What do we know about Archangel Michael and how does he help?

Michael is the main angel. Perhaps, for all of us, Archangel Michael is the most famous and most revered representative of the angelic world. His name is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, and many legends and tales have been written about Him.

Archangel Michael is known and revered in many religions of the world. Archangel Michael is prayed for protection, for healing from illnesses, when entering a new home, and in many other cases.

A few words about angels and the angelic world

The Angelic World is a Great Spiritual World created by God, in which intelligent, good beings live. This world was created a long time ago and is inhabited by enlightened and very kind beings - angels. Angels is the common name for these creatures, which translated means “Messenger”. Messengers of the Will of God - this is their main purpose, but at the same time, each angel is a separate Person, endowed with his own will and freedom of choice.

For now we will only briefly touch on the structure of this amazing world, but in the following posts we will definitely take a closer look at it. Let me just mention that this world also has its own hierarchy. The lowest link in this wondrous world order is the one closest to us - the guardian angel, but the prefix “arch” indicates the most exalted service to God, compared to others. Archangels are higher than guardian angels and their main credo is our heavenly teachers, who show us how to do the right thing and strengthen people’s holy faith (Rev. 12:7). And the very first of them is the Archangel Michael. Archangel means “Commander-in-Chief”

Origin of the name and its interpretation

We should start with the name of the Archangel Michael, the interpretation of which is fraught with many interesting things. Gregory Palamas dubbed the angels “second lights,” what could this mean? Anthony of Sourozh gives his interpretation of this definition: angels are completely transparent, and divine light spills through them onto people. Moreover, each angel has a name, and it means something. The name given to Archangel Gabriel testifies that the Lord saves us all. Raphael heals, he is the main healer of the heavenly forces of the ethereal.

But the word “Mikhail” has several translations. The most popular are “One God” and “Nobody like God.” Metropolitan Anthony summarizes these meanings and says that we must understand the unity of God. And we must worship the Almighty. This is the meaning of the name St. Michael.

Signs

A pagan echo has been preserved in the celebration of Michaelmas Day. It is associated with signs. With the onset of winter, natural changes told a person a lot about whether the year would be cold, what the harvest would be like next summer.

If snow falls on the 8th, then all three subsequent months - December, January and February will be long and cold, with a lot of precipitation. (see how Matrona of Moscow helps?)

If the weather is good on the holiday, the winter will not be cold; snow should only be expected towards the end of December, and in February it will melt quickly.

When children were born on the feast of Archangel Michael, it was a sign that the baby would be strong and healthy. The Slavs believed that children born on November 8th made the strongest heroes.

At the end of the holiday, people washed themselves in the bathhouse. So they washed away all the illness from themselves so that they would get sick less in winter. If you happened to hear the bells ringing at St. Michael's celebration, then some bad fate or failure will befall you.

If there is wet snow on this day, there will be rain in the spring, and if the weather is clear, there will be snowstorms.

If there is heavy fog, you should expect bad weather in the near future. If there are few cones on the trees, then the winter will be warm.

Archangel in canonical texts

Canonical texts claim that the holy commander Michael leads the angelic army. The authors of the New and Old Testaments write about the archangel. However, there are no direct references to Michael in the Old Testament, as you will learn later. In Scripture, Archangel Michael is associated with:

• a fighter against evil;
• leader of the divine army;
• prince;
• archangel.

Among the canonical texts, a special place is occupied by the work “On the Heavenly Hierarchy,” written by Dionysius the Areopagite. The book appeared in the first century, it describes all the angels who live in heaven. Dionysius believed that angels are divided into triads of the first, second and third faces. The first face of visible and invisible creatures includes Thrones, Cherubim and Seraphim. To the second - Power, Strength and Dominance. And here is the third face:

1. Angels. They patronize people, deliver divine messages, protect us from evil.
2. Archangels. Heavenly teachers guide everyone on the path of truth.
3. Started. Control natural elements.

It turns out that Archangel Michael should be seen as a spiritual teacher and leader of the heavenly army, capable of repelling all kinds of evil. It is a ministering spirit that submits to the Lord. But in the spiritual hierarchy, St. Michael is assigned one of the most significant roles.

Old Testament

Having opened the Holy Scriptures, we will find numerous references to the holy Archangel Michael. The leader of the heavenly army accompanied the Israelites along the road leading from Egypt and helped them find the right direction. At night the spirit turned into a pillar of fire, during the day into a pillar of cloud. Michael helped Joshua when he approached the walls of Jericho. The miraculous transportation of the prophet Habakkuk to Babylon (straight from Judea) was also organized by the mighty archangel. Thanks to this action, Daniel, who was languishing in captivity, was fed.

The Old Testament describes the case of the complete defeat of the ruler of Assyria, Sennacherib, who lost 185,000 soldiers in the battle with the Archangel Michael. The Archangel saved the three youths and appeared to the prophet Balaam. It was also said that the leader of the heavenly army will rise during the Last Judgment and destroy everyone who is not written in the “book.”

New Testament

Jude mentions Saint Michael in the text of the Council Epistle. We learn that the archangel argued about the body of Moses with the devil and forbade him to take the mortal remains. In this place in the Bible, Michael is called an archangel for the first time - in other sections this is not the case. Moses killed the Egyptian, and Satan tried to prove to the leader of the heavenly army his power over the prophet. The same legend is duplicated in some apocrypha (“The Dormition of Moses”).

The Revelation of John the Evangelist is another important source. It tells about the battle of the angelic army, subordinate to Michael, with a ten-horned and seven-headed dragon. The ancient serpent, according to the sacred text, was cast down. It also states that the dragon was “the devil and Satan.” Along with the serpent, the demons (“his angels”) were also defeated.

Examples of prayers

For those citizens who want to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual values ​​of the Christian religion, through the study of special prayers in honor of a particular saint, church texts used when offering praise or asking for protection from the Archangel Michael will be presented.

Akfist

Kontakion 1 Chosen by the Heavenly forces of war and kind of human beings, this is from you like you We deliver the sorrowful, the blessed offering of the song: you, as you stand before the Throne of the King of Glory, from all our troubles God grant, with faith and love we call you in praise: Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly Ones forces. Ikos 1 Like the angelic fiery faces of the primate, with angelic faces and tongues, praise you more appropriately, Michael: but until then we admonish the disembodied with the verb, hearing, even from human, both grateful lips , blue: Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice, brighter than truth and golden righteousness. Rejoice, first receiver of the rays of uncreated light in angelic celestials; Rejoice, chief Angelov. Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; Rejoice, for the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings adorn themselves with it. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 2 Seer of faith, the sweep of great spiritual beauty and the power of your lightning right hand, Archangel of God, we, as earthly and fleshly, are surrounded by surprise, joy and thanksgiving We are filled with the Creator of all things, calling with all the Heavenly powers: Alleluia. Ikos 2 The mind is pure and free from passions, ask us, most wonderful Michael, the ruler of the heavenly ranks, yes, having ascended in thought from the earthly to the heavenly, laudatory Let us sing a song to you: Rejoice, you who are closest to the viewer of God’s indescribable beauty and kindness; Rejoice, all-good advice of the Most Holy Trinity, most sincerely mysterious. Rejoice, faithful executor of the eternal destinies of the Trinity; Rejoice, the heavenly hosts marvel at him with love. Rejoice, he is glorified with faith by those born on earth; Rejoice, he is trembled by the forces of hell. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 3 Revealing the power of irresistible jealousy for the glory of God in yourself, you became at the head of the angelic faces, Michael, in opposition to the one breathing malice, the prestige of Dennitsa, to him and his dark minions from above. You are the hundreds of heavenly beings cast into the underworld, the hosts of Heaven, most gloriously led by you, with joy, like one mouth, before By the Throne of God you exclaimed: Alleluia. Ikos 3 To you, Archangel Michael, the entire Christian race is a great intercessor and wondrous in battles with opposing helpers: for this reason, for the sake of your wonderful cover, your help wishingly, on the day of your triumph we cry out to you: Rejoice, by whom Satan, like lightning, fell from Heaven; Rejoice, for by him the preserved human race ascends to Heaven. Rejoice, wonderful decoration of the all-bright world of the Mountain; Rejoice, long-lasting glorious intercession of the fallen world. Rejoice, no longer defeated by the forces of evil; Rejoice, established with all the angels of God in truth and righteousness forever by the grace of God. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 4 Storms of temptation and troubles deliver us, the chief angels, who celebrate your bright triumph with love and joy: for you art in troubles a great helper and in the hour of death from evil spirits, the guardian and protector of all those who cry to your and our Lord and God: Alleluia. Ikos 4 Seeing you against the hordes of satanic arrogance, all the ranks of angels with joy moved after you to fight for the name and glory of their Master , crying: who is God? We, who have cast Satan under your feet, call to you, as if you were the devil: Rejoice, for you have peace and silence in Heaven si settled; Rejoice, from the worthless spirit of malice you were brought down even to hell. Rejoice, direct the angelic armies and the forces of the invisible world to the destruction of evil; Rejoice, oh my, and the indignation of the elements of the visible world is invisibly tamed. Rejoice, wondrous supporter of those who raise war against the spiritual wickedness in high places; Rejoice, you who are weak in temptation and who save those who are strong in this age with no help. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 5 The rich source of great miracles appeared in your temple, also in Khoneh; not just because the great and terrible serpent, who abided in that place, consumed your power, but also streams of water, healing every bodily ailment, opening up, and glorifying everything The Lord of the Angels calls you with faith: Alleluia. Ikos 5 Hearing and seeing you like a great light, shining among the faces of angels, most wonderful Michael, to you, according to God and the Most Holy Mother God, let us run: illuminate with the rays of your light all of us, crying out to you: Rejoice, leader and protector I am in the desert of God's chosen people; Rejoice, high mediator of the law, given by the hand of Moses at Sinai. Rejoice, from the wretch the judges and leaders of Israel have found strength and protection; Rejoice, through the prophets and high priestess of Judaism the gift of knowledge from the omniscient God was given to the priest. Rejoice, God-fearing lawgivers who provide secret wisdom; Rejoice, placing judgment and truth in the hearts of those who do good. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 6 The herald of God's destinies, when I saw Manoah, bewilderment and fear filled me, no one should live on earth; I learned from my wife about the goodness of the manifestation and the meekness of your words, in the joy of having been born, according to your words, a son not your own. I eat Sampson, thank you for crying out to God: Alleluia. Ikos 6 You shone with wonderful glory, Michael, when in the form of humanity you stood before Joshua, saying: Cut off the boot from your foot: I am the Archangel of the power of the Lord. Wondering at your appearance, you cry out with love: Rejoice, vigilant guardian of the divinely crowned heads; Rejoice, you who resist the authorities, as those who resist God’s command, quickly bring down the inhabitants. Rejoice, pacifier of popular unrest; Rejoice, invisible abolitionist of evil customs. Rejoice, for you enlighten those who doubt in the hour of fierce perplexity; Rejoice, for you deliver those tempted from destructive obsessions. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 7 The Lord of all things wants to show that the lot of the sons of men is not an accident, but is contained in His right hand, giving you to the kingdoms of the earth as an intercessor and guardian, and prepare tribes and peoples for the eternal Kingdom of God; For this reason, everyone who knows about your great service to the salvation of mankind, blessedly calls to God: Alleluia. Ikos 7 A new miracle was shown to us, Archangel, the Creator and Lord of all miracles on earth, the temple, created in your name, from drowning Thou didst miraculously save by the waters of the river, the commanding streams of the stream rush into the bowels of the earth: seeing the blessed Archippus with his spiritual children, blessed are they to cry out to you: Ra¬ Pout, the holy temples of God, their indestructible fence; Rejoice, the enemy of the faith of Christ does not overcome any obstacle. Rejoice, the elements obey his command; Rejoice, for through him all evil plans are crushed. Rejoice, you who brings joy to the faithful from the Throne of the Almighty; Rejoice, you who lead the unfaithful onto the path of righteousness and truth. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 8 A strange miracle of your power, Archangel of God, you carried Habakkuk on your back, having captured him by the mania of God, and carried him quickly from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel, I was imprisoned in a den of lions: I was also amazed at the great effect of your power, and cried out with faith: Alleluia. Ikos 8 You are all in the highest, Michael, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, and you are not far from the lower ones, fighting against the enemies of God The knowledge of mankind: by the same token, all those who want to achieve the desired Heavenly Fatherland, according to you, call you: Rejoice, chief of the Trisagion, angel ¬sky singing; Rejoice, you who are always present and guardian of the earth-born. Rejoice, proud pharaoh and the infidel Egyptians, striking in a strange way; Rejoice, glorious guide of the faithful Jews in the desert. Rejoice, for by him the flame of the Babylonian furnace was extinguished. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 9 All the monks of the Holy Mount Athos came into joyful trembling, seeing how the God-fearing youth was thrown into the depths of the sea with a stone, furiously from the wicked gold-lovers, you saved: Moreover, the monastery that has received it, flaunting your name, blessedly does not cry out to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 9 The verses and wise meanings do not suffice for the expression of your power, Michael, how in one night you smote one hundred eighty and five thousand from the armies of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, so that others may be punished, do not blaspheme the name of the Lord : We, honoring your holy zeal for the glory of the True God, joyfully call to you: Rejoice, right of the glorious armies, the invincible warrior; Rejoice, fear and baseness of evil armies. Rejoice, true faith and worship of God on earth; Rejoice, soul destroyer of harmful heresies and schisms. Rejoice, you have strengthened the pious Maccabees on the battlefield many times; Rejoice, striking the wicked leader of Antiochus Iliodor in the temple itself. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 10 Be a steadfast helper to those who want to save us, Archangel of God, deliver and protect us from troubles and misfortunes, especially from our evil habits and sins, yes, abounding in faith, hope and love of Christ, with joy in your wonderful intercession, to the Lord of angels and men of goodness We don’t call you: Alleluia. Ikos 10 You are the wall of a believing person, Archangel of God, and a pillar strong in battle with enemies visible and invisible: for this reason we are delivered from the snares of demons by you, grateful with our hearts and lips we call this: Rejoice, the enemy of the faith and the opponent of the Holy Church, the invincible opponent; Rejoice, tireless hasty, humble proclaimer of the Gospel. Rejoice, you who enlightened those who sat in the darkness of evil with the light of the faith of Christ; Rejoice, thou who by false wisdom have fooled those who have been fooled into the path of truth and repentance. Rejoice, terrible 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. Kontakion 11 All singing of praise is overcome by the multitude of your miracles, Archangel of God, as the essence has been accomplished by you not only in Heaven and on earth, but and in the dark halls of the underworld, where you bound the deep serpent with the bonds of the power of the Lord, so that those delivered from his malice would bless the Lord of Heaven and earth, calling: Alleluia. Ikos 11 You appeared, the luminous servant of the truth and purity of divine worship, O Archangel, when, foreseeing the machinations of the spirit of darkness, you forbade him in the name of God to them, may not the hidden body of the deceased leader of Israel Moses dare to appear for deification as the sensual son of Israel: for this reason, honoring your blessed council today, we thank you without singing : Rejoice, having preserved the purity of knowledge of God among the Jews in the days of the Old Testament; Rejoice, thou who havet eradicated many times the tares of delusion in the days of the New Good. Rejoice, destroyer of pagan soothsayers and idols; Rejoice, strengthener of Christian ascetics and passionate sufferers. Rejoice, you who are weak in spirit are filled with the power of the goodness of God; Rejoice, thou who clothe those who are exhausted by the flesh with the whole armor of faith. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 12 Grace from God from Heaven is asked for us, who sing in the glory of all honor in your name, Michael, yes, overshadowed By your intercession, in all goodness and purity we will live, until death has been freed from the bonds of the flesh, we are able to appear before you to the fiery Throne of the King of Glory and cry out from the faces of the angels: Alleluia. Ikos 12 Singingly diverse your miracles, Michael, performed for our salvation, we pray to the Lord and Master of all, and the spirit of zeal for the glory of God The life that is in you will become less scarce in us, who say to you: Rejoice, faithful servants of God in your time of good use Give so much power in advance; Rejoice, invisibly cast down those who are impudent and unworthy from the heights of power and glory. Rejoice, on the last day you have brethren chosen from the four ends of the earth; Rejoice, sinners, like tares, according to the voice of God, will be consigned to eternal fire. Rejoice, for he and his angels will be cast into the lake of fire forever; Rejoice, for the righteous will dwell more gloriously in the abode of the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers. Kontakion 13 Oh, most wonderful Archangels and Chief of Angels, for your wonderful service to the salvation of the race of mankind, you have received from us ascended to those now is not a voice of praise and thanksgiving, and as if filled with the power of God, cover us with your immaterial wing from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that the one glorified by you and glorified We call you, Lord: Alleluia. This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Like angels...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen of the Heavenly Powers...” Holy Prayer and the great Archangel of God Michael, the first primate of the inscrutable and essential Trinity in the Angels, and the race of man, the guardian and guardian, who crushed the army with his the head of the proud Lucifer in Heaven and put to shame his malice and treachery on earth! We come to you with faith and we pray to you with love: be an indestructible shield and a strong shield for the Holy Church and To our rightful, glorious Fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from all enemies, visible and invisible. Do not abandon, O Archangel of God, your help and intercession for us, who today glorify your holy name: behold, even though we are many sinners, both of us We do not want to perish without ours, but rather to turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him to do good deeds. Illuminate our mind with the light of the face of God, which shines on your lightning-like brow, so that we may understand that God’s will for us is good and perfect, and lead everything that we should do and that which we should despise and abandon. Strengthen our weak will and weak will with the grace of the Lord, so that, having established ourselves in the law of the Lord, let us stop being dominated by earthly thoughts and the lust of the flesh, being carried away, like foolish children, by the soon-to-perish beauties of the world this, because for the sake of the corruptible and the earthly it is foolish to forget the eternal and heavenly. Above all of these, ask us from Above for the spirit of true repentance, unfeigned sadness for God and contrition for our sins, that remains for us We depend on the number of days of our temporary life not in pleasing our feelings and working with our passions, but in erasing the evils we have committed through tears of faith and sorrow. Shedding of the heart, deeds of purity and holy deeds of mercy. When the hour of our end approaches, liberation from the bonds of this mortal body, do not leave us, Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of wickedness in the heavenly places, who are accustomed to block the rise of the soul of mankind to the mountain, yes, guarded by you, we will without stumbling reach those glorious villages of paradise, where there is no sorrow, no sighing, but life without end, and, being honored to see the bright face of the All-Blessed Lord and our Lord, falling with tears at His feet, let us exclaim in joy and tenderness: glory to Thee, dearest Buyer ours, Who for Thy great love for us, unworthy, was pleased to send Thy angels to serve the salvation of ours! Amen.

Prayer service

Oh, Saint Michael the Archangel, bright and formidable commander of the Heavenly King! Before the Last Judgment, let me repent from my sins, deliver my soul from the net that catches me and bring me to the God who created me, who dwells on the cherubim, and pray diligently for her, so that through your intercession she will go to a place of rest. O formidable commander of the heavenly powers, representative of all at the Throne of the Lord Christ, guardian of the strong man and wise armorer, strong commander of the Heavenly King! Have mercy on me, a sinner who requires your intercession, save me from all visible and invisible enemies, and, moreover, strengthen me from mortal horror and from the embarrassment of the devil, and grant me the honor of unashamedly presenting myself to our Creator at the hour of His terrible and righteous judgment. O all-holy, great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise me, a sinner, who prays to you for help and your intercession in this world 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

Prayer

Archangel Michael is responsible for many areas of human life. Accordingly, the prayers addressed to him vary, depending on what the believer wants to ask for.

There are prayers:

• protecting from enemies and evil;
• everyday calls;
• prayers read during illness.

The formidable commander of the heavenly forces will never ignore requests for help, always remaining guardian of goodness and order.

From enemies and evil

O Lord Great God, King Without Beginning, send, O Lord, Thy Archangel Michael to the aid of Thy servant (name), take me away from my enemies, visible and invisible! O Lord Archangel Michael, pour out myrrh of moisture on your servant (name). O Lord Michael the Archangel, destroyer of demons! Forbid all enemies who fight against me, make them like sheep and crush them like dust before the wind. O great Lord Michael the Archangel, six-winged first prince and commander of the weightless powers, Cherub and Seraphim! O God-pleasing Archangel Michael! Be my help in everything: in insults, in sorrows, in sorrows, in deserts, at crossroads, on rivers and seas a quiet refuge! Deliver, Michael Archangel, from all the charms of the devil, when you hear me, your sinful servant (name), praying to you and calling on your holy name, hasten to my help, and hear my prayer, O Great Archangel Michael! Lead all those who oppose me with the power of the honorable life-giving cross of the Lord, with the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Holy Apostles, and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Andrew the Fool and the Holy Prophet of God Elijah, and the Holy Great Martyr Nikita and Eustathius, the Reverend Father of all Saints and Martyr and all the holy heavenly powers. Amen.

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

Everyday

Lord, Great God, King without beginning, send Your Archangel Michael to help Your servants (name). Protect us, Archangel, from all enemies, visible and invisible. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Destroyer of demons, forbid all enemies fighting me and make them like sheep, and humble their evil hearts and crush them like dust in the face of the wind. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Six-winged first prince and commander of the heavenly powers, Cherubim and Seraphim, be our helper in all troubles, sorrows and sorrows, a quiet refuge in the desert and on the seas. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Deliver us from all the charms of the devil, when You hear us, sinners, praying to You and calling on Your Holy name. Hasten our help and overcome all those who oppose us with the power of the Honest and life-giving Cross of the Lord, the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of the holy Apostles, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Andrew Christ for the Fool's sake, the holy prophet Elijah and all the holy great martyrs, the holy martyr Nikita and Eustathius and all our reverend fathers , who have pleased God from time immemorial, and all the holy heavenly powers. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Help us sinners (name) and deliver us from coward, flood, fire, sword and from vain death, from great evil, from the flattering enemy, from the reviled storm, from the evil one, deliver us always and forever and ever. Amen. Holy Archangel of God Michael, with Your lightning sword, drive away from me the spirits of the evil one who tempts and torments me.

Help against illnesses

O Saint Michael the Archangel, have mercy on us sinners who demand your intercession, save us, servants of God (names), from all visible and invisible enemies, moreover, strengthen us from mortal horror and from the embarrassment of the devil, and grant us the ability to unashamedly present ourselves to our Creator in the 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 world and in the future, but grant us there together with you to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Troparion

Heavenly armies of the Archangel, we always pray to you, we are unworthy, and with your prayers protect us with the shelter of your immaterial glory, preserving us, falling diligently and crying out: deliver us from troubles, like the commander of the Highest Powers.

The meaning of Archangel Michael in Christianity

Church tradition claims that the Lord created a countless number of angels at the beginning of time. Dennitsa was placed at the head of the angelic host, who subsequently rebelled and turned into Satan. Archangel Michael had to enter into battle with Dennitsa, after which he was cast out of Heaven. Since then, the holy army has been led by the archangels Gabriel and Michael. Here are a few more facts you need to know about Michael:

1. Michael has been called Archangel since apostolic times.
2. Metropolitan Macarius spoke of Saint Michael as an “all-powerful weapon.”
3. Another area of ​​activity of Michael the Archangel is protecting the souls of the dead.
4. Healing prayers addressed to the saint can bring considerable benefits.
5. Healing springs dedicated to the archangel exist in Asia Minor.
6. Coptic Christians dedicated November 12 to Michael.

Apocryphal sources are of some interest. According to these sources, Mikhail repeatedly helped the dead. In some places this character is called the guardian of souls. There are a number of reasons for this:

• before entering Heaven, the soul is washed by the archangel;
• Jesus entrusted righteous souls to the Archangel Michael - this was done before the Savior went to hell;
• when the Mother of God walked through hell, she was also accompanied by the archangel.

Guardian of Paradise and protector from evil

Since the fall of Satan, little has changed - Archangel Michael still stands guard over the gates of heaven. The archangel holds a sword in his hand, with which he defeats the forces of evil. This fact is reflected in the iconography. Pay attention to Michael's halo - it includes a floral ornament. This detail is associated with the function of the heavenly guard.

Archangel Michael is spoken of as the patron saint of warriors. True, there is one important condition - you must fight for a just cause. Invisible enemies (demons, evil spirits) constantly attack Christians. It is Michael who is tasked with standing with his sword between us and the darkness. In some images, by the way, there is no sword, but there is a spear. On the body of the saint is battle armor. John the Theologian writes that in the future the dark and light armies will meet again in the final battle - and then Lucifer will be destined to experience a second defeat.

Miracles created by the Archangel

The spectacular miracles performed by the Archangel Michael have become firmly entrenched in the history of Christianity. There is a legend that a resident of the Phrygian town of Colossae was able to heal his daughter after drinking water from a miraculous spring. In gratitude, the Phrygian erected a temple and dedicated it to Michael. This is exactly the beginning of the miracle in Khoneh. Further mention is made of Archippus of Herotopus, who served as a sexton in the local church for about 60 years. This man caused incredible anger among the pagans, who eventually wanted to destroy the church.

The pagans acted insidiously - they directed the stream towards the temple, resulting from the union of two rivers. To prevent disaster, Arkhip began to pray fervently, seeking consolation in Michael. It was difficult to come up with someone more holy than the archangel - this is how the long-suffering sexton reasoned. Archangel Michael poked the mountain with his staff, after which a huge chasm opened. The waters rushed into the breach, but the shrine itself stood firm.

Archangels, Michael in particular, are mentioned in other miraculous stories. Here are examples:

1. Plague in Rome. When the plague raged in Italy (590), the pope held a solemn prayer service. It is not known whether he called on the archangels - Michael or anyone else. As a result, Mikhail was seen on the roof of Hadrian’s mausoleum. After a miraculous phenomenon, the plague stopped. The mausoleum was renamed the Castle of the Holy Angel.
2. Holy sinner. Under Emperor Troyan, there lived a beautiful Roman woman who became famous for her wild lifestyle. Evdokia did not know about Archangel Michael, but one day she heard his voice telling about the Last Judgment. The sinner repented, believed in the Lord, began to fast, and was soon taken up into heaven by a beautiful young man.
3. Rescue of Sipont. In 630, Sipontus (there was such a city in Italy) was besieged. Archangel Michael appeared to the local bishop to encourage the townspeople. The pagans besieging the city also saw the saint, who immediately repented and accepted, according to legend, the Christian faith. In honor of this event, a temple was erected on the mountain.
4. Saving Novgorod. This miracle happened in 1239. Batu’s army rushed to Novgorod, but the Mother of God and Michael appeared to the conqueror. Before this, Batu was in Kyiv, where he saw a fresco depicting the Archangel. As a result, the army turned back.
5. Rescue of the heir. A certain young man was supposed to become the owner of an impressive inheritance, but a neighbor planned to kill the young man out of envy. The rich man tried to leave the boy in the forest and drown him in the depths of the sea, but the young man invariably survived thanks to the help of the archangel. As a result, the killer died from his own blade when he tried to saddle his horse.
6. Joan of Arc. As you remember, Joan of Arc constantly heard the voices of angels helping her in making decisions. The holy virgin was guided by the promptings of these voices. One of them was Mikhail.

The miraculous power of prayer appeals

The Archangel helps sincere believers in difficult times. He can even give a gift in the form of a small miracle. For example, if you ask Mikhail for help before the exam, you will certainly get the ticket that you know best.

Prayer won’t hurt before a long journey either. In this case, the journey will take place under the protection of St. Michael and all troubles will bypass you.

In many cases, a prayer addressed to Michael will help in difficult times. The most difficult problems will be resolved miraculously. The prayer read on September 19, the day of the famous miracle in Khoneh, has especially effective power.

Images of Michael on icons

Usually the Archangel Michael is depicted by icon painters with a spear in his right hand. At the same time, the left hand holds a spherical mirror - an instrument of foresight received by the heavenly commander from the Lord. Later icons depicted Michael with a spear, banner and date branch. On these icons, the archangel invariably tramples upon Satan, who dared to challenge God. Holy icons of this type depict a cross. Sometimes in the hand of the archangel you can see a shield and a flaming sword.

Certain changes in the images of the archangels begin to occur in the 12th century. In iconography, motifs of the Last Judgment arise; saints often confront the devil in the struggle for human souls. Michael appears before us as a formidable warrior armed with scales. Usually Satan tries to tip the second scale. Here are some more interesting facts:

• on some icons, Michael accompanies the dead and weighs their souls;
• a war horse may be present on the icons;
• the iconostasis (northern doors) also becomes a place for the image of the archangel;
• all images of Michael are holy;
• “The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael” is one of the most famous icons of this kind.

Why November 21?

The date of the Orthodox event was not chosen by chance.

According to the lunisolar calendar, which was in use by people long before the advent of the Gregorian calendar, the 21st day moved to November 8th.

The final month of autumn in ancient times was the beginning of the new year.

November is the ninth month, if we start counting from the first month of spring - March.

Nine is a difficult number for the Christian world. That is exactly how many ranks of angels there are in heaven.

The first angelic order is Seraphim. They were given 6 wings, they are as close as possible to the Lord. The second rank is the intercessors of people, called Cherubim.

The third position of angels is that of servants of God, called Thrones.

The functions of subsequent angels are distributed in heaven, their ranks are in descending order - Dominances, Powers, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, Angels.

The number eight also plays a big role in the formation of a particular holiday.

This figure denotes the time when all heavenly forces must gather before God. The eighth day was mentioned in the Bible as the date of the arrival of the human soul at the Last Judgment. Angels serve as protectors of sinners at this judgment.

What and who does Archangel Michael help with?

In canonical texts, Archangel Michael appears as a warrior, but completely peaceful citizens also pray to him. You can beg the heavenly intercessor for deliverance from grief, and also ask for intercession. If you need protection, feel free to contact this saint. The Archangel can protect anything:

• your life;
• people close to you;
• business;
• energy;
• planet.

The Archangel has control over all levels of the universe, so he will protect you anywhere on the planet. Orthodox Christians turn to this saint to protect their family from evil. If something is broken or spoiled, start praying to the archangel. The problem will be solved.

How to pray correctly

When performing prayer services dedicated to Archangel Michael, remember the following rules:

1. Under no circumstances pray while in a state of anger, or putting any negative thoughts into your petitions.
2. If you do not know any specific prayers, the church does not prohibit praying in your own words.
3. Do not forget to use general, introductory prayers that set the soul in the right mood.
4. Before prayer, clean your body and clothes by clearing them of dirt. You should not perform a sacred rite without washing yourself, unless special circumstances contribute to this.

Otherwise, the main thing is to maintain a positive attitude, faith in goodness and the Lord God.