Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the Other Bodiless Powers - Commemorated on November 8 (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
"The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper veneration.
A Feastday was established in November, the ninth month after March (with which the year began in ancient times) since there are Nine Ranks of Angels. The eighth day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven since the Day of the Dread Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the holy Fathers. After the end of this age (characterized by its seven days of Creation) will come the Eighth Day, and then "the Son of Man shall come in His Glory and all the holy Angels with Him" (Mt. 25:31).
The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. 
Fresco depicting Christ surrounded by the Orders of Angels, and interestingly, the starts and celestial bodies that make up the constellations. The inscription around Christ is the exerpt from Psalm 148 that is chanted during the Orthros service:
"Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God.
(icon taken from: http://www.imartis.gr/imartis/gallery2/displayimage.php?pid=781&fullsize=1; hymn from: http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/bilingual/Nov08.pdf)
Icon depicting the Six-winged Seraphim, as seen by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6) (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
The six-winged SERAPHIM (Flaming, Fiery) (Is 6:12) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity. They blaze with love for God and kindle such love in others.
Icon depicting the Many-eyed Cherubim (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
The many-eyed CHERUBIM (outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment) (Gen 3:24) stand before the Lord after the Seraphim. They are radiant with the light of knowledge of God, and knowledge of the mysteries of God. Through them wisdom is poured forth, and people's minds are enlightened so they may know God and behold His glory.
The THRONES (Col 1:16) stand after the Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God through the grace given them for their service. They are ministers of God's justice, giving to tribunals, kings, etc. the capacity for righteous judgment.
The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities:
DOMINIONS (Col 1:16) hold dominion over the angels subject to them. They instruct the earthly authorities, established by God, to rule wisely, and to govern their lands well. The Dominions teach us to subdue sinful impulses, to subject the flesh to the spirit, to master our will, and to conquer temptation.
POWERS (1 Pet 3:22) fulfill the will of God without hesitation. They work great miracles and give the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to saints pleasing to God. The Powers assist people in fulfilling obediences. They also encourage them to be patient, and give them spiritual strength and fortitude.
AUTHORITIES (1 Pet 3:22, Col 1:16) have authority over the devil. They protect people from demonic temptations, and prevent demons from harming people as they would wish. They also uphold ascetics and guard them, helping people in the struggle with evil thoughts.
The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels:
PRINIPALITIES (Col 1:16) have command over the lower angels, instructing them in the fulfilling of God's commands. They watch over the world and protect lands, nations and peoples. Principalities instruct people to render proper honor to those in authority, as befits their station. They teach those in authority to use their position, not for personal glory and gain, but to honor God, and to spread word of Him, for the benefit of those under them.
ARCHANGELS (1 Thess 4:16) are messengers of great and wondrous tidings. They reveal prophecies and the mysteries of the faith. They enlighten people to know and understand the will of God, they spread faith in God among the people, illuminating their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel.
ANGELS (1 Pet 3:22) are in the lowest rank of the heavenly hierarchy, and closest to people. They reveal the lesser mysteries of God and His intentions, guiding people to virtuous and holy life. They support those who remain steadfast, and they raise up the fallen. They never abandon us and they are always prepared to help us, if we desire it.
Icon depicting the Holy Archangel Michael trampling on the devil (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means "who is like unto God"), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. He cast down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Lucifer and the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summoned the ranks of angels and cried out, "Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God!"
According to Church Tradition, and in the church services to the Archangel Michael, he participated in many other Old Testament events.
During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before 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 was made manifest, annihilating the Egyptians and Pharaoh who were in pursuit of the Israelites. The Archangel Michael defended Israel in all its misfortunes.
Icon (I believe) depicting the Angel of the Lord smiting the 185,000 soldiers in the Old Testament (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
He appeared to Joshua Son of Navi and revealed the will of the Lord at the taking of Jericho (Josh 5:13-16). The power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib (4/2 Kings 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Macc. 3: 24-26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan 3:22-25).
Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions' den (Dan. 14:33-37).
The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9).
The Holy Archangel Michael, with depictions of many of his miracles from the Old Testament and since (http://pravicon.com/images/icon/0450/0450015.jpg)
The holy Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved a young man, cast into the sea by robbers with a stone about his neck on the shores of Mt Athos. This story is found in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of St Neophytus of Docheiariou (November 9).
From ancient times the Archangel Michael was famed for his miracles in Rus. In the Volokolamsk Paterikon is a narrative of St Paphnutius of Borov with an account of Tatar tax-gatherers concerning the miraculous saving of Novgorod the Great: "Therefore Great Novgorod was never taken by the Hagarenes... when... for our sins the godless Hagarene emperor Batu devoured and set the Russian land aflame and came to Novgorod, and God and the Most Holy Theotokos shielded it with an appearance of Michael the Archangel, who forbade him to enter into it. He [Batu] was come to the Lithuanian city and came toward Kiev and saw the stone church, over the doors of which the great Archangel Michael had written and spoken to the prince his allotted fate, 'By this we have forbidden you entry into Great Novgorod'."
Intercession for Russian cities by the Most Holy Queen of Heaven always involved Her appearances with the Heavenly Hosts, under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. Grateful Rus acclaimed the Most Pure Mother of God and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, court and merchant churches are dedicated to the Chief Commander Michael.
In old Kiev at the time of the accepting of Christianity, a cathedral of the Archangel was built, and a monastery also was named for him. Archangel cathedrals are found at Smolensk, Nizhni Novgorod, Staritsa, at Great Ustiug (beginning of the thirteenth century), and a cathedral at Sviyazhsk. In Rus there was not a city, where there was not a church or chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
One of the chief temples of the city of Moscow, the burial church in the Kremlin, is dedicated to him. Numerous and beautiful icons of the Chief Commander of the Heavenly Hosts are also in his Cathedral. One of these, the Icon "Blessed Soldiery," was painted in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The saintly soldiers, Russian princes, are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.
We invoke St Michael for protection from invasion by enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of adversaries on the field of battle. He conquers all spiritual enemies.
Reproduction of the Holy Icon of the Archangel Michael the Taxiarch of Mandamados, Lesvos. (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission) For an account of this great miracle-working icon and the pilgrimage of Mandamados, see: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/11/miracles-of-taxiarchis-of-mantamadou-in.html.
[For accounts of miracles of the Holy Archangel Michael in Roman times, see: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/11/miracles-of-archangel-michael-in-roman.html. For Archangel Michael's miracle in Sipontus, see: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/11/miracle-of-archangel-michael-at.html. For the miracle of Archangel Michael at Collasae, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/09/commemoration-of-miracle-of-archangel.html.]
Holy Scripture and Tradition give us the names of the Archangels and [and]...the Archangels are depicted in according to the character of their service:
Michael tramples the devil underfoot, and in his left hand holds a green date-tree branch, and in his right hand a spear with a white banner (or sometimes a fiery sword), on which is outlined a scarlet cross.
Gabriel: strength (power) of God, herald and servitor of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, Luke 1:26). He announces the mysteries of God...Gabriel with a branch from Paradise, presented by him to the Most Holy Virgin, or with a shining lantern in his right hand and with a mirror made of jasper in his left.
Raphael: the healing of God, the curer of human infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15)...Raphael holds a vessel with healing medications in his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish for healing (Tobit 5-8).
Uriel: the fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Ezdras 5:20). We pray for him to enlighten those with darkened minds...Uriel in his raised right hand holds a naked sword at the level of his chest, and in his lowered left hand "a fiery flame."
Selaphiel: the prayer of God, impelling to prayer (3 Ezdras 5:16). He prays to God for mankind...Selaphiel in a prayerful posture, gazing downwards, hands folded on the chest.
Jehudiel: the glorifying of God, encouraging exertion for the glory of the Lord and interceding for the reward of efforts...Jehudiel holds a golden crown in his right hand, in his left, a whip of three red (or black) thongs.
Barachiel: distributor of the blessings of God for good deeds, entreats the mercy of God for people...Barachiel is shown with a white rose on his breast.
Jeremiel: the raising up to God (3 Ezdras 4:36)...Jeremiel holds balance-scales in his hand.
Icon of the Guardian Angel (with scenes of the Prodigal Son (http://www.notofthisworldicons.com/Russian%20Icons%20Small/pages/036500%200572%20Guardian%20Angel%20w%20Prodigal%20Large_jpg.htm))
Each person has a guardian angel, and every nation also receives its own guardian angel from God (Dan. 10:13). When a church is consecrated, it also receives a guardian angel (Palladius, Dial. Ch. 10)."
(taken from: http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=103244. For another excellent introduction with many quotes from the Holy Fathers on the Angelic Powers, see: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/11/angels-according-to-orthodox-tradition.html.)
Icon of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels (taken from: http://vatopaidi.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/cf84ceb1cebeceb9ceb1cf81cf87ceb5cf83.jpg)
Troparion - Tone 4
Troparion - Tone 4
Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you, by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you: "Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!"
Kontakion - Tone 2
Kontakion - Tone 2
Commanders of God's armies and ministers of the divine glory, princes of the bodiless angels and guides of mankind, ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy, supreme commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
(taken from: http://www.oca.org/FStropars.asp?SID=13&ID=103244)
Oikos
You said in the Scriptures, immortal Lover of humanity, that in heaven multitudes of Angels rejoice over one human being who repents. Therefore, O Sinless One, who alone know the heart, we in our lawlessness dare each day to implore You, the compassionate, to take pity on us, Master, and send us compunction, though we are unworthy, and pardon our sins, at the intercession for us all, of the Chief Captains of the Bodiless Hosts.
(taken from: http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/bilingual/Nov08.pdf)
Oikos
You said in the Scriptures, immortal Lover of humanity, that in heaven multitudes of Angels rejoice over one human being who repents. Therefore, O Sinless One, who alone know the heart, we in our lawlessness dare each day to implore You, the compassionate, to take pity on us, Master, and send us compunction, though we are unworthy, and pardon our sins, at the intercession for us all, of the Chief Captains of the Bodiless Hosts.
(taken from: http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/bilingual/Nov08.pdf)
The Holy Taxiarchs and Archangels Michael and Gabriel (source)
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAs I mention in the side bar Blog Guidelines:
ReplyDelete"Comments that are irrelevant to the topic of the post will be deleted."
very interesting post and wonderful information. What is the source texts for the explanation of the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the Other Bodiless Powers?
ReplyDeleteGreat work :o)
Thank you for your comment.
ReplyDeleteThe source text was from the lives of the Saints from the OCA website. I included the link above.
However, this is perfectly in line with the Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers. I can also try to find some of the primary sources at some point in the future, if people are interested.
Thank you for interisting Post n information. It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteBut i want to ask about the paragraf..
"Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions' den (Dan. 14:33-37)."
I hv 2 questions :
1. Where i can find if the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel ?
2. Dan. 14:33-37 ? Is it correct ? (Dan - Daniel)