Not only holy ascetics, but also many other heavenly powers can come to help an Orthodox Christian. All of them serve the Lord and help people in their earthly life. The doctrine of the Heavenly powers is based on the Bible, as well as on the interpretation of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, who was a disciple of the Apostle Paul himself.
The holy apostle was, during his lifetime, ascended to Heaven, where he saw the structure of the Heavenly powers. His student wrote down and systematized this knowledge, and for many centuries the Orthodox Church has adhered to this hierarchy. We know the names of the archangels in Orthodoxy, to whom many prayers are composed.
Hierarchy of God's Messengers
All lay people who believe in God know about the existence of angels. The Helpers of the Most High are mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, which rank them according to a strict hierarchy:
- Seraphim. The highest rank, throne. They stand at the throne of God, burning with great love for the Creator and carrying this feeling to other angels.
- Cherubim. They are the owners of great wisdom and its faithful guardians. Heavenly messengers are called to share their wisdom with lower figures.
- Thrones. The Lord God Himself sits on them. The purpose of this order is to share the glory of God with the rest of the hierarchy.
- Dominance. They symbolize the power of the Almighty. They rule over the lower figures, ruling them. They help the laity choose the right path and teach humility.
- Authorities. These are warriors standing on defense against devilish forces. Their purpose is to protect a person from temptations, strengthening his spiritual faith.
- Strength. They are distinguished by their power and are a conductor of Divine power. Through them, the Lord sends signs to people and gives them a miracle.
- Started. Their task is to patronize countries and peoples, protect them from the devil’s machinations, and help in difficult times.
- Archangels. Defenders of the gates of heaven, vanguards of the angelic army, conquerors of Satan. They bring good news to the prophets and help them take the right path.
- Angels. They occupy the lowest level of the hierarchy. Holy Scripture calls them mediators between the Creator and man.
Angels and Archangels bring messages from the Divine world
Mutiny of Angels
So what is Michael's story? In the beginning, God created angels, along with the rest of the world. All angels were at first holy and blessed, but they had to prove their goodness and thus deserve the special graces that God bestowed on the angels. They had to choose - either to be with God or to be against him. We do not know what exactly the test of the angels was. There are logical assumptions that God revealed to the angels the secret of the Incarnation of his Son. But when this secret was revealed to the angels, one part opposed the Son of God and did not want to bow before him. These rebellious angels considered his human nature too pitiful for God to associate with him and thereby exalt him above them.
So they opposed God. The Plan of Incarnation seemed unworthy to them in their pride, so they dared to neglect the will of the Almighty. Lucifer himself said the famous words: “I will not serve!” — thereby voluntarily and forever leaving the path of truth, justice and love.
On the contrary, the wise Michael answered: “Who is like God?” - and thus directly followed truth, justice and love, and also pointed out the complete madness of Lucifer, who set out on the path of lies, death and disappointment. Thus Michael clearly expressed that serving God, with whom nothing is comparable, is not only the duty of all creatures, but also an endless joy.
Differences between archangels and angels
Translated, archangel means “chief messenger of God.” Each highest celestial warrior controls 12 lower ranks. He personally receives the task from the Almighty, and then entrusts the execution to the simple warriors over whom he commands.
Another difference is that all the defenders of the gates of heaven have names, but the lower figures remain nameless. At the same time, you can contact the main messenger of God only through a special prayer, and free communication with angels is allowed.
Illustrious Apparition
It was 490 AD when Elvio Emanuele, the owner of Monte Gargano, lost the best bull from his herd and found him in an inaccessible cave. When the man realized that he could not get the bull out of there, he decided that he would shoot him with an arrow from his bow. But the arrow, instead of hitting the bull, turned and pierced the shooter in the eye. The wounded owner turned to the bishop in Siponte (modern Manfredonia) and told him about the miracle. The prelate declared three days of prayer and repentance. Three days later, the Archangel Michael appeared at the entrance to the cave and called for its consecration as a place of God.
The bishop did not listen to the archangel's call, because the pagan cult was still being practiced on the mountain. Two years later, Siponto was captured by the barbarian Odoacar, who we know from history books. In this difficult situation, the bishop and the faithful united in prayer. Archangel Michael appeared to the bishop and promised him victory. During the battle, a strong storm actually arose, and sand and hail covered the barbarians so that they began to flee. The whole city, together with the bishop, ascended the mountain in a thanksgiving procession. After this, Michael appeared again. A red altar with a crystal cross was found in the cave.
Bishop Laurentius ordered to build a temple dedicated to St. Michael in front of the entrance to the cave, and the cave itself is called the Celestial Basilica. The town of Monte San Angelo Gargano grew up around it. The Holy Cave became one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in the Christian world.
Read here: Angels in reality and artistic embodiment: the world that we know very little about today. What is the hierarchy of angels? Where do the guardian angels of lost souls go?
Archangels in Orthodoxy
How many warriors are there to defend paradise? Each belief system has its own number of supreme celestial protectors. In the Koran, Kabbalah, Leviticus or other holy books you can find different names: Yophiel, Samuel, Zadkiel, Raguel, etc. However, the Russian Orthodox Church identifies only seven highest angels.
The names of the archangels and their purpose
Michael
This is the commander of the angelic army, the main Archangel face. His name is translated as “like the Lord.” It is not for nothing that he is depicted in holy images as defeating Satan. From the Gospel we can read that it was Michael who helped defeat the evil forces, sending the devil forever to hell. The great warrior is also mentioned in the book of the Apocalypse, where the final victory over evil, which this highest rank will lead to, is prophesied.
The icons depict the chief archangel with a sword, a spear and a white banner praising the Lord. The banner is a symbol of sincere faith in the Almighty, and the cross crowning the weapon means the fight in the name of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind. The heavenly warrior is revered on September 19. The laity ask him for peace, prosperity, and wisdom as a ruler. People often pray to him when consecrating a house or apartment.
Gabriel
Through this archangel, the Creator brings His good news to earth. The Old Testament describes the appearance of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, who informed her of the imminent appearance of the Son of God. During the time of Moses, it was this highest angel who revealed to the prophet the secret of the forefathers. The New Testament describes the descent of the heavenly warrior to earth on the occasion of the birth of John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary. The Messenger of the Lord warned Joseph about the terrible intentions of King Herod, and later announced the Resurrection of Christ.
Holy images depict Gabriel holding a green branch, which symbolizes the good news. Some icons write it with a mirror, which means the warrior’s ability to reveal their destinies to people. But a lantern with a candle is a symbol of Light with which the Lord illuminates the path of the laity. The highest angel is revered three times a year: July 26, April 8, November 21.
Raphael
People turn to this archangel for healing of illnesses, spiritual deliverance, and God's help. From the Old Testament we can learn that the angelic warrior never abandoned the righteous Tobiah when he needed support. There, the heavenly messenger speaks about the importance of fasting and prayer, instructs that one must be merciful, fair, and do good deeds selflessly.
In order for Raphael to respond to prayers, you need to live righteously and not break the commandments.
Author's advice
The Archangel is venerated on November 21. He is the patron of learned minds, as he carries the light of reason. The icons depict him with fire in his hand, which symbolizes the ardent love and loyalty to the Creator that the warrior brings to the laity.
Uriel
The name of this heavenly messenger means “light of the Lord.” He is engaged in enlightenment and returns lost souls to the true path. Mentions of him are found in Ezra, in the Third Book, where he appears to the prophet to report the imminent appearance of Jesus Christ.
Uriel is revered on November 21 as a luminary and spiritual guide. He is asked to cleanse the soul of filth, to help return to God’s word. The Archangel is able to reveal the truth, revive faith in the Lord, and strengthen it. He gives strength to fight devilish temptations, as well as sinful thoughts.
Michael
Gabriel
Raphael
Uriel
Selaphiel
The purpose of this highest angel is to pray before God for all humanity. He is an intercessor in Heaven, asking the Almighty to give health and salvation to the righteous laity. Holy Scripture tells us about Selathiel, who appeared to Hagar to prevent her and her son from perishing in the desert. Under his leadership are many lower ranks, who also turn their prayers to the Creator.
People call on the Archangel to strengthen their spirit, cast aside worldly worries, and tune in to communion with God. The images depict the archangel praying, which symbolizes continuous stay in prayer. Thus, the heavenly messenger calls on everyone to follow his example. Selaphiel is venerated on November 21st.
Yehudiel
This angelic warrior is called the patron saint of the laity who have chosen serving the Lord as their goal. Translated, his name means “glorifying God.” He strongly supports the preachers of the Christian faith, asks the Almighty to reward them according to their deserts, and protects pilgrims and the suffering.
It was Jehudiel who helped Moses, leading the Israelites through the desert, overcome this difficult path.
The icons depict the Archangel with a golden crown and a whip. The first symbolizes a worthy reward for pious works, and the three-pointed arapnik means fair punishment for sins. The heavenly messenger is also remembered on November 21st.
Barachiel
The Almighty placed this highest angel next to Him in order to convey His blessing to people through him. Barachiel is the protector of faithful families, protects pious laity who maintain spiritual purity and try to live according to the Laws of God. He gives hope to righteous Christians for the Kingdom of Heaven, eternal life, and reunion with God.
On the icons the Archangel is depicted with a bouquet of light roses, symbolizing the goodness that the Creator bestows on people. The heavenly messenger is deaf to those praying who live in sin, and therefore, before turning to him, you need to carefully analyze your life.
Selaphiel
Yehudiel
Barachiel
Saint Archangel Michael
The leader of the heavenly army, under whose feet the defeated devil is depicted. He is the chief archangel in both the New and Old Testaments. In Scripture he is called “the leader of the army.” Mikhail is the main fighter in the fight against the evil that exists in the world. Saint George the Great believed that angels appear to a person when he needs to bring a message, and Archangel Michael - before the manifestation of the power of God.
When the angel Lucifer, who was closest to God, moved away from him, going over to the side of evil along with his comrades-in-arms, Michael called on the remaining supporters of the Lord to fight against the sophisticated. The fallen angels with Lucifer were “banished into the underworld.”
Michael is most often depicted in the guise of a warrior with armor, with a spear in his hand or with a sword. He never stops fighting for the glory of God and for people. In the Old Testament he acts as a defender of the people of Israel, and in the New Testament - of all righteous Christians.
Since ancient times, the Archangel Michael has been loved and revered by believers. He accompanied the souls of the righteous and repentant to heaven, and performed the ritual of washing the souls before they appeared before God. Michael accompanied the Virgin Mary through hell. She was able to witness the torment of the souls of sinners. On the day of the Last Judgment, Michael will pray to God for mercy on all who have sinned. In Byzantium, many were able to be healed at the springs on which temples were erected in honor of Michael. According to Greek legends, when a person dies, the soul follows the archangel. It is Michael who is protected from demons and who escorts souls to the Judgment of God.
Prayers to Saint Archangel Michael
The patron saint of warriors who fought for the good, Saint Archangel Michael, is revered as a protector from evil spirits, visible and invisible forces. It preserves a person's sleep and helps in the fight against sadness.
They turn to Michael, reading prayers:
- About healing.
- When entering a new home.
- When lighting your own home.
- About the protection of the souls of the dead.
An ancient prayer to Archangel Michael protects a believer from the touch of the devil, human evil intentions and flattery. When reading, you feel calm and confident. A prayer is read to Archangel Michael at the beginning of a new day - at midnight. During the day, evil forces will be powerless and will not be able to cause harm. Archangel Michael will avert all troubles and the person asking will feel protected all day long.
How to correctly ask for help from the archangels
You need to contact the highest heavenly warriors only through special prayers. You can find them in the prayer book or ask the clergy. To pray, it is best to visit the temple and stand at the image with the holy face.
There is no strictly established day for communicating with divine forces, and therefore this can be done if necessary. You should pray sincerely, rejecting all extraneous thoughts and opening your heart to God.
You need to contact the highest heavenly warriors through prayers
Unlike other religions, Orthodoxy has a small list of archangels. It consists of only seven archangels, but they all help the laity, acting as intermediaries between them and the Almighty.
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Saint Archangel Gabriel
According to texts from the Bible, Archangel Gabriel was chosen by God himself to notify man that the son of the Lord had come to earth.
He is considered the patron saint of young married couples wishing to have children. Gabriel is asked to conceive. He protects the woman and the unborn child during pregnancy.
Archangel Gabriel occupies second place in the hierarchy. He patronizes people whose work is related to communication (journalists, psychologists, managers, etc.). An icon with his image is revered by the Orthodox Church. Depicted in rich robes, sometimes with a scepter in his hand and a crown on his head. The date of celebration is celebrated after the Annunciation.
According to legend, Gabriel guarded the Virgin Mary and was sent by God to warn her husband about the king’s plan to destroy all babies. The angel taught the book scripture to the forefather Moses.
Prayers to the patron saint Archangel Gabriel
Gabriel's help is as follows:
- protects from troubles and adversity;
- protects against diseases;
- acts as a guiding star in life;
- heals illnesses and serious illnesses;
- helps overcome infertility and bear a healthy child;
- cleanses from frightening thoughts and bad feelings;
- relieves internal fears and various kinds of phobias.
Prayers to Gabriel help with depression and psychological disorders. You can ask him for love, faith, help in marriage. There is no need to look for separate prayers for each case. You can pray in your own words in front of the image. The main thing is to sincerely believe and Gabriel will definitely bless what was asked for.
Not only a priest can read prayers to Archangel Gabriel. The request will be heard from the lips of a believer. The main thing is to have faith and sincerity. You can read the prayer to Archangel Gabriel at home; it is not necessary to visit a church or temple for these purposes. You need to put the image of the Saint in front of you.
Egudiel
Archangel Egudiel (praise of God) is depicted holding a golden crown in his right hand, and a scourge of three red ropes in his left. The work of this archangel with his host of angels is to encourage eternal blessings with rewards and protect people who work for the glory of God in the name of the Holy Trinity and the power of the Cross of Christ. Every deed is accomplished through labor, and many deeds - with special and difficult labor, but every good deed will be accomplished properly under the protection and patronage of this archangel. A good deed is a feat. And the more difficult the task, the higher the reward. That is why Egudiel is depicted with a crown - a reward for every honestly working Christian.
Archangel Selaphiel icon
The icon of the Archangel Seraphiel, upon careful examination, easily clarifies its purpose and essence. A bowed head and prayerfully crossed hands on the chest are the most appropriate position for talking with God.
Seraphiel helps prayers reach their destination. He patronizes communication between people and the Creator and teaches how to correctly interpret issues of faith.
The image of Seraphiel, placed in the house, as well as timely and competent appeal to him, will help a person to correctly find his path in life, strengthen his faith, and find a way out of a dead end situation.
Sources:
- https://ikona-i-molitva.info/skolko-arxangelov-v-pravoslavii-i-ix-imena/
- https://tolkovanie.info/arhangely-i-ih-prednaznachenie-skolko-arhangelov-v-pravoslavii/
- https://molitva-info.ru/duhovnaya-zhizn/arhangely-v-pravoslavii.html
- https://molitva.guru/interesno-znat/sem-arhangelov-v-pravoslavii-ih-imena-i-prednaznachenie.html
- https://omolitvah.ru/ikony/ikony-arhangelov/
- https://pravednik.info/svyataya-trojka-arxangelov-mixail-gavriil-i-rafail.html
- https://1001molitva.ru/slovarik/arhangely-imena-prednaznachenie.html
The battle has begun in the sky
Saint John in the book of Revelation describes the following events as follows: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought against them, but they did not stand, and there was no longer room for them in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world, he was cast out to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven: Now has come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ, because the slanderer of our brethren is cast out, who slandered them before our God day and night. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb...” (Rev. 12:7-11).
Saint Peter writes about this: “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but bound them in chains of hellish darkness, He delivered them over to judgment to be punished” (2 Peter 2:4).
And St. Jude: “Also the angels who did not maintain their high position, but left their appointed place, are kept in eternal chains in darkness until the Day of Judgment” (Jude 6).
Dante in the Divine Comedy placed Lucifer at the very bottom of hell as cast down to earth, where a huge crater was formed.
In the ranks of the holy angels, Archangel Michael stands out as the victorious champion of God and his kingdom. The archangel's name, meaning "Who is like God," is also his holy motto. God gives him the power to destroy his enemies. Therefore St. Michael is also a special defender of the Church and an outstanding helper of Christians who are fighting a seemingly unequal battle in a world hostile to God, resisting thousands of different internal and external attacks on their own faith and fidelity to the law of God.
Read here: May under the sign of the holy Maid of Orleans: she was called to protect the country and shame cowardly men. Betrayed, abandoned, killed - and still victorious
All Archangels, names and their meanings
To understand how such messengers of God act, one should again resort to the text of the Bible, which tells both about what miracles the Archangels performed, and about their images and the tasks that they perform. But alas, in most biblical texts there are some inconsistencies that do not allow us to obtain a more detailed picture of the calendar.
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Below is the most reliable information about the messengers of God, which include:
The Archangel of God Gabriel (whose name means “The Lord is my strength”) is the messenger of God’s destinies. In miraculous images, he is usually depicted holding a mirror in his hand, as a symbol of the fact that the great martyr fully conveys the essence of what is considered the thoughts and deeds of the Almighty. Michael (means like the Lord) - he shows all the Lord’s deeds. He is mainly depicted with a sword or spear in his hands and in a white robe. Based on the scripture, it was this Saint who was the first to rebel against Lucifer, which is why he is portrayed in such a warlike image. On some miraculous images he is represented as killing a monster or a snake, which is the embodiment of Lucifer. The Orthodox prayer to Archangel Michael is offered by believers for help and intercession. The list of Archangels also includes Uriel, who is capable of illuminating human minds, that is, facilitating the mastery of many sciences. On church images he is depicted with fire in one hand and with a sword in the other. Varahail - conveys Divine blessing. Usually represented on icons in pink robes. Yehudiel, whose name in translation sounds like the Lord's praise, is called upon to protect and encourage those believers who are truly worthy of it. Raphael, helps those in need and has the gift of healing. According to one of the legends, it was this Saint who cured the bride of the great martyr Tobias. Selaphiel is the supreme minister of prayer appeal.
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Angels and their purpose
Angels are incorporeal and immortal beings that are invisible to the human eye. They can take on any form from an animal to a strong wind. But usually they appear before a person as an adult man. The appearance may be accompanied by bright light, sound, thunder. Christian Orthodoxy endows spiritual beings with powerful wings, but the creator gave them the ability to fly without them. Every person from the first to the last minute of life is protected and accompanied by a guardian angel. He is the closest of all celestial beings to man. Angel translated means “messenger of the Lord.”
The first sphere closest to the Lord is the cherubim and seraphim. Seraphim are the highest angels who are filled with love for the Lord and their purpose is to transmit it to the lower subordinates. Cherubim are disseminators of knowledge and wisdom.
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Angels are included in the third sphere of the hierarchy of archangels. Archangels are angelic commanders, leaders, warriors and messengers. They announce the will of the Lord to angels and prophets, guard the gates of heaven and defeat evil. In Orthodoxy, there are seven archangels who are the link between people and the Lord and lead the angelic army against evil and darkness. The meaning of the word archangel: translated from Greek, archangel means “chief messenger.”
