Icons of the Archangel Michael can be seen in the greatest laurels, in small provincial churches and in the homes of believers. Why does this biblical hero enjoy such love and honor among Christians?
Who is he?
According to the scripture, this saint is the leader of the angels, their commander. It was he who called those who did not tempt the false speeches of the fallen Lucifer and remained faithful to the Lord, to fight with apostates. Therefore, the icons of the Archangel Michael are most honored by the military of all ranks: from ordinary to high command. He is asked for protection in battle and strength for a feat of arms. The memory of one of the highest angels is honored on September 6 according to the current calendar. It was on this day that the Holy Church in the 15th century appointed the feast of the "Council" or, as they would say in our days, the assemblage of all the angels headed by their leader. The prefix "archi" just points to the high position of Michael, this is a distinguishing feature of the names of everyone standing above others in the bright spiritual world.
Warrior and assistant
The icons of Archangel Michael usually depict his main feat - the overthrow of Satan. Therefore, most often he carries a spear or a sword in his hand, with which he strikes a traitor to God and his supporters. Such an image has not only direct, but also allegorical meaning. The image of Lucifer can also be understood as a generalization and personification of any lawlessness committed by people. Often the prince of angel had to act as an assistant, including assisting Jesus when the Israelites conquered the promised land. The prophet Daniel was honored with a meeting with the commander of the heavenly army during the fall of Babylon. When the savior was crucified, the archangel grieved so that the earth could not withstand that tribulation, and after the resurrection he hastened to remove the stone block that closed the entrance to the tomb and bring good news to the people.
Savior of the dead sinners
It is customary for the icon of the Archangel Michael to pray for deceased relatives and friends. It is believed that twice a year, namely September 19 and November 21, a real miracle happens in the invisible spiritual world. On the night of his holidays, the archangel, lowering his wing into the flames of hell (hell), extinguishes it for a while. And then he is given the opportunity to withdraw from purgatory those whom they earnestly pray at this time. The deceased should be called by name, and the Christian also needs to remember about nameless relatives in the flesh, reaching the very tribe of Adam. This is necessary so that those whose name has been lost for centuries have the opportunity to be saved from torment and suffering. Such a privilege was granted to the archangel for his feat in the battle with Satan. In this case, you must certainly pray at night, at 12 oโclock. A vision with a lake of fire teeming with giant worms and the salvation of the martyrs was revealed to the Theologian John for the benefit of the people.
Prayers and auspices
The icon of St. Michael the Archangel helps those who pray not only for the dead, but also for the living. They turn to her, asking for a cure for the sick, since it is customary to think that illness is from the evil one, with whom the prince of angels fought. It is also used for the consecration of the home. It is believed that the house will be reliably protected from encroachment from the outside. Both dashing people and evil demonic entities will bypass him. It is useful to pray before the icon for living members of the family, then all kinds of temptations, spiritual weakness and doubts about faith will bypass them. The archangel acts as the patron saint of grooms and builders. On the pages of the Book of Books there are references to the fact that Mikhail was assigned an important role in the last days of the world. In Russia, many temples were built in honor of the commander of the heavenly army, in each church there is an icon of the Archangel Michael. The meaning of the prayers addressed to him is difficult to overestimate. Every good deed in his name, every honest alms performed by a Christian during his earthly life, will not be forgotten by Michael.