Council of the Archangel Michael the Archangel and all the ethereal Heavenly Powers: about the date of the holiday and the hierarchy of angels. Archangel Michael and other ethereal heavenly powers Cathedral of the Archangel Michael icon description

15.02.2024 -

November 21 is a big Orthodox holiday, cheerful and bright - Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers - angels created by God before man and usually inaccessible to earthly vision. This holiday is the main of all holidays in honor of the holy angels. In common parlance it is called Michaelmas Day and is highly revered by believers.

A cathedral is a union, a collection of all the holy angels, headed by the Archangel Michael, who collectively and unanimously glorify the Holy Trinity, unanimously serve God.

Archangel Michael is the leader of the Heavenly Powers; on icons he is depicted in a formidable and warlike form: on his head is a helmet, in his hand is a sword or spear. Under his feet is a dragon struck by him. Who is this brave leader fighting with? We know that the entire angelic world, created even before the creation of man and the entire visible world, was endowed with great perfections and gifts. Angels, like people, had free will. They could abuse this free will and fall into sin. This is what happened to one of the supreme angels, Dennitsa, who discovered the source of evil and pride in himself and rebelled against his Creator. The spiritual world shook and some of the angels followed Dennitsa. At that moment, the Archangel Michael stepped out from the angelic environment and said: “No one like God!”, addressing all the angels with this appeal. With these words, he showed that he recognizes only one One God, the Creator and Ruler of the entire universe.

The struggle was difficult, for Dennitsa was endowed with great perfections. But the forces of good won, and Dennitsa was cast out of heaven with all his followers. And Archangel Michael established himself as the leader of the entire angelic world, faithful to God. Since then, the archangel has had a sword in his hands, because Satan, cast out from heaven, does not calm down. The fallen angels were prevented from penetrating into the higher regions of the universe and, therefore, they directed all their anger at people, and primarily at believers in God. Can the sword of Archangel Michael remain inactive under such circumstances? Of course not! He never ceases to fight with the angels of evil and darkness, protecting the faithful children of God from their insidious machinations.

The word "angel" means "messenger". Disembodied spirits have this name because they proclaim the will of God to people. Angels live everywhere, but mainly in heaven, around the Throne of God. We ourselves are not able to see and feel the glory of God - we need intermediaries who transform it so that it becomes available to us. Angels are these intermediaries, without whom we would never be able to feel and perceive, even to a small extent, the Divine Light. Angels are sent to earth to serve people.

A person who has received holy baptism is given by God a guardian angel for life. Therefore, this holiday is considered the second day of the angel of all Orthodox Christians.

According to some teachers of the Church, man must replenish the number of fallen angels. This means that we must enter the Council of Angels. How pure and holy our life should be then! How else here on earth should we prepare ourselves to enter the bright and holy assembly of Angels! To do this, we must acquire angelic thoughts and feelings, cleanse our hearts for love. Live according to the commandments of the Gospel.

The history of the celebration of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Powers is as follows. Even in apostolic times, the false teaching about Angels was widespread. Among Christians, heretics appeared who worshiped Angels as gods and taught that the visible world was created not by God, but by Angels, considering them higher than Christ. This teaching was so dangerous that at the beginning of the 4th century the holy fathers were forced to convene a local council in Laodicea (Laodicean Local Council), at which the heretical worship of angels as creators and rulers of the world was condemned and rejected and pious veneration of Angels was established as servants of God, guardians of the human race, and it was commanded to celebrate the Council of the Archangel Michael and other Heavenly Powers on November 8 according to the old style (November 21 - according to the new style).

The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance. November is the 9th month after March, which is considered the first month after the creation of the world. In commemoration of the 9 angelic ranks, the Feast of the Angels was established in November - the 9th month. The 8th indicates the day of the Last Judgment, in which Angels will directly participate. It is they who will testify at the Judgment about our lives and deeds - righteous or unrighteous. The Holy Fathers call the Day of the Last Judgment the eighth day. Time is measured in weeks (weeks). The 8th day will be the last day of the world, the day of the Last Judgment.

The Angelic ranks are divided into three hierarchies - 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 Dennitsa with other fallen spirits. 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 the 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).

The number of Angels is immeasurably large, and the Lord established order in the Heavenly army, creating the Angelic hierarchy. Angels differ from each other in their enlightenment.

Each rank of Angels has its own purpose. Angels and Archangels stand closest to people. There are only seven archangels.

They are depicted on icons according to the type of their service:

archangel Michael (his name means “Who is God”) - he 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.

Archangel Gabriel (“Power of God”) - 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.

Archangel Raphael (“Help, God’s healing”) - holds a vessel with healing potions in his left hand, and with his right he leads Tobias, carrying a fish.

Archangel Uriel (“Fire and Light of God”) - in the raised right hand there is a naked sword at chest level, in the lowered left hand there is a “flame of fire.”

Archangel Salafiel (“Prayer to God”) - in a prayer position, looking down, hands folded on the chest.

Archangel Yehudiel (“Praise be to God”) – he holds a golden crown in his right hand, and a scourge of three red (or black) ropes in his shuitz.

Archangel Barachiel (“Blessing of God”) - there are many pink flowers on his clothes.

Among the Angels is the Guardian Angel of each of us. According to the teachings of the Church, the Lord gives each of us a Guardian Angel during Baptism. He is always near us, protecting us throughout our life's journey. We, sinful people, do not see them as the saints see them. But we know and believe that they are always with us. Guardian Angels occupy the very last rank in the angelic hierarchy, but this should not confuse us. Although they are further removed from God than others, their service is great in the eyes of God, because... they are intended to protect and save us people, and man, as you know, is the crown of God’s creation.

Everything that is good, pure, bright in us: every good thought, good deed, prayer, repentance - all this is born in us and is accomplished at the inspiration of our Guardian Angel. Acting through our conscience and our heart, it keeps us from sin and temptation and helps us fight temptations.

When the Guardian Angel sees us walking the path of salvation, he tries in every possible way to encourage us and confirm us on this path. If we deviate from the true path, he tries with all his might to bring us back to it. But if we completely stop listening to our Guardian Angel and fall into sin, the Angel leaves us, cries, and watching us from the side, asks God to be patient and delay punishment. And at the same time, he does not give up trying to reach our conscience and awaken repentance.

All this obliges us to reverently honor our Guardian Angel and all other Heavenly Forces and pray that they protect, strengthen us and help us on our difficult earthly path.

Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been known for his miracles. This is a particularly revered saint in Rus'. 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.

Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been glorified for his miracles in Rus'. 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.

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Cathedral of St. Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers - a holiday of prayerful glorification of the Heavenly Forces. During the disastrous fall into pride of the highest angel Lucifer (translated from Latin: Light-bringer, or morning star: Lucifer), who became Satan (the enemy of God) and carried away with him a third of the angels who became demons, St. Archangel Michael, having gathered all the ranks and armies of angels, exclaimed in a loud voice:

“Let us take heart, let us become good before our Creator and let us not think about what is contrary to God! Let us remember what those who were created together with us and who were hitherto partakers of the Divine Light suffered with us! Let us remember how, for the sake of pride, they suddenly fell from the Light into darkness and fell from the heights into the abyss! Let us remember how the rising morning Dennitsa fell from the sky and was crushed on the earth" ( St. Gregory Dvoeslov. Commentary 4 on the Gospel).

In the battle with Satan and his demons, the angels faithful to God won the victory, Satan was cast out of heaven. For such loyalty St. Archangel Michael was appointed by God as the Archangel (in Greek - the supreme military leader) as the leader of the Heavenly Forces, who remained faithful to the Lord and sang His glory. The name Michael itself means in Hebrew "Who is like God". And this alone already says how highly he is revered by the Holy Church. He possesses extraordinary spiritual power, with which he defeats all the wiles of the devil.

On this occasion St. Gregory the Great writes that while other angels appear to bring some message to people, Archangel Michael is sent whenever the miraculous power of God is to appear. Almost all the most important events in biblical history take place with the participation of Archangel Michael.

The Fathers of the Church wrote that it was St. Archangel Michael was a cherub placed at the gates of paradise to guard the path to the tree of life (Gen. 3:24), he also led the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt (Ex. 14:19; 23:20), through him God gave ten commandments, he stood in the way of Balaam (Num. 22:22) and defeated the army of the Assyrian king Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35). In the book we read: “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me twenty-one days; but behold, Michael, one of the first princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia” (10:13) And further, in chapter 12: “And at that time Michael will arise, the great prince who stands for the children of your people "(12:1). The name of Michael the Archangel is also mentioned in Revelation: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought against them... And the great dragon was cast out, the ancient serpent, called the devil or Satan, who deceives the whole universe, cast out to the earth, and the angels were cast out with him” (12:7).

Based on such passages in Holy Scripture, St. Archangel Michael is considered in the Church to be the patron and protector of the people of God - first of the ancient Jewish people of Israel, in which the incarnation of the Savior was announced by the prophets. After the Jews fell away into the service of their new “father” - the devil (John 8:44) St. Archangel Michael becomes the guardian of the New Israel - all Christians and Orthodox Rus' as the most Christian people.

“Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been glorified in Rus' for his miracles. 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" ("Minea"). So, according to legend, when Batu Khan was heading to Novgorod in 1239, St. Archangel Michael appeared to him and forbade him to enter the city. Entering Kiev, Batu saw an image of St. above the doors of one of the churches. Mikhail and, pointing to him, said to his kagans: “This one forbade me to go to Veliky Novgorod.”

The veneration of the Archangel Michael by the Russian princes was expressed in prayer for help in moments of danger, before the start of decisive battles and in general during the war. Our ancestors created many temples in honor of the Archangel. In Kyiv, immediately after the Baptism of Rus', the Archangel Cathedral was created, then in almost all Russian cities, the princes asked for blessings in these churches at the wedding of the kingdom, at the baptism of their heirs, before their death. Images of St. The archangels were placed on princely military helmets, personal seals, coats of arms, and banners. All this was determined by a special attitude towards Archangel Michael as the defender of Russian statehood. The icon "Blessed Host" was painted for see below), where the holy warriors - Russian princes - are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.

In iconography, Archangel Michael is depicted with a sword as a warrior-defender, or with a spear striking the serpent Satan. Being himself a warrior against the army of the first revolutionary - Satan, Archangel Michael provides special assistance to those who also actively resist the forces of evil and the enemies of God. Therefore, he is considered the patron of the Russian army fighting for a just cause. The holding Orthodox Empire more than anyone deserved such help from St. The Archangel of the Army of God, which is why he is depicted on many Russian military banners.

They chose St. as their patron. Archangel Michael and the Russian Black Hundreds of the 20th century, who took the path of decisive opposition to the revolutionary forces of evil, in which we cannot do without the support of the leader of the angelic army. This day was created in 1905 (and). In 1921, this day opened, on which the Russian Church Abroad was formed.

For us the image of St. Archangel Michael trampling on Satan is a symbol of Christian optimism. He points out to us that although the world lies in evil, evil is not omnipotent. It can and must be resisted; this is our task. And we believe and know that in the end of earthly history, evil will be defeated, and people faithful to the Lord will be saved to eternal life in the transformed world of the Kingdom of God. And one of the most important ways of salvation is resistance to evil.

Therefore, our website of the publishing house "Russian Idea" is overshadowed by the image of the Archangel Michael with the following prayer to him:

Be the leader and invincible companion of our Christ-loving army, crowning it with glory and victories over our adversaries, so that all who oppose us will know that God and His Holy Angels are with us.

ABOUT THE HEAVENLY HIERARCHY

On behalf of myself and the RNE OOPD, I congratulate Mikhail Viktorovich on Angel Day! I am sure that we will win after passing the tests!

Congratulations to dear Mikhail Viktorovich on Angel Day! God's help in your labors!

I join in congratulating Yulia. I thank the Lord that you and your site exist, which helps us live in our difficult, deceitful times. If you read, talk, it seems easier. Thank you and all like-minded people. Take care of yourself, we really need you. Thank God for everything!

We magnify You, holy Archangel of God Michael, and you holy archangels, angels, principalities, powers, thrones, dominions, powers, cherubs and fearsome seraphim, glorifying the Lord!
Daily prayer to the Archangel of God Michael: “Archangel of God Michael, drive away from me with your lightning sword the evil spirit that tempts me. O great Archangel of God Michael, conqueror of demons! Defeat and crush all my enemies, visible and invisible, and implore the Lord Almighty to have mercy on Russia and he will cleanse his people from madness. He will restore the throne of the Orthodox kings, and let the beautiful symphony sound: Patriarch + Tsar. Russia will fulfill its destiny, like the Third Rome. It will take away the yoke of the Jews - vile and destroy all the enemies of holy Rus'. It will save Russia from hunger, war, deadly plagues, terrible cataclysms and vain death. Amen

Father John, why did you appoint the Anointed King of God, Christ the Lord, as the chosen Patriarch of men? And what symphony are you talking about? The Russian symphony through the Anointed Tsar Ivan the Terrible is shown to us by God in the Russian Great Coat of Arms. She still sounds like an icon graphically! And what is “let the beautiful symphony sound: Patriarch + Tsar” is not clear?!

Was it not the patriarchs who anointed the kings to the throne? Peter I, the first to break this symphony?
There is much that our people, who received the Soviet legacy, do not understand - madness. Therefore, the prayer clearly states that if the Patriarch-Tsar symphony is not restored, then the liberation of Russia from the Jewish yoke will remain in dreams. Many people find this prayer difficult. Well then, first pray like this: “Archangel Michael of God, drive away from me with your lightning sword the evil spirit that tempts me.”

It is more correct to call the Black Hundreds skinheads-1905. These are drug addicts, alkanauts, people without much morality and a poor mental arsenal. By the way, the Black Hundred movement dealt the strongest blow to Russia, unlike other similar pre-revolutionary movements. It is not without reason that the world Zionists have developed both the Black Hundreds and the skinheads in their research institutes since time immemorial. Of course, you can tear your throat out by defending the pseudo-patriotism that has become fashionable lately, but the fact remains a fact. There is a seal of Cain and punishment for a nation-people who sins against God. KILL THE BLACK HUNDRED(SKINHEAD) SAVE THE NATION.

The Patriarch, as a clergyman, fulfilled his duty in the Sacrament of Confirmation for the Kingdom, and God anointed the Tsar on the Throne. In the Sacrament, the Tsar himself placed the royal crown on his head. In the Orthodox Church (including the Russian Church) there has always been a Tsar-Patriarch, and Emperor Peter the Great never violated this God-given symphony of authorities. It is obvious.

The greatness of the King's power was always supported by his anointing. Now, the Tsar-worshippers are especially zealously emphasizing this. Indeed, Orthodox Tsars are Anointed, but not in the same sense as the Old Testament ones. They were anointed with absolute power over their people both civilly and spiritually. The New Testament says nothing about the anointing of kings. This was introduced and developed by the Church and not without the knowledge of the emperors during the times of Christian freedom. Therefore, autocracy with power over the Church is a human invention, created to please the all-powerful breadwinner. Immediately, the emperors took upon themselves, with the consent of their subordinate bishops, the right to preside over the Council and appoint patriarchs. In Rus', the princes tried to stay within the symphony, but already the first Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, began to appoint metropolitans at his own discretion. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich seeks the deposition of Patriarch Nikon, and Peter the Great finally subjugates the Church to himself, abolishing the patriarchate and creating a Senate and Synod subordinate to himself.

O. John You write “The greatness of the King’s power was always supported by his anointing.” Now, the Tsar-worshippers are especially zealously emphasizing this.” Indeed, the greatness of the King’s Power lies in its truth and legality. Indeed, in the Sacrament of Confirmation for the Kingdom, the King receives Power from God. Therefore, the Sacrament testifies that the Power of the King is True Power. Like a husband in a family, so a King in a country is a natural, God-given Master and Father, His Power is sacred and similar to the Power of the King of Heaven. Therefore, every legitimate husband in the family and the Anointed King of God in the State of God’s Chosen People and the Orthodox Church is a living icon of our Lord and God Jesus Christ. And the “kings” are, obviously, those who love the Father and naturally recognize His Authority. In this sense, probably, all Angels in the Kingdom of Heaven are kings. O. John, if “unique power with power over the Church is a human invention, created to please the all-powerful breadwinner,” then how should we understand the power of the husband in the family? Is this also a fabrication? But everyone knows that the husband does not need to take power in the family, it was given to him naturally by God. The husband is the master in all family matters and only he is the father. The father (and only he) can gather the family for an important meeting; he can expose any family member and point out his mistakes. The husband loves his wife to the point of jealousy and will not tolerate from her not only fornication, but even unworthy flirting. The Father's word in the family is always with power and love. The father is also the guarantor of all family decisions. Where are the fabrications here? He who does not love the King does not love God. No one can change the God-given image of the symphony of authorities (see the Russian Great Coat of Arms). Any change is a lie, and a lie is always temporary, i.e. distorts the Truth until the time God allows. God confirm the Holy Orthodox Faith!

The symphony of ecclesiastical and civil authorities was established with the adoption of Christianity by Emperor Constantine and the declaration of the Church as free. Emperor Justinian legitimized it in the 6th novella: “The greatest gifts of God, given to people by the highest love for mankind, are the priesthood and the kingdom. The first serves divine affairs, the second takes care of human affairs. Both come from the same source and adorn human life. Therefore, kings care most of all about the piety of the clergy, who, for their part, constantly pray to God for them. When the priesthood is blameless, and the kingdom exercises only legal authority, there will be good agreement between them and everything that is good and useful will be given to humanity.” The essence of the symphony is outlined even more clearly by Emperor John Comnenus in a letter to Pope Honorius in the 12th century: “I recognized two subjects in the continuation of my reign as completely different from one another: one is spiritual power, which is from the Great and Most High High Priest, the Prince of Peace, who according to by divine right, they received the power to bind and decide all people. And the other subject is worldly power, power addressed, addressed to the temporal according to the divine word: render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, the power contained in the sphere that belongs to it. These two powers that dominate the world, although separate and different, act for mutual benefit in a harmonious combination, helping and replenishing each other. They can be compared to the two sisters - Martha and Mary, who are told about in the Gospel. From the harmonious discovery of these two powers comes the common good, and from their hostile relations comes a great sin” (A.P. Lebedev, “History of Byzantium”, p. 416).

Consider the visible and understand the invisible, - this is what the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church teach us, - and have Faith. God is always and everywhere and in everything. Everything flows before our eyes and everything changes in this world, but the Truth of God reigns forever and the Law of God is the Pillar and Establishment of the entire Universe, and everything has its time. Husband from wife and wife through husband (this is visible), but the head of the wife is the husband (this is the invisible law of God).
Let's take an example from the Sacrament of Marriage. In this Sacrament, the Lord blesses the small Kingdom through His servant - the clergyman. In this small Kingdom, the husband receives the legal Authority of the Master and Father from God, and not from the priest. He does not need to prove, assert, or win this Power from the wife and children whom God gave him. The legitimate Power of a husband is always natural and sacred, i.e. God given. In a family where the Law of God is not violated, God rules through the husband. In such a family, Love and Truth reign, there is a hierarchy of Power established by God (from the husband, Master and Father, to the wife and children), there is no struggle of authorities, and the members of this family prosper. This is probably what the holy Emperor Justinian wrote about.

There is one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism. Just as the Lord cannot be divided, so His Power is one and indivisible, and the earthly Kingdom of God’s Chosen Russian People is an icon of the Kingdom of Heaven. True power in the world, both spiritual and lordly, is light from Light. That is why the Holy Apostle said, “There is no Authority but from God,” i.e. in the small Kingdom through her husband, and in the large Kingdom through the Anointed One of God, the Autocratic King. Without a true husband and without a true King, anti-power reigns in both the family and the State. What was not revealed to the Emperors of the Second Rome, the Lord God revealed to the saints and faithful Kings and Emperors of the Third Rome. Some sow and others reap, but both sowing and reaping are from the Lord, and all who have labored for the glory of God will rejoice. The doctrine of Royal Power received its completion through the Anointed One of God, Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was through this King that God showed us what true Power is and what there is a true symphony of powers. Our ancestors understood this well in the Time of Troubles, and left us the Russian Testament - the Council Oath of 1613 for the Russian family. And all the Russian Tsars sacredly observed this Covenant - to preserve the Royal Power of the Anointed of God from the Romanov family until the second and glorious coming of our Lord and God Jesus Christ!

Thank you very much for your work. This information is necessary for every Orthodox person. You are doing a great job, since many young people find it easier to go online than to look for information in books.
Save me, God!

Thank God for everything. Happy holiday, Orthodox Christians.

O. John:
-...there are many patriarchs, but God’s anointed one is one and he is Christ, the living icon of our Savior on earth...Is it worth talking about the apostasy of the patriarchy on such a holiday?

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COLLECTION OF ARTICLES RESURRECTION OF THE ORTHODOX KINGDOM
ABOUT THE WAY OUT OF THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL DEADLAME. ONLY FOR THOSE TRUE WARRIORS OF THE SPIRIT WHOM THE SAVIOR HIMSELF CALLED VICTORIOUS...

I CONGRATULATE THE COMPANIONS OF THE UNION OF THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE AND ALL ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS ON THE HOLIDAY!

Happy Holidays to all the faithful.

to accept the Royal Power of the Anointed of God from the Romanov family was and remains a crime. The Romanovs didn’t baptize Rus', but “electing a tsar” is like modern presidential elections? Horrible... 400 skillfully compost brains, there is no end in sight. The state of Rus' is a form of cohabitation of one family of the Rurik princes, which is the historical owner of this state, its empirical personification, and, most importantly, the ideal form of existence of this state. So, the foundation on which it is built and Rus' functions is formed precisely around the metaphor of the family - as an indivisible body, the property of the clan and the only “corporation” of the Rurikovichs.

The princely family, therefore, exists not only empirically, it has metaphysical integrity. Just as present times are a kind of repetition of the past, so living princes are a restoration, “revival” of dead ancestors.

The princely family is beyond ordinary dimensions; it exists in eternity.

Russia is ruled not by a specific prince, not even by a collection of living relatives, but by an endless series of generations spread out over time (just as in the past). As Metropolitan Nikephoros reminded Monomakh: “You will continue to rule for generations and generations.”

When patronage for the land, the state belongs to the entire set of generations of the dynasty - past, present and future, then princely holiness automatically belongs to the sacred family of the Rurik princes - the Baptists of Rus'.
https://russkiev.wordpress.com/concept-russkiev/

Happy holiday to you, Mikhail Viktorovich, all your employees and all the Orthodox people!
And thank you for your righteous work!

Holy Angels live in Heaven, in the invisible, spiritual world. There is the eternal Throne of the Most High, which is surrounded by all the Heavenly Powers, illuminated by Him with the non-evening light. Above all the angelic ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael, a faithful servant of God, for he cast down from Heaven the proud Dennitsa with other fallen spirits. Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been glorified for his miracles in Rus'. Representations for Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven were always carried out by Her appearances with the Heavenly army, under the leadership of the Archangel. The Archangels are also known from the Holy Scriptures and Holy Tradition: Gabriel - the fortress of God, the herald and servant of Divine omnipotence; Raphael - God's healing, healer of human ailments; Uriel - fire or light of God, enlightener; Selaphiel is God’s prayer book, encouraging prayer; 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, an intercessor asking people for God’s mercy; Jeremiel - exaltation to God.

The bliss of the Angels consists in the sight of God, in the contemplation of His glory. Without going beyond the limits of understanding assigned to them, they stand reverently before the Throne of God and constantly glorify His wondrous Name. Their whole life in relation to God consists of this doxology.

The angels of God, like pure spiritual light, are removed from us when sinful darkness envelops our souls. Just as in the visible world the rays of the sun, with all their brilliance and radiance, do not penetrate the coarsest bodies, so in the invisible world the Angels of God, borrowing their light from the Source of Light Himself, appear only to pure souls. Just as fire is kindled by fire, so the spiritual contact of Angelic light with us becomes perceptible only when the fire of pure love for God and the light of faith kindles in our spirit. They come closer to us as we move closer to God, and they move away from us as we move away from God. And just as for our external well-being it is necessary that some be leaders of others, that the wise admonish the foolish, so for the organization of our internal state it is necessary that the Angels facilitate our procession to God and protect us from the attacks of the spirits of evil.

Human nature, like angelic nature, has reason and will. We have every opportunity to achieve excellence. If a person, fulfilling the command of the Creator, directs his will to good, glorifies the Lord with his whole life, joyfully serves God and people with his whole being, then already in this life he becomes angelic.

Cathedral of St. Archangel Mich A silt and other incorporeal forces were established at the beginning of the 4th century. at the Council of Laodicea. The Council, by its 35th rule, condemned and rejected the heretical veneration of angels as creators and rulers of the Universe and approved their Orthodox veneration.

The festival takes place in November - the ninth month from March, from which the year then began - in accordance with the number of the 9 ranks of angels. The eighth day of the month indicates the future Council of all the heavenly powers on the day of the Last Judgment of God, which St. the fathers call it “the eighth day,” when “the Son of Man will come in His glory and all the holy Angels with Him” (Matthew 25:31).

All ranks of Arkhangelsk are nine, according to the instructions of St. Dionysius the Areopagite: cherubim, seraphim, thrones, dominions, powers, authorities, principles, archangels and angels; their number is very large.

The Angelic ranks are divided into three hierarchies– high, middle and low. Each hierarchy consists of three ranks. The highest hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.

Closest to the Holy Trinity are the six-winged ones Seraphim(Flaming, Fiery) (Isa. 6, 2). They burn with love for God and encourage others to do so.

After the Seraphim, the Lord will have many eyes Cherubim(Genesis 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 the grace given to them for service, Thrones(Col. 1:16), carrying God mysteriously and incomprehensibly. They serve God's justice.

Image of a cherub from the Resurrection Cathedral in Rostov

The average Angelic hierarchy consists of three ranks: Dominance, Strength and Authority.

Dominations(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. 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.

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.

Image of a cherub worn during religious processions on Rogozhsky

The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

Beginnings(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 the great and glorious gospel, reveal the mysteries of faith, prophecy and understanding of the will of God, strengthen the holy faith in people, enlightening their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel.

Angels(1 Pet. 3:22) are closest to people. They proclaim 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.

Wall painting in the Intercession Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow

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 Powers he exclaimed: “ Let's see! Let us become good before our Creator and not think anything displeasing to God! ”

Archangel Michael, 18th century icon

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 the 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).

Archangel Michael - Patron of the Russian Land

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 as if Great Novgrad was never taken from the Hagarians... sometimes, by God’s permission, it was a sin for our sakes, the godless Hagaryan king Batu captured the Rosi land and burned it and went 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 him. 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 said to the prince with his finger: “Forbid me from going 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 - Icon “Blessed is the army of the Heavenly King”- written for the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, where the holy warriors - Russian princes - are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.

Blessed is the army of the Heavenly King, State Tretyakov Gallery

The following Archangels are also known from Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition:

Archangel Gabriel- the fortress of God and the evangelist of the mysteries of God.
Archangel Raphael– doctor of diseases and guide.
Archangel Uriel- a motivator to prayer and an enlightener of the darkened.
Archangel Yehudiel- an intercessor on the way, a helper to those in need of something for the glory of God.
Archangel Barachiel- giver and intercessor of God's graces and guardian of the purity of soul and body.
Archangel Salafiel- a doctor for the shaking disease and a prayer to God for people.
Archangel Gefael- igniter of love for God.
Archangel Tahiel– helper and protector from troubles and misfortunes.
(See: Prologue November 8; Rev. 12, 7-8; 3 Ezra 4, 1; Tov. 3, 16-17, etc.).

Arch. Michael's Cathedral, presumably 18th century, restoration 2010, is in a private collection. http://pravicon.com/image-22046

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.

Rafail- holds a vessel with healing potions in his left hand, and with his right he leads Tobiah, who is carrying a fish.

Uriel– in the raised right hand there is a naked sword at chest level, in the lowered left hand there is a “flame of fire.”

Selaphiel– in a prayer position, looking down, hands folded on the chest.

Yehudiel- in his right hand he holds a golden crown, in his shuitz - a scourge of three red (or black) ropes.

Barachiel– There are a lot of pink flowers on his clothes.

Jeremiel- holds scales in his hand.

Prayer to Archangel Michael from an ancient prayer book:

The same one, typed by Konstantin Spektorov

Prayer to Archangel Michael, typed by Konstantin Spektorov from the above-mentioned ancient manuscript http://spektorov.narod.ru/slav/Mikhail.pdf

Text of the prayer in PDF:

A slightly different version of the prayer that was written at the entrance to the Cathedral Church of the Miracle of St. Archangel Michael, built at the beginning of the 16th century in the Chudov Monastery in the Moscow Kremlin, near the Spasskaya Tower.

PRAYER TO ARCHISTRATIG MICHAEL

If a person reads this prayer, that day the devil or evil person will not touch him.

Lord God great, King without beginning, send, O Lord, your archangel Michael, to help me, your sinful servant named, deliver me, Lord, from my enemies, visible and invisible, and forbid all my enemies who fight with me, make them like sheep, and destroy them like dust before the wind, Lord, Lord, great Archangel Michael, first prince and commander of the heavenly forces of the incorporeal, cherub and six-winged seraphim, and all angels and archangels, wonderful and terrible, and honest, Archangel Michael, be my servant's assistant his name, in troubles and sorrows and in sorrows, and in deserts and in cramped places, in armies and on rivers, and at crossroads, among kings and among princes and among nobles, and among nobles, and all kinds of authorities and from all the charms of the enemy deliver me, Lord, Lord, great Archangel Michael, hear the voice of the sinful servant of your name, praying to you, and calling on your most holy name for help, hasten generously to help me and hear my prayer, great Archangel Michael, and conquer all that resists me, by the power of the Most Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Most Pure Mother of God, and the holy saints and confessor, and the mercenary, and the holy martyr and martyrs, and the reverend father and all the saints with the prayers.
Great Michael the Archangel, help me, your sinful servant named, deliver me from cowardice and flood, and from fire and sword and pestilence, and from vain death, and from deadly plagues, and from every reptile and flattering enemy, and from the storms caused, now and ever and ever. Amen.

The article uses illustrations and material from the “Old Believers” forum

Archangel Gabriel

Archangel Gabriel(from Hebrew - man of God).

One of the highest angels appears in the Old and New Testaments as the bearer of joyful tidings. He announces to the priest Zechariah in the temple, during the offering of incense, the birth of John the Baptist, and to the Ever-Virgin in Nazareth - about the birth of the Savior of the world. According to the Bible, he is considered the guardian angel of the chosen people. Kabbalists consider him the teacher of Patriarch Joseph; According to the teachings of the Mohammedans, Mohammed received his revelations from him and was carried to Heaven by him. On the icons he is depicted with candles and a jasper mirror as a sign that the ways of God are not clear until time, but are comprehended over time by studying the word of God and obedience to the voice of conscience.

Mentioned in canonical books:

Saint Archangel Gabriel, as explained in the “Guide to Painting Icons,” “is depicted holding a lantern with a candle lit inside in his right hand, and a stone mirror in his left hand” (Fartusov, p. 226). This mirror made of green jasper (jasper) with black and white spots on it, illuminated by the light of truth, reflects the good and bad deeds of nations, proclaims to people the secrets of God's economy and the salvation of mankind.

The name Gabriel, received by the Archangel from God, means in Russian Fortress of God or Power of God.

Archangel Barachiel

Archangel Barachiel (God's blessing).

Bible

The name of this Heavenly Messenger Varachiel is translated into Russian - God's blessing.

The book “Guide to the Writing of Icons” says the following about him: “The Holy Archangel Barachiel, the dispenser of God’s blessings and intercessor, asking for God’s benefits to us: he is depicted carrying white roses on his chest on his clothes, as if rewarding at the command of God for prayers, works and moral behavior of people and foretelling bliss and endless peace in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Fartusov, p. 227). These white roses mean God's blessing. What could be purer and more fragrant than white roses, from which rose oil is extracted? So the Lord, through his Archangel Barachiel, sends his blessing from the depths of his clothing to people for their prayers and labors.

“Since the blessings of God are varied,” writes St. Innocent of Kherson, “then the ministry of this Angel is diverse: through him the blessing of God is sent to every deed, to every good activity in life” (Cit. cit., p. 14).

Archangel Salafiel

Archangel Salafiel (prayer to God).

“And so the Lord gave us a whole host of prayer angels, with their leader Salafiel,” writes Bishop Innocent of Kherson, “so that with the pure breath of their lips they would warm our cold hearts to prayer, so that they would admonish us when and how to pray, so that they would offer our very offerings to the throne of grace. When you see, brethren, on the icon of the Archangel standing in a prayerful position, with his eyes downcast, with his hands reverently placed on his chest (chest), then know that this is Salafiel” (Cit. cit., pp. 11– 12).

The book “Guide to the Writing of Icons” says: “The Holy Archangel Salafiel, a man of prayer, always praying to God for people and inciting people to prayer. He is depicted with his face and eyes bowed (lowered) down, and his hands pressed (folded) with a cross on his chest, as if tenderly praying” (Farusov, pp. 226–227).

Archangel Yehudiel

Archangel Yehudiel (praise of God).

This name is known only from legends. It does not appear in the Bible or the Gospel.

The name of the Holy Archangel Jehudiel translated into Russian Glorifier of God or Praise God, after all, he really, as the inscription on the fresco of the Annunciation Cathedral says, “has the ministry of establishing people who work hard, or, for the glory of God, to intercede for them reward.”

As explained in the “Guide to the Writing of Icons,” the Archangel of God Jehudiel “is depicted holding a golden crown in his right hand, as a reward from God for useful and pious works to holy people, and in his left hand a scourge of three black ropes with three ends, as punishment for sinners for laziness in pious labors” (Fartusov, p. 227).

“Each of us, young and old, is obliged to live and work for the glory of God,” writes Archbishop Innocent of Kherson. The greater the feat, the higher and brighter the reward. In the right hand of the Archangel is not just a crown: it is a reward for every Christian who works for the glory of God” (Cit. cit., p. 13).

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael (God's help).

Mentioned in non-canonical book: .

“Whoever wishes to be worthy of Raphael’s heavenly help, must first of all be merciful to those in need,” instructs Archbishop Innocent of Kherson (Cit. cit., p. 9).

Raphael in Aramaic means God's healing or God's healing.

The “Guide to Painting Icons” briefly explains that: “Holy Archangel Raphael, physician of human ailments: is depicted holding in his left hand a vessel (alavaster) with medicinal means (medicine), and in his right hand a pod, that is, a clipped bird feather for anointing wounds "(Fartusov, p. 226).

Archangel Uriel

Archangel Uriel (fire of God).

Mentioned in non-canonical book: .

According to the Tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church, the Holy Archangel Uriel was appointed by God to protect after the Fall and the expulsion of Adam. According to the teachings of the Holy Fathers, Archangel Uriel, being the radiance of the divine fire, is the enlightener of the darkened, unbelievers and ignorant. And the very name of the Archangel, corresponding to his special service, means Fire of God or Light of God.

According to the iconographic canon of the Orthodox Church, the holy Archangel named Fire of God“depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand against his chest, and a fiery flame in his left” (Fartusov, p. 226).

“Like an Angel of light, he enlightens the minds of people with the revelation of truths that are useful to them; like the Angel of Divine fire, he inflames hearts with love for God and destroys impure earthly attachments in them,” explains Bishop Innocent, Archimandrite of Kherson (Cit. cit., p. 10).

Archangel Jeremiel

Archangel Jeremiel (height of God).

Mentioned in non-canonical book: .

“In the 3rd book of Ezra (4:36) the Archangel Jeremiel (the height of God) is also mentioned,” writes Archimandrite Nicephorus in the “Biblical Encyclopedia” (M., 1891, p. 63). He was present at the first conversation between Archangel Uriel and the priest Ezra and answered the latter’s question about the signs preceding the end of the sinful world and about the beginning of the eternal kingdom of the righteous.

The name of the Holy Archangel Jeremiel means in Russian Height of God or Exaltation of God. He is sent from above from God to man in order to promote the elevation and return of man to God. The Archangel of God not only reveals the gloomy prospect of a sinful world, they say, the further it gets, the worse, but also helps to see the holy seeds of eternal life in a dying world (see). He is depicted holding scales in his right hand.

Council of the Archangel Michael the Archangel and all the ethereal Heavenly Powers: about the date of the holiday and the hierarchy of angels. Archangel Michael and other ethereal heavenly powers Cathedral of the Archangel Michael icon description

ABOUT THE HEAVENLY HIERARCHY

Archangel Michael - Patron of the Russian Land

The following Archangels are also known from Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition:

On the icons the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the type of their ministry:

Prayer to Archangel Michael from an ancient prayer book:

PRAYER TO ARCHISTRATIG MICHAEL

Related links

In one line: material from Father Alexander Pankratov (Veliky Novgorod)

Archangel Gabriel

Archangel Barachiel

Archangel Salafiel

Archangel Yehudiel

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Uriel

Archangel Jeremiel

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