea by robbers with a stone around his neck off the coast of Athos (Athos Patericon).
The number of Angels is immeasurably large, and the Lord established order in the Heavenly host, creating the Angelic hierarchy. Angels differ from each other in enlightenment.
Each rank of Angels has its own purpose. Angels and Archangels are closest to people. There are only seven archangels.
They are depicted on icons in accordance with the nature of their ministry:
archangel Michael (his name means "Who is God") - tramples the devil with his feet, holds a green date branch in his left hand, and a spear with a white banner (sometimes a fiery sword) with a scarlet cross in his right hand.
Archangel Gabriel ("Power of God") - with a paradise branch, brought by him to the Blessed Virgin, or with a luminous lantern in his right hand and a jasper mirror - in his left.
Archangel Raphael ("Help, the healing of God") - holds a vessel with healing potions in his left hand, and with his right leads Tobiya carrying a fish.
Archangel Uriel ("Fire and light of God") - in the raised right hand - a naked sword at chest level, in the lowered left hand - "fiery flame".
Archangel Salafiel ("Prayer to God") - in a prayer position, looking down, hands are folded on his chest.
Archangel Yehudiel ("Praise be to God") - holds a golden crown in his right hand, in shuyts - a scourge of three red (or black) ropes.
Archangel Barachiel ("Blessing of God") - there are many pink flowers on his clothes.
Among the Angels is the Guardian Angel of each of us. According to the teaching of the Church, the Lord gives a Guardian Angel to each of us during Baptism. He is always near us, guarding all the way through life. We, sinful people, do not see them as the saints see them. But we know and believe that they are always with us. Guardian Angels occupy the very last rank in the angelic hierarchy, but this should not confuse us. Although they are more distant than others from God, their ministry is great in the sight of God, because they are intended to protect and save us, people, and man, as you know, is the crown of God's creation.
Everything that is good, pure, light in us: every good thought, good deed, prayer, repentance - all this is born in us and is accomplished at the suggestion of our Guardian Angel. Acting through our conscience and our heart, he keeps us from sin and temptation, helps to fight temptation.
When the Guardian Angel sees us walking the saving path, he tries in every possible way to encourage us, to establish us on this path. If we deviate from the true path, he tries with all his might to return us to it. But if we completely stop listening to our Guardian Angel and fall into sin, the Angel departs from us, cries, and from the side watching us, asks God to endure and delay with punishment. And at the same time, he does not abandon attempts to reach out to our conscience and awaken repentance.
All this obliges us to reverently honor our Guardian Angel and all other Heavenly Forces and pray that they protect, strengthen us and help us on our difficult earthly path.
Since ancient times, the Archangel Michael is known for his miracles. This is a saint especially revered in Russia. Archangel Michael is the spiritual protector of Russia, the patron saint of a number of regiments and ships. The holy Archangel Michael was the patron saint of such weapons as the engineering troops of the Russian army. His image was on the coat of arms of Kiev, Arkhangelsk was named after him. In honor of the Archangel Michael, numerous churches were built across Russia, including the Cathedral of the Archangel in the Moscow Kremlin, his sculpture crowning the Pillar of Alexandria in St. Petersburg.
Orthodox Christians believe that Archangel Michael, the glorious conqueror of the devil ("the day of the day"), will not abandon every Christian soul that passes airy ordeals after its departure from the body.
The Archangel Michael in Russia has been glorified for his miracles since ancient times. The representations for the Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven were always carried out by Her appearances with the Host of Heaven, under the leadership of the Archangel. Grateful Russia sang the Most Pure Theotokos and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, palaces and posad temples are dedicated to the Archangel. In ancient Kiev, immediately after the adoption of Christianity, the Archangel Cathedral was erected and a monastery was built. Archangel cathedrals are in Smolensk, Nizhny Novgorod, Staritsa, a monastery in Veliky Ustyug (early XIII century), a cathedral in Sviyazhsk. There was no city in Russia where there would be no temple or chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. One of the most important churches in the city of Moscow - the tomb temple in the Kremlin - is dedicated to him.
| |
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces celebrated annually November 21(November 8, old style). This holiday does not belong to the number and, but has always been revered in Russia. In honor of him, temples were built, and cities and villages were also named. The celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly forces was established at the beginning of the 4th century.
Troparion, voice 4.
Heavenly armies to the Archangel, we pray that now we are unworthy. Like, yes, with your prayers, cover us with the shelter of krilu, the immaterial ty of glory. Those who keep us praying diligently and crying out, save us from troubles, as the ruler of the powers above.
Kontakion, voice 2.
Archangel of God, and servant of divine glory. An angel for the boss, and a mentor for a man. Hedgehog to eat for our benefit, ask for mercy, like a disembodied Archangel.
Temples in honor of the Archangel Michael in Russia
After the Baptism of Rus, the holiday of the Cathedral of the Blessed Forces becomes known to our ancestors. Many temples and monasteries were dedicated to this holiday - Mikhailov day... First Cathedral of the Archangel was built in Kiev immediately after the adoption of Christianity, a monastery was established there.
In the future, many cases of the Archangel's miraculous help in military matters are known. V Volokolamsk Paterikon contains a description of the miraculous salvation of Veliky Novgorod from the Tatar army:
always, by God's allowance, sin for the sake of our godless Hagarian Tsar Baty will enslave the Russian land and go to the New City and God and the Most Pure Theotokos have 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 Kiev and the great Archangel Michael was written above the doors near the stone church and the prince was pointing with his finger: “this forbid go to Veliky Novgorod.
It is not surprising that in almost every Russian city there was a temple or a side-altar dedicated to the feast of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and the disembodied Forces. Perhaps the most famous is the tomb of the Moscow princes. The original wooden Archangel Cathedral was probably built in 1247-1248, during the reign of Mikhail Khorobrit, brother of Alexander Nevsky. Later it was rebuilt more than once, and the current building of the cathedral was built in 1505-1508.
There was also the Miracle Monastery in the Kremlin. The main temple of the monastery was consecrated in honor of miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh(celebrated on September 6/19). In 1929-1930. the monastery was destroyed.
In the middle of the XIV century. there was a wooden church in the name of the Archangel Michael in Kolomna... At this time, in the wall of the wooden fortress of Kolomna, between the Marinkina and the Faceted Towers, there were already the Mikhailovskie Gate, opposite which the Mikhailovskaya (or Arkhangelskaya) Sloboda was located. After the Time of Troubles, the temple fell into disrepair. In 1700, the stone church of Michael the Archangel with the chapel of the Three Saints was built. The currently existing stone church of Michael the Archangel received its modern appearance through the restructuring of parts of the previous stone church.
It was believed that Archangel Michael is the patron saint of the Russian army. Perhaps that is why, at the founding of Nizhny Novgorod, a strategic fortress at the confluence of the Oka and the Volga, Vladimir Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich built in 1221 the first wooden Archangel Michael Cathedral... Subsequently, it was rebuilt several times. The currently existing building of the cathedral was built in 1628-1631. in memory of the Nizhny Novgorod militia.
It is worth mentioning that the banner of the Nizhny Novgorod militia depicts Archangel Michael in military armor and Jesus Navvin bowing before him.
Birthday town
In the 12th century, Archbishop John of Novgorod founded the Archangel Michael Monastery at the mouth of the Northern Dvina. For a long time it was one of the centers of the Russian North.
In 1548, by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, the governors Nashchokin and Zaleshanin built a fortress around the monastery in one summer. Initially it was called New Kholmogory. But already in 1596 the new city was named Arkhangelsk, named after the monastery.
Old Believer churches in honor of the Archangel Michael
The tradition of celebrating "Michael's Day" has also been preserved among the Old Believers. In all Old Believer agreements, there are churches consecrated in the name of this holiday.
Today is the patronal holiday in the communities of the Russian Orthodox Old Believer Church in the city, p. Perm Territory, with. Kirov region, art. Rostov region, with. Tomsk region, as well as temples under construction in the city (Udmurtia) and city (Bryansk region). In the foreign communities of the RPSTs, a temple holiday in the communities of the city (Moldova) and the village. Valaya Rodoya, Floresti region (Moldova).
The patronal feast is celebrated in the communities of the Russian Ancient Orthodox Church in the city and the village. Kemerovo region.
Pomeranian communities in the town of Nevel and the village. Mikhalkino, Pskov region, Kuznetsk, Penza region, Temir-Tau, Kemerovo region, (Lithuania) also celebrate the feast day.
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. Icons
Archangel Michael is often depicted as part of the so-called "angelic deesis".
Archangel Michael is often depicted with a cane-spear in one hand and a special sphere-mirror (a symbol of foresight transmitted to the Archangel by God) in the other.
In later icons, the Archangel Michael can be depicted trampling the devil with his feet, in his left hand as a winner holds a green date branch, in his right hand - a spear with a white banner on which a scarlet cross is inscribed (symbolizing the victory of the Life-giving Cross over the devil), or holding a fiery sword in his hands and shield. Also, Michael can be represented as the guardian of the Heavenly King, dressed in military armor, or riding a horse.
Icon of Archangel Michael with deeds. 1410s. Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, Moscow
Among the icons dedicated to the Archangel Michael, one can note the "Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh", "The Appearance of the Archangel Michael to Jesus Navin" and "Cathedral of the Archangel Michael".
The celebration of the Council of the Archangel of God Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces was established at the beginning of the 4th century at the Local Laodicean Council, which was several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The Council of Laodicea, with Canon 35, condemned and rejected the heretical worship of angels as creators and rulers of the world and approved their Orthodox veneration. The holiday is celebrated in November - the ninth month of March (from which the year began in ancient times) - in accordance with the number of 9 angelic ranks. The eighth day of the month (according to the old style) points to the future Council of all the Forces of Heaven on the day of the Last Judgment of God, which the holy fathers call “the eighth day,” for after this century, which lasts for weeks, “the great day will come,” and then “will come The Son of Man in His Glory and all the Holy Angels are with Him ”().
The Angelic ranks are divided into three hierarchies - higher, middle and lower. Each hierarchy consists of three ranks. The highest hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The closest to the Holy Trinity are the six-winged Seraphim(Flaming, Fiery) (). They are aflame with love for God and encourage others to love it.
After the Seraphim, the Lord faces many-purified Cherubim(). Their name means: outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment, because through them, shining with the light of knowledge of God and understanding of the mysteries of God, wisdom and enlightenment are sent down for true knowledge of God.
For the Cherubim - stand the God-bearing according to the grace given to them for their service, Thrones(), mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God. They serve the justice of God.
The middle Angelic hierarchy consists of three ranks: Dominance, Strength and Authority.
Domination() dominate the subsequent ranks of the Angels. They instruct the earthly rulers appointed by God to wise management. Dominance teaches to master the senses, tame sinful desires, enslave the flesh to the spirit, dominate one's own will, and overcome temptations.
Forces() fulfill the will of God. They work miracles and send down the grace of miracles and clairvoyance to the saints of God. Forces help people in bearing obedience, strengthen them in patience, grant spiritual strength and courage.
Authorities(;) have the power to tame the power of the devil. They reflect demonic temptations from people, assert the ascetics, protect them, and help people in the fight against evil thoughts.
The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Beginnings, Archangels and Angels.
Beginnings() rule over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfillment of Divine commands. They are entrusted with ruling the universe, protecting countries, peoples, tribes. The beginnings instruct people to give everyone the honor that befits his title. They teach the rulers to fulfill their official duties not for the sake of personal glory and benefits, but for the honor of God and the benefit of their neighbors.
Archangels() preach the gospel of the great and glorious, reveal the secrets 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() are closest to people. They proclaim the intentions of God, instruct people to a virtuous and holy life. They keep believers, keep them from falling, raise up the fallen, never leave us and are always ready to help if we wish.
All ranks of the Heavenly Forces bear the general name of Angels - in essence of their ministry. The Lord reveals His will to the higher Angels, and they, in turn, enlighten the rest.
The book "A Guide to Writing Icons of Saints" says that the holy Archangel Michael "is depicted trampling (trampling) Lucifer and, as 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 a white banner with the image of a red cross to commemorate the victory of the Cross over the devil. " (Academician, Moscow, Synod. Type., 1910, p. 226).
Russian Chrysostom, Archbishop Innocent of Kherson wrote in 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 stallion (Satan) from heaven. Since then, Archangel Michael has not ceased to fight for the glory of the Creator and Lord of all, for the cause of 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 appropriate to be distinguished by zeal for the glory of God, loyalty to the Heavenly King and the kings of the earth, an everlasting war against vice and wickedness, constant humility and selflessness "(The Seven Archangels of God, M., 1996, p. . 5-6).
Archangel Gabriel
Archangel Gabriel(from Hebrew - man of god).
One of the highest angels, in the Old and New Testaments, appears as a bearer of joyful evangelism. He announces to the priest Zechariah in the temple, during the ascension of 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. On the icons, he is depicted 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 obeying the voice of conscience.
Mentioned in Canonical Books:
The Holy Archangel Gabriel, as explained in the "Guide to the Writing of Icons", "is depicted holding a lantern in his right hand with a lit candle inside, and in his left a stone mirror" (Fartusov, p. 226). This mirror made of green jasper (jasper) with black and white spots on it, illuminated by the light of truth, reflects the good and bad deeds of peoples, proclaims to people the secrets of God's economy, the salvation of mankind.
The name Gabriel, received by the Archangel from God, means in Russian Fortress of god or Power of god.
Archangel Barachiel
Archangel Barachiel (blessing of god).
Bible
The name of this Heavenly messenger Barachiel is translated into Russian - Blessing of god.
The book “Guide to the Writing of Icons” says the following about him: “The Holy Archangel Barachiel, the dispenser of God's blessings and an intercessor who asks us for God's good deeds: he is depicted carrying white roses on his clothes on his clothes, as if rewarding at the command of God for prayers, labors and moral behavior of people and foreshadowing bliss and endless peace in the Kingdom of Heaven ”(Fartusov, p. 227). These white roses represent the blessing of God. What could be cleaner and more fragrant than the 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 works to people.
“Since the blessings of God are different,” writes St. Innocent of Kherson, “the ministry of this Angel is diverse: through him, the blessing of God is sent for every deed, for every good everyday occupation” (Quoted op., P. 14).
Archangel Salafiel
Archangel Salafiel (prayer to god).
“And so the Lord has given us the whole face of prayer angels, with their leader Salafiel,” writes Vladyka Innocent of Kherson, “so that with the pure breath of their lips they warm our cold hearts to prayer, so that they admonish us when and how they pray, so that they offer our very offerings. to the throne of grace. When you see, brethren, on the icon of the Archangel standing in a prayer position, with his eyes downcast, with his hands attached with reverence to the Persians (to the chest), then know that this is Salafiel ”(Quoted cit., P. 11– 12).
The book "Guide to the Writing of Icons" says: "The Holy Archangel Salafiel, a prayer book, always praying to God for people and arousing people to prayer. He is depicted with his face and eyes bent (lowered) down, and hands pressed (folded) with a cross on his chest, as if he was praying with affection ”(Farusov, pp. 226–227).
Archangel Yehudiel
Archangel Yehudiel (praise of God).
This name is known only from legend. It is not found in the Bible and in the Gospel.
The name of the holy Archangel Yehudiel translated into Russian Glorifier of god or Praise to God, because he really, as the inscription on the fresco of the Cathedral of the Annunciation says, "to have the service of affirming people who work in peace, or, for the glory of God, seek reward for them."
As explained in the Guide to the Writing of Icons, the Archangel of God Jehudiel “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 whip 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, must live and work for the glory of God,” writes the Archbishop of Kherson Innocent. 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 ”(Quoted op., P. 13).
Archangel Raphael
Archangel Raphael (God's help).
Mentioned in non-canon book:.
“Whoever wishes to be worthy of the heavenly help of Raphael, first of all he must himself be merciful to the poor,” says Archbishop Innocent of Kherson (Quoted op., P. 9).
Raphael in Aramaic means Healing God or Healing of God.
The "Guide to the Painting of Icons" briefly explains that: "The Holy Archangel Raphael, the doctor of human ailments: he is depicted holding a vessel (alavastr) with medicinal means (medicine) in his left hand, and in his right hand, that is, a cut bird feather for anointing wounds "(Fartusov, p. 226).
Archangel Uriel
Archangel Uriel (fire of god).
Mentioned in non-canon book:.
According to the Tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church, the holy Archangel Uriel was appointed by God to protect after the fall and expulsion of Adam. According to the teachings of the Holy Fathers, the Archangel Uriel, being the radiance of the divine fire, is the enlightener of the darkened, unbelievers and ignorant. And the very name of the Archangel, corresponding to his special ministry, means Fire of god or Light of god.
According to the iconographic canon of the Orthodox Church, the holy Archangel by name Fire of god"Depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand against his chest, and in his left a fiery flame" (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 ignites hearts with love for God and destroys in them the impure earthly attachments, ”explains Vladyka Innocent, Archimandrite of Kherson (Quoted cit., p. 10).
Archangel Jeremiel
Archangel Jeremiel (the height of god).
Mentioned in non-canon book:.
“In the 3rd book of Ezra (4:36), the Archangel Jeremiel (the height of God) is also mentioned,” writes Archimandrite Nicephorus in the “Biblical Encyclopedia” (Moscow, 1891, p. 63). He was present at the first conversation of the Archangel Uriel with the priest Ezra and answered the latter when asked 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 The height of God or Exaltation of God... He is sent from above from God to man in order to facilitate the exaltation, the return of man to God. The Archangel of God not only reveals a dark perspective of a sinful world, they say, the further, the worse, but also helps to see in the dying world the holy seeds of eternal life (see). He is depicted holding a balance in his right hand.
On November 21, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces. We will tell you about the history and traditions of the holiday; about who the Archangels are and why Michael is among them- Archangel.
What is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces
The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces is a Christian holiday, which is celebrated in the Russian Orthodox Church on November 21 according to the new style (November 8 according to the old style). The holiday is celebrated in November - the ninth month of March (before the year began in 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 the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is celebrated
The celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied heavenly forces takes place on November 21 according to the new style (November 8 - according to the old style). This is a never-ending holiday.
What you can eat at the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
There is no fast on this day, that is, Orthodox Christians can eat any food.
Angelic ranks
The angelic ranks are of three hierarchies. The highest is the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The six-winged Seraphim (translated as "Flaming, Fiery") are closest to the Holy Trinity. Medium - Dominance, Strength and Power. Lower - Beginnings, Archangels and angels.
All the ranks of the heavenly powers are called angels. Angel means messenger. This reflects their mission - to convey God's will to people, to be protectors and teachers of people. Archangel Michael stands above all nine orders and is therefore called the archangel.
We also know the names of other archangels: Gabriel ("the power of God"), Raphael ("the healing of God"), Uriel ("the light of God"), Selafiel ("the prayer book of God"), Yehudiel ("praising God"), Barachiel (" God's blessing "), Jeremiel (" exaltation to God ").
archangel Michael
Archangel Michael in translation from Hebrew means "who is like God" or in a slightly different way, 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". The Lord endowed this angel with great perfections, but for his pride and rebellion against the Creator, Dennitsa was cast down from Heaven.
How does Archangel Michael help, what they pray to Archangel Michael
According to the hierarchy of angelic ranks, the Archangels preach the gospel to people about the Mysteries of God, reveal to us God's will. Historically, in Russia, the Archangel Michael was prayed for help in getting rid of grief, at the entrance to a new house and on the foundation of the house, for the patronage of the royal throne and, in general, the state, for the salvation and preservation of Russia.
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 a decree of the Laodicean Council, which took place in about 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 on a par with Holy Scripture, 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 pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. In addition, he revealed to Joshua the will of the Lord for the capture of Jericho and transferred the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon to give food to Daniel, imprisoned in a den with lions.
Miracles associated with the name of Archangel Michael
Many miracles are associated with the name of Archangel Michael. Here is just one of the stories. Archangel Michael saved the Athonite youth. The robbers wanted to drown the young man: they dreamed of getting a luxurious treasure, which he accidentally found. In memory of this miracle, the Bulgarian nobleman Dokhiar 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 Paterikon one can read the story of the Monk Pafnutius Borovsky about the miraculous salvation of Novgorod the Great: “And how Great Novgrad was never taken from the Hagarians ... God and the Most Pure Theotokos covered him with the appearance of Michael the Archangel, and forbid him to go to him. He went to the Lithuanian castles and came to Kiev and the great Michael the Archangel was written above the doors near the stone church and the prince was pointing with his finger: “this forbid to go to Veliky Novgorod”.
Miracle of Archangel Michael in Khoneh
The miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh took place in the 4th century. According to the legend, in Phrygia (the 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, by 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 source for healing, many of whom renounced idols and converted to Christ's faith.
In the church of the holy Archangel Michael for 60 years the pious Archippus was sexton. 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 current to the temple. Saint Archippus prayed fervently to the Archangel Michael, and the Archangel appeared to him, opened a cleft 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 took place was named Hona, which means "hole", "cleft". Hence the name "miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh".
Icon of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces
On the icons, the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the nature of their ministry. Michael tramples the devil with his feet, in his left hand he holds a green date branch, in his right - a spear with a white banner (sometimes a fiery sword), on which a scarlet cross is inscribed. Gabriel is painted with a paradise branch, 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 he leads Tobiya carrying the fish. Uriel holds a naked sword in his raised right hand at chest level, and a "fiery flame" in his lowered left hand. Selafiel is depicted in a prayer position, looking down, arms folded across his chest. Jehudiel holds a golden crown in his right hand, and in his left a scourge of three red (or black) ropes. Many pink flowers are depicted on Barahiel's clothes, and Jeremiel holds a balance in his hand.
Prayers to the Archangel of God Michael
First Prayer to the Archangel of God Michael
Holy and great Archangel of God Michael, the inscrutable and most essential of the Trinity, the first in the Angel of the Primate, the human race guardian and guardian, crushing from his army the head of the Pregordago dennitsa in heaven and always shaming his malice and treachery on earth!
We come running to you with faith and we pray to you with love: awake the indestructible shield and take firmly against the Holy Church and our Orthodox fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from all enemies visible and invisible. Be a wise mentor and companion to all Orthodox Christians, wearing them from the Throne of the Tsar of reigning enlightenment and strength, joy, peace and consolation. Be the leader and co-ordinate our invincible Christ-loving army, crowning it with glory and victories over the adversaries, may they know all those who oppose us, as God is with us and His angels are holy!
Do not forsake about the Archangel of God, your help and intercession and us, who glorify your holy name today; Behold, even if I have many sins, we do not even want to perish in our iniquities, but we must turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him for good deeds. Illuminate our mind 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 that is just befitting us to create and even despise and leave. Strengthen with the grace of the Lord our weak will and our feeble will, so that we are affirmed in the law of the Lord, let us cease the rest of the dominion over earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, and for the sake of the corruptible and earthly, eternal and heavenly, madly forget. Above all these, ask us from above for true repentance, unfeigned sorrow for Bose and regret for our sins, so that the remaining number of days of our temporary life in erasing the evils we have done, we will accomplish. When the hour of our end and freedom from the bonds of this frail body approaches, do not leave us, Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of evil in heaven; who used to block the souls of mankind, the ascent into the mountain, yes, guarded by you, we will reach these glorious villages of paradise without any doubt, where there is no sorrow or sighing, but life is endless, and we will be able to see the All-blessed face of the All-blessed Lord and Our Master and with the Holy One give glory, By the Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Second Prayer to the Archangel of God Michael
O Saint Michael the Archangel, light and formidable Heavenly Tsar voevodo! Before the Last Judgment, weaken me to repent of my sins, deliver my soul from the snare of those who catch me and bring it to the created God, sitting on the Cherubimech, and pray for her diligently, so that by your intercession I will send it to the resting place.
Oh, the formidable voivode of the Heavenly Forces, the representative of all at the Throne of the Lord Christ, the keeper of the strong man and the wise armorer, the strong voivode of the Heavenly King! Have mercy on me, a sinner demanding your intercession, save me from all visible and invisible enemies, but moreover, reinforce me from the horror of the mortal and from the embarrassment of the devil, and grant me the shameless appearance of our Creator in the hour of His terrible and righteous judgment. Oh, all-holy great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise me a sinner who prays to you for your help and your intercession in all this and in the future, but grant me there together with you to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces
voice 4
Heavenly armies of the Archangel, we pray you ever sincerely, unworthy, but with your prayers protect us with a roof the krill of your immaterial glory, preserving us, falling diligently and crying: save us from troubles, as the rulers of the Higher Powers.
Kontakion of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces
voice 2
The Archangel of God, the ministry of Divine glory, the Angels of the headmistress and the men of the mentor, ask us useful and great mercy, like the Fleshless Archangels.
It is believed that it was Archangel Michael who appeared and helped Jeanne d'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 in the sky shining and fought on the side of the French.
According to the legend of Balkan Christians, the Archangel Michael taught the martyrs Florus and Laurus the art of driving horses. That is why on local icons Flora and Lavra are often depicted 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. Copts adopted the Byzantine tradition of celebrating the Archangel Michael, but postponed its date to November 12. Also, on the 12th of every month in the Coptic Church, a special service is performed in remembrance of Saint Michael, and on June 12, when the Nile overflows its banks, the Archangel is glorified for the flooding of the river and the future harvest.
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. About names and angels. Day of Archangel Michael
“No one is like God” - this was the expression of all the great Archangel's knowledge of his God. He does not describe Him, he does not explain Him - he gets up and testifies. This is his communion with the radiance of the Divine, and this is the measure in which he manifests this radiance and opens the way for us to the mystery of the Lord with his word and that name that expresses his entire incomprehensible experience of an incomprehensible God.
There is a place in the book of Revelation where the seer John tells us that when the time comes and we are all in the Kingdom of God, then everyone will receive a mysterious name, which 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 for God and the one who receives it, because it determines the only, unique relationship that exists between God and His creation - each creature unique to Him.
We bear the names of the saints who lived and fulfilled their vocation 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 that is available to us from his life. After all, he is not only our prayer book, intercessor and protector, but to some extent and the image of what we could be. It is impossible to repeat anyone's life, but you can learn from the life of this or that person, a saint or even a sinner, to live more worthy of yourself and more worthy of God.
And today we are celebrating the honor and memory of the Archangel Michael, surrounded by the Angels of the Lord. Angels are messengers; An angel is someone whom the Lord can send with an assignment and who will completely fulfill it to the end. It may seem strange that we call a whole group of God's creatures a name that denotes their position, their ministry, as if they had nothing else. And in fact this is so, and this is their holiness: purified, shining with the light of God, according to the word 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 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 through an empty gutter, not only as through lifeless glass, but as it pours and sparkles and shines, and the light multiplies when it falls on a precious stone, reaches its heart and from there beats to the sides with a response radiance, illuminating, and sometimes dazzling with its beauty.
This is an image of true holiness, and in this respect they are really Angels, because we recognize them, experience them only as the radiance of Divine light, not diminished radiance, not darkened, but increased radiance and joyful, bringing life, but the essence of their being and their essence holiness remains a mystery between them and God, Who knows the depths of His creation ...
But their personal holiness is revealed to us in a special way by that separate name by which each of them is named. Some of these names entered the Holy Scriptures, were revealed to the experience of the Church and show us what their special holiness is. The Archangel of the Heavenly Forces, to whom many among us here and many in the Russian country are dedicated, is named Michael. "Michael" is a Hebrew word, and it means "Nobody is like God"; and this word expresses all the 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 that determined everything for him: “Nobody like God ”, and confirmed him in such a relationship with God, which made him the keeper of the gates of heaven. “No one is like God” - this was the expression of all the great Archangel's knowledge of his God. He does not describe Him, he does not explain Him - he gets up and testifies. This is his communion with the radiance of the Divine, and this is the measure in which he manifests this radiance and opens the way for us to the mystery of the Lord with his word and that name that expresses all his incomprehensible experience of an 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 these are the gates through which no one enters the Holy of Holies, the altar in the liturgical, liturgical order.
Another Archangel, Gabriel, whose name means "Fortress of God", is depicted on those gates through which the deacon enters the altar during the service. Gabriel is the one who announces to us that the door is open for us to re-enter the presence of God; that the power of God is shown, that God has overcome and we are saved. We know from the Evangelist Luke 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 from God and would give birth to a 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 about other Archangels and Angels the Holy Scripture tells us; and the faith of the Church, the Christian experience tell us about the Guardian Angels.
About the day of remembrance 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 the common people around us - our communication develops in different ways: some are closer to us personally, through prayer and through their life, which we would like to imitate; others we admire as if from afar. Our relations with the Guardian Angel are completely different: we are entrusted to him, and he is our Guardian, regardless of whether 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 Church's faith: this is the Baptist John, and we read words about him that are exactly the same as 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 in order to in full measure the image of the Lord stood before the people.
This is the path on earth; we have to diminish, diminish, 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, invisible and is revealed only by the light that, striking it, shines around everything. Then we seem to lose something from our temporary being, but in order only to acquire the inalienable knowledge of God, the only one that each of us who calls ourselves "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 ... The Angel on earth is an unauthorized witness - John the Baptist, who is on the way, and the One Whom the Holy Scriptures calls the “Great Council Angel” - God who came in the flesh.
These are the images, those thoughts, those thoughts from our veneration of Angels, from our love for them, from our communication 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 darkness to perfect education. Through the prayers of the holy Angels and Archangels, may the Lord grant us, having renounced himself, by free will, love for God, to begin to diminish so that God Himself shines in full measure in each of us. Amen.
Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin
Since ancient times, the Cathedral of the Holy Archangel Michael in the Kremlin has been the burial vault of the great princes and Russian tsars. In the old days it was called “the church of St. Michael on the square”.
The history of the Archangel Cathedral dates back to the XIV 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, who was invited by the Grand Duke.
From the moment of its foundation until the 18th century, the Archangel Cathedral served as the resting place of Moscow princes and tsars. Tombstones to the princes with words of prayers and epitaphs on white stone slabs are located under the arches of the temple in 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, arranged in the altar of the cathedral.
Among the most revered shrines of the Archangel Cathedral were the relics of Saint Prince Michael of Chernigov, who died a martyr's death in the Golden Horde, and Saint Tsarevich Dmitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible. The remains of the saints were not buried, but placed in special arks - crayfish, intended for the worship of believers. A reliquary 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. Only small fragments on the pillars of the temple and several compositions in the altar and the royal tomb have survived from this ancient painting. In 1652-1666, the cathedral was painted again - a large artel of Russian craftsmen worked. The works were 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 Russia, his sons Boris and Gleb who were martyred, princes Andrei Bogolyubsky, Alexander Nevsky, Daniel of Moscow. A unique feature of the painting of the Archangel Cathedral is the cycle of tomb portraits: in the lower tier above the burials of the princes-Rurikovich, their "imaginary" portraits are written. This "portrait" gallery of historical figures opens with the image of the great Moscow prince 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 were painted by the masters of the Royal Armory. Only in the local, lower row, several ancient icons have survived. To the right of the Royal Doors, there is a temple icon of the cathedral - "Archangel Michael in Acts", 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 on the Kulikovo field.
Michael's Day - folk customs of the celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
In Russia, the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces was one of the happiest holidays. From that day on, the cattle were driven into the barns for winter feed. 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 Filippovsky, 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 prayer services. The owners, in gratitude, treated them to a loaf of bread or money - from 5 to 15 kopecks from the yard.
Elizaveta Kiktenko
Svyaty Angels dwell in Heaven, in the invisible, spiritual world. There is the eternal Throne of the Most High, which is surrounded by all the Forces of Heaven, illuminated by Him with a non-evening light. Above all angelic ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael - a faithful servant of God, for he cast down from Heaven the proud Dennitsa with other fallen spirits. The Archangel Michael in Russia has been glorified for his miracles since ancient times. The representations for the Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven were always carried out by Her appearances with the Heavenly army, under the leadership of the Archangel. The Archangels are also known from Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition: Gabriel is the fortress of God, herald and minister of Divine omnipotence; Raphael - the healing of God, the healer of human ailments; Uriel - fire or light of God, enlightener; Selafiel is a prayer book of God, encouraging prayer; Jehudiel - glorifying God, strengthening those who labor for the glory of the Lord and interceding for reward for their deeds; Barachiel is a dispenser of God's blessing for good deeds, an intercessor who asks people for God's mercy; Jeremiel - Exaltation to God.
The bliss of the Angels consists in the beholding of God, in the contemplation of His glory. Without going beyond the limits of the understanding assigned to them, they stand reverently before the Throne of God and ceaselessly glorify His wondrous Name. This glorification consists of their whole life in relation to God.
Angels of God, like pure spiritual light, are removed from us when sinful darkness clothe our souls. As in the visible world, the rays of the sun, with all their brilliance and radiance, do not penetrate the grossest bodies, so in the invisible world the Angels of God, borrowing their light from the Source of Light Itself, appear only to pure souls. Just as fire is kindled from fire, so the spiritual contact of the Angelic light to us becomes perceptible only when the fire of pure love for God and the light of faith are kindled in our spirit. They draw closer to us as we draw closer to God, and move away from us when we move away from God. And just as for our external well-being it is necessary that some should be the leaders of others, for the wise to admonish the unreasonable, so for the construction of our internal state it is necessary that the Angels facilitate our march to God, protect us from the attacks of the spirits of evil.
Human nature, like angelic nature, has reason and will. We have every opportunity to achieve excellence. If a person, fulfilling the command of the Creator, directs his will to good, glorifies the Lord with his whole life, with all his being joyfully serves God and people, then already in this life he becomes angel-like.
