Each month of the church calendar contains many important holidays and memorable dates. Literally every day, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of saints, great martyrs, apostles and other clergy. The last month of autumn ends with a significant holiday, which is considered the last big one before the 40-day fast before Christmas.
On the day of any church celebration, believers honor and try to observe long-standing traditions and follow certain rules. On November 21, 2021, you need to pay attention to weather signs: they will tell you what climate changes to expect in the near future. This Saturday you need to go to church, be alone with yourself and pray.
Who is revered on November 21, 2021, what holiday is it
At the end of November, the last big holiday before the Nativity Fast is celebrated - the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers. People simply call it Michaelmas Day. Like all church celebrations, it has a number of prohibitions, weather signs and Christian customs.
Saint Michael is represented by an archangel. His “rank” is the highest category of angels. On November 21, Christians celebrate Michaelmas, during which they receive guests in their home, have fun and relax after agricultural work. In some villages, celebrations are still held and beer is brewed. Michaelmas Day is celebrated in 1657. The date of the holiday never changes.
Archangel Michael is mentioned many times in the Holy Scriptures. When describing some events, his name is not indicated, but the Church believes that it is he who is being spoken about. Archangel is the head of the heavenly army, a fighter against dark forces, guardian of the gates of Paradise. According to biblical stories, Satan and his fallen spirits were cast out of Heaven by the Archangel Michael. His image personifies victory over evil. In churches on Michaelmas day they pray to get rid of sinful passions and temptations. In cities around the world, temples, monasteries and cathedrals were erected in honor of the archangel.
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Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers (Novgorod icon, late 15th century)
NOVEMBER 21 is a big Orthodox holiday, cheerful and bright - the Council of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Powers - angels created by God before man and usually inaccessible to earthly vision. 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. Michael, translated from Hebrew, “Who is like God.” He is a faithful servant of God who has accomplished many deeds for the glory of the Lord. Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been known for his miracles. This is a particularly revered saint in Rus'. On the icons he is depicted trampling the devil underfoot, in his left hand he holds a green date branch, in his right hand a spear with a white banner (sometimes a flaming sword), on which a cross is inscribed.
Archangel Michael is the spiritual patron of Russia, the patron 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 Kyiv, and Arkhangelsk was named after him. In veneration of the Archangel Michael, numerous churches were built throughout Russia, including the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin; his sculpture crowns the Alexandria Pillar in St. Petersburg. Orthodox Christians believe that Archangel Michael, the glorious conqueror of the devil ("Dawn"), will not abandon every Christian soul that, after leaving the body, goes through airy ordeals. Church holiday November 21 - Cathedral of the Archangel Michael MICHAEL, MICHAIL'S DAY The celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other HEAVENLY FREE POWERS was established at the beginning of the 4th century at the Local Laodicean Council. The holiday is celebrated in November - the ninth month from March (with which the year began in ancient times) - in accordance with the number of the 9 ranks of Angels. As already noted in our calendar of July 26 (the day of the celebration of the Council of the Archangel Gabriel), the ranks of Angels are divided into three hierarchies - the highest, middle and lowest. The highest hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. In the middle: Dominance, Strength and Power. The lower hierarchy also includes three ranks: Principalities, Archangels and Angels. Over all nine ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael (his name translated from Hebrew - “who is like God”) - a faithful servant of God, for he cast down from Heaven the proud star with other fallen spirits and, according to the Will of the Lord, performed many feats that glorified the Power of the Lord . Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been glorified for his miracles in Rus'. Many monasteries, cathedrals, palace and township churches are dedicated to him. On the icons he is depicted trampling the devil underfoot, holding a green date branch in his left hand, and a spear with a white banner (sometimes a flaming sword) in his right hand, on which a scarlet cross is inscribed. See also all church holidays in November and a convenient calendar where all Christian holidays of 2014 are distributed by month. It’s convenient to see what church holiday it is today. What should be done on the feast of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael: Usually on this day cows, goats and sheep are hidden in a barn until spring so that they do not freeze. There should be a lot of food on the table so that the next year will be fruitful and the winter will not be hungry.
What should not be done in this day: You should not refuse treats even to random guests - to poverty. Signs for November 21: Since Michaelmas, there has been no winter, no freezing. Michaelmas thaw; Mikhailovsky mud. Mikhail with a half bridge. Since the day of the Archangel Michael, winter has been forging frosts. Mikhail arrived on a white horse (they say if it snows by that day). As for Mikhail, so does Nikola. They say: “Mikhail with the bridge” if from now on it becomes winter. If Demyanov ruins Mikhail’s path, don’t wait for him until winter Nikola. If there is frost on Michaelmas Day, expect heavy snow, and if the day begins with fog, it will thaw. From Archangel Michael, cattle are driven in for winter feed. Michaelmas is a cheerful and satisfying holiday, since there is still a lot of bread, money has been raised for hemp and oats, and the main work has been completed. SOURCE SOURCE
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November 21 (November 8, old style) The Orthodox Church celebrates the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers
The celebration of the Council of the Archangel Michael of God and other disembodied Heavenly Powers was established at the beginning of the 4th century at the Local Council of Laodicea, which took place several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The Council of Laodicea, by its 35th canon, 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 from March (with which the year began in ancient times) - in accordance with the number of the 9 ranks of Angels. The eighth day of the month points to the future Council of all the Heavenly Powers on the day of the Last Judgment of God, which the holy fathers call the “eighth day,” for after this century, which runs in weeks of days, the “eighth day” will come, and then “the Son of Man will come in His Glory.” and all the holy angels with Him” (Matthew 25:31).
The Angelic ranks are divided into three hierarchies - highest, middle and lowest. Each hierarchy consists of three ranks. The highest hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Closest to all the Holy Trinity are the six-winged Seraphim (Flaming, Fiery) (Isa. 6: 2). They burn with love for God and encourage others to do so.
After the Seraphim, the many-eyed Cherubim stand before the Lord (Gen. 3:24). Their name means: 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.
Behind the Cherubim come the God-bearing Ones by grace given to them for service, the Thrones (Col. 1:16), mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God. They serve God's justice.
The average Angelic hierarchy consists of three ranks: Dominance, Strength and Authority.
Dominions (Col. 1:16) rule over the subsequent ranks of Angels. They instruct God-appointed earthly rulers in wise governance. Dominions teach one to control one's feelings, tame sinful lusts, enslave the flesh to the spirit, dominate one's will, and overcome temptations.
The powers (1 Pet. 3:22) fulfill the will of God. They work miracles and send down the grace of miracles and clairvoyance to the saints of God. The forces help people to obey, strengthen them in patience, and bestow spiritual strength and courage.
The authorities (1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 1:16) have the power to tame the power of the devil. They ward off demonic temptations from people, confirm ascetics, protect them, and help people in the fight against evil thoughts.
The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
The principalities (Col. 1:16) rule over the lower angels, directing them to fulfill Divine commands. They are entrusted with managing the universe, protecting countries, peoples, tribes. They began to instruct people to give everyone the honor due to their rank. They teach superiors to perform official duties not for the sake of personal glory and benefits, but for the sake of the honor of God and the benefit of their neighbors.
Archangels (1 Thessalonians 4:16) preach great and glorious things, reveal the mysteries of faith, prophecies 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 God's intentions and instruct people to live a virtuous and holy life. They protect believers, keep them from falling, raise 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 service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest Angels, and they, in turn, enlighten the rest.
Over all nine ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael (his name translated from Hebrew as “who is like God”) - a faithful servant of God, for he cast down from Heaven the proud Lucifer with other fallen spirits. And to the rest of the Angelic Forces he exclaimed: “Let us take notice! Let us become good before our Creator and not think anything displeasing to God!” According to Church tradition, recorded in the service of Archangel Michael, he took part in many Old Testament events. During the Israelites' exit from Egypt, he led them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Through him the Power of the Lord appeared, destroying the Egyptians and Pharaoh who were pursuing the Israelites. Archangel Michael protected Israel in all disasters.
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 appeared in the destruction of 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian king Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35), in the defeat of the wicked leader of Antiochus Iliodor and in protecting from the fire the three holy youths - Ananias, Azariah and Mishael, who were thrown into the oven to be burned for refusal bow to an idol (Dan. 3, 92 – 95).
By the will of God, the Archangel transported the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon to give food to Daniel, imprisoned in the den of lions (kontakion akathist, 8).
Archangel Michael forbade the devil to show the body of the holy prophet Moses to the Jews for deification (Jude 1:9).
Saint Archangel Michael showed his power 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).
Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been glorified for his miracles in Rus'. In the Volokolamsk Patericon, the story of the Monk Paphnutius Borovsky is given from the words of the Tatar Baskaks about the miraculous salvation of Novgorod the Great: “And since Veliky Novgrad was never taken from the Hagarians ... sometimes, by God’s permission, it was a sin for our sake, the godless Hagaryan king Batu captured the Rosi land and burned it and left to the New City and God and the Most Pure Mother of God covered it with the appearance of Michael the Archangel, who forbade him to go to it. He went to the Lithuanian cities and came to Kyiv and saw the great Archangel Michael written above the doors of the stone church and the prince pointing with his finger: “Forbid me to go to Veliky Novgorod.”
Representations for Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven were always carried out by Her appearances with the Heavenly Host, under the leadership of the Archangel. Grateful Rus' sang the Most Pure Mother of God and Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, palace and town churches are dedicated to the Archangel. In ancient Kyiv, immediately after the adoption of Christianity, the Archangel Cathedral was erected and a monastery was established. There are Archangel Cathedrals in Smolensk, Nizhny Novgorod, Staritsa, a monastery in Veliky Ustyug (beginning of the 13th century), and a cathedral in Sviyazhsk. There was no city in Rus' where there was not a 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. The icons of the Chief of the Supreme Powers and his Cathedral are numerous and beautiful. One of them - the icon “Blessed Host” - was painted for the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, where the holy warriors - Russian princes - are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.
The Archangels are also known from the Holy Scriptures and Holy Tradition: Gabriel - the fortress (power) of God, the herald and servant of Divine omnipotence (Dan. 8, 16; Luke 1, 26); Raphael - healing of God, healer of human ailments (Tov. 3, 16; Tov. 12, 15); Uriel - fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Ezra 5, 20); Selaphiel is God’s prayer book, encouraging prayer (3 Ezra 5, 16); Jehudiel - glorifying God, strengthening those who work for the glory of the Lord and interceding for reward for their exploits; Barachiel is a dispenser of God’s blessing for good deeds, asking people for God’s mercy; Jeremiel - exaltation to God (3 Ezra 4, 36).
On the icons the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the type of their ministry:
Michael - tramples the devil underfoot, in his left hand he holds a green date branch, in his right hand - a spear with a white banner (sometimes a flaming sword), on which a scarlet cross is inscribed.
Gabriel - with a branch of paradise that he brought to the Blessed Virgin, 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 Tobiah, who is carrying a fish.
Uriel - in his raised right hand - a naked sword at chest level, in his lowered left hand - a “flame of fire”.
Selaphiel - in a prayer position, looking down, hands folded on his chest.
Jehudiel - holds a golden crown in his right hand, and a scourge of three red (or black) ropes in his shuitz.
Barachiel - there are many pink flowers on his clothes.
Jeremiel holds scales in his hand.
Prayers to be read on Michaelmas, November 21
The day of any church holiday begins with a service in the church. On November 21, Orthodox Christians gather for liturgy and are sure to read prayers before the image of the Archangel Michael. They are very strong and serve:
- protection from bad people, enemies;
- salvation from sinful acts;
- a talisman against heresy.
Prayers to Archangel Michael help you find the true path in life.
What prayers are read
Main prayer
“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 with 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".
To protect yourself and relatives from enemies and diseases
“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, and moreover, strengthen us from mortal horror and from the embarrassment of the devil, and grant us the right to shamelessly present ourselves to our Creator at the hour His terrible and 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. Amen".
From the evil eye, damage, various witchcraft
“Overshadow me with your grace, Archangel Michael, help me drive out the devilish power that cannot resist the light that descended from the heavens of Your star. I pray you to quench the arrows of evil with your breath. Holy Archangel Michael and all the Heavenly Powers, pray for me, who suffers and asks. May the Lord take away from me the destructive thoughts that haunt and torment me. Lord save me from despair, doubts in faith and bodily fatigue. Terrible and Great Guardian of the Lord, Archangel Michael, cut off with your fiery sword those who want to destroy me and wish harm to me. Stand guard over my house, protect everyone living in it and my property. Amen".
What date is Michaelmas Day in 2021?
- What date is Michaelmas Day in 2021?
- Who does Archangel Michael help, what to ask for, when and how to pray. Prayer to Archangel Michael is a very strong protective prayer - the strongest protection
- Prayer to Archangel Michael for healing
- Prayer to Archangel Michael for deceased relatives and friends
- Folk signs:
- Icon of Archangel Michael: images and meaning
On November 21, the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Archangel Michael. This holiday reminds us of the guardian angel who is given to every Christian at his baptism, and who is our faithful helper, protector and mentor.
The church holiday is popularly called Michaelmas Day, and according to Orthodox tradition - the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers .
According to the Orthodox Church, Saint Michael is one of the seven protective angels, the Architsratig, always standing before the throne of the Lord and at the head of his army.
The day of St. Archangel Michael, commander of the entire heavenly army of angels and Archangels, is the second most important autumn church holiday after the celebration of Demetrius' Day.
The saint symbolizes the victory of goodness, light and justice. In church iconography, Archangel Michael is depicted with a spear in his hand, trampling the Devil underfoot.
On Michaelmas, it is customary to prepare jellied meat, pies, fried meat on the table and generously treat guests with food, drink, tea with bagels, and pastries.
How Orthodox Christians celebrate Michaelmas, what they do
On Michaelmas, it is customary to rest after completing all agricultural work. According to long-established traditions, on November 21 it is customary:
- show hospitality, invite relatives and close friends to the festive table;
- prepare hearty meals, because in a few days the multi-day Nativity Fast begins;
- treat guests to jellied meat and various meat dishes;
- to brew beer;
— to appease the servants who protect livestock.
During the holiday, some work cannot be done. November 21:
- they don’t wash their hair, believing that they can “wash their mind”;
- they don’t use piercing or cutting objects, that’s why they even break bread;
- they do not do handicrafts, which means they cannot sew, weave, knit, or embroider;
- working not for the benefit of others, but only for selfish purposes, is unacceptable;
- You cannot quarrel, create scandals, showdowns, or raise your voice;
- You can’t tell good dreams, because they may not come true.
On Michaelmas Day they help the poor, the needy, and participate in charity.
Michaelmas: what you can and cannot do?
It is believed that the name of the one who fasts on the eve of Michaelmas will be written on the throne of the Lord.
It is important not to refuse help to anyone on this day. In the morning you can go to church, light candles for the health of your loved ones, serve a prayer service, and then give alms to the poor. Think about which of your loved ones needs help and support. Be sure to contact this person and support him in difficult times.
On this day you cannot chop with an ax, cut with a knife, or weave. If possible, you should give up any homework and take a day off. Try not to quarrel with anyone and stay in a good mood until the evening.
You cannot do anything for your own benefit on November 21, otherwise Archangel Michael will punish you for it in the future.
The weather on November 21 is determined by signs
Thanks to the signs of Michaelmas, you can understand what the weather will be like in the near future:
- if morning frost covered the ground with grass, then winter will be snowy;
- There is thick fog in the morning - warming is expected;
- early dawn is a harbinger of imminent frosts;
- a sunny day without precipitation - frosts will be severe;
- at the same time as the snow it began to rain - a rainy and damp spring will come;
- there is no wind or precipitation all day - it means frost.
Icon of Archangel Michael
The icon of the Archangel Michael protects the house and family members living in it from evil people, evil spirits and misfortunes.
Icon of Archangel Michael: images and meaning
There is no single special image. But the meaning remains the same - Archangel Michael protects our world from Satan, from his minions, from evil and darkness.
- he can be depicted in full growth, alone or defeating the Devil in the form of a Serpent;
- In the last few centuries, the saint has most often been depicted sitting on a horse and piercing Satan with a spear.
The significance of this icon in Christianity is very great and undeniable. Michael is the supreme Angel who is closest to God and is a heavenly commander - a warrior leading a huge army of fighters who constantly fights the demonic militia and all the evil on earth.
For a long time, it was he who was revered as the patron saint of warriors - people who, with truth and faith, defend their land, their home, their relatives from everything unclean. The Archangel is not only bold and courageous, but at the same time also spiritually pure, for only a righteous person can know his true purpose - to help his neighbor.
Saint Michael the Archangel Icon 14th century from Constantinople. Now located in the Museum of Byzantine Art in Athens.
Saint Archangel Michael Icon 1410 Andrei Rublev.
Archangel Michael with Acts,” the icon is located in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.
The face of a saint helps in many matters, if the person himself sincerely asks him about it and is ready to do everything in his power in order to overcome all difficulties and repel all the evil that surrounds him, while remaining pure in his thoughts and righteous in his actions. Only then will the help of a saint matter, because only by knowing your inner essence can you know God.
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