The names of the archangels and their purpose should be known to every Christian, since they guide a person, portend great events. They open prophecies, strengthen faith, and also enlighten minds and discover the most secret secrets of faith.
Archangels in Orthodoxy
The Orthodox faith has its own specific traditions that originated in ancient centuries. The names of the archangels and their purpose can be recognized by studying the Holy Scriptures, which best explains how everything works. However, even the most knowledgeable and knowledgeable theologians are far from always able to reliably decipher biblical texts.
Having studied the list of names of archangels and their divine destiny in Orthodoxy, we can understand that they are a kind of leaders of ordinary angels. Each of them has its own specific functions. Archangels very often write on icons, and artists try to pay maximum attention to the created image, drawing even the smallest details. In particular, each has its own attribute, for example, a sword, spear, trumpet.
In the Orthodox faith, there are only seven archangels whose names are known to almost all Christians. Why such a quantity? The Bible is not mentioned, the texts only say that it is known only to God himself. Archangels not only stand on the protection of man, but also guide him on the true path. Each of them has its own specific functions, which it performs.
Their purpose
Many people are interested in how many archangels are in Orthodoxy and their names, since not everyone is familiar with biblical texts. The Holy Scripture tells about their exploits and guises. However, it is worth noting that there are some divergences in the biblical texts that do not allow a complete description of these saints. The list of names of archangels allows you to find out how many of them exist in Orthodoxy at all:
- Michael.
- Gabriel.
- Raphael.
- Uriel.
- Selafiel.
- Yehudiel.
- Varahiel.
Michael symbolizes all the work of the Lord. He is depicted in a white robe, with a spear and a sword in his hands. According to ancient scriptures, it was this archangel who first rebelled against Lucifer.
Gabriel is considered a harbinger of fate and is portrayed mainly with a mirror in his hands, as a symbol of the fact that he fully conveys the meaning of the deeds and thoughts of God.
Raphael is responsible for healing and help. According to existing legends, he healed the bride of one righteous man.
Archangel Uriel personifies the mental abilities of a person, and he is portrayed with a sword and fire. It helps in the study of various sciences. Selafiel acts as the supreme minister of prayer. Yehudiel protects people from all evil and encourages those who deserve it. Barahiel represents God's blessing and is often portrayed in a pink robe.
Thus, the names of the archangels and their purpose immediately become clear, since each of them is responsible for the performance of a specific task. If you need to ask for heavenly help or protection, then you need to pray to one or another saint. There are certain prayers for this, which are aimed at asking the archangel for help.
archangel Michael
In total, seven archangels are distinguished in Orthodoxy. The names of the archangels and their mission are known to so many Christians. In addition, all information of interest can be found at the priests. The first archangel to rebel against Satan was Michael. After that, proud of his beauty, the angel retreated from God and was cast out of heaven. It is considered the most supreme patron of the heavenly army. He is portrayed in a warlike form, with a sword and a spear in his hands. Under his feet is a dragon, which personifies the spirit of malice. The top of his spear is decorated with a white banner, which means constant purity and fidelity. The spear ends with a cross, which symbolizes the fact that all acts are performed in the name of Christ, as well as through patience, selflessness, humility.
Michael is considered one of the most revered saints. In the Old Testament, he is called the senior messenger of the Lord and protector of the people of Israel. Archangel Michael became the guardian of the Israeli people, since in the afternoon he walked before them in the form of a pillar of cloud, which turned into a fiery pillar in the afternoon. The will of the Lord appeared through him, destroying the pharaoh and his soldiers, who persecuted the Israelites. It has been revered since ancient times. By the designation of his name, Michael is an angel with power.
Archangel Michael is the winner of dark forces and evil, which helps to get rid of various troubles and sorrows. He is the protector of all Orthodox Christians from evil spirits, as well as enemies. He is prayed for deliverance from sorrow, at the entrance to a new house, for the protection of the state. Some church leaders see this saint as a participant in very important events in people's lives. The Church honors him as a defender of true faith and a zealous fighter against all evil and wicked actions and thoughts.
In addition, references to him are also contained in the writings of John the Theologian, who describes the last battle, in which the angels came out victorious, and Satan was cast down to earth with his servants. This saint is also mentioned in the legend according to which a special trumpet was handed to Michael, which should awaken all the dead from the beginning of time during the Last Judgment.
Archangel Gabriel
The names of the holy archangels are recorded in the Holy Scriptures, and one of them is Gabriel. He reveals the most secret knowledge of the Lord, reveals secrets to the prophets, brings the Good News to the Virgin Mary. The Lord sends him to bring the good news to the earth, and also to inform the human race of the impending salvation. On icons, it is often depicted with a flowering branch or lily. In addition, there are often images with a mirror in his hands, and sometimes with a candle located inside the lamp. Such an image signifies that the ways of the Lord are not always understood, they are comprehended only after some time, by studying the word of God. The mirror is covered with black and white spots, which reflects the good and bad deeds of people.
Often the image of this saint is present on the northern door of the iconostasis. Each church has an icon depicting this saint. It is often depicted on the iconostasis, the side gates of the altar, or applied to the walls and dome of the temple. Often, Gabriel is presented in the form of a golden-haired angel with wings folded behind his back, in the garment of a deacon, which emphasizes his constant, zealous service to the Lord. He blesses with his right hand, and holds a spear in his left.
There is another symbolism on the icons, each of which has its own specific meaning, in particular:
- green branch;
- lamp;
- mirror.
The green branch of the tree of paradise symbolizes the plant that he presented to the Virgin Mary when he brought her the good news. A lantern with a lit candle inside symbolizes prayer, as all angels pray incessantly. The mirror reflects all the good and bad deeds of people. It is made of jasper, therefore it is able to proclaim all the secrets of the Lord. In some cases, Gabriel may be portrayed in the armor of a warrior.
One of the tasks was to help the Virgin Mary in her earthly life. In addition, he fulfills many other instructions of the Lord, many of which are described in the Bible. In the Bible, Gabriel is mentioned as the teacher and spiritual mentor of Joseph, as well as the guardian of the chosen people.
Gabriel is considered the guardian angel of the chosen people. According to the teachings of Muslims, it was from him that Mohammed received his revelations. He instructed the prophet Moses in the wilderness, and also transmitted to him the instructions of the Lord, which he wrote down in the Bible, starting from the moment of creation of the world.
To this archangel it is customary to address with pleas for pregnancy, since he brought the happy news to the Virgin Mary and Zechariah. In addition, they pray to him if there are problems with the liver and kidneys, for the treatment of infertility and the preservation of the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy. This saint helps to get rid of various fears and phobias, to restore faith in love, to direct the true path. However, it is worth remembering that he absolutely does not tolerate betrayal and deception and can severely punish an evil and vicious person.
Before embarking on a prayer, you must definitely wash yourself and also cleanse your thoughts, throwing all problems and negativity out of your head.
Archangel Raphael
Studying the names of the archangels and their purpose, one cannot but mention Raphael, since he is revered by Christians. People cry out to him, praying for the healing of the body. He is considered a healer from the Lord. Saint Raphael is the archangel of mercy and help for suffering and destitute people.
He is considered the patron saint of all doctors and caring for other people. However, it is worth remembering that only a pious person who is merciful to others can receive help from the archangel Raphael, because otherwise the saint simply will not hear prayers. On the icons he is depicted with medicines and a trimmed bird feather, which he uses to treat wounds.
Those who bear the name Raphael need to be merciful and compassionate with the suffering, because otherwise they will lose their spiritual connection with the patron.
Archangel Uriel
The names of the 7 archangels are found in many biblical references. One of the saints is Uriel, which means enlightener. He illuminates with his divine light those who were captured by darkness. Archangel Uriel patronizes people who have the ability to science, but also reminds us that you can not live only by science. Most of all you need to love the divine truth.
Traditionally depicted with a sword and flame. Like an angel carrying light, he enlightens the minds of people and reveals the truth to them. In addition, Uriel inflames people's hearts and fills them with true love for the Lord, and also helps to eliminate unclean thoughts and earthly attachments. There is an opinion that he rules the heavenly bodies.
Archangel Selafiel
Among the names of the archangels in Orthodoxy can be distinguished - Salafiel, which means "minister of prayer." This saint warms the hearts of people for prayer, and also helps in it. A person is very weak and fusses all the time, therefore, often he simply will not be able to fully open his heart. He is revered by the Orthodox as a prayer book of the Lord, as he prays all the time and encourages people to pray for salvation.
Very often the icons depict the archangel Salaphiel praying, than he sets an example for Christians. Seeing the saint in this position, Christians also try to always be in a position during prayer that is appropriate for a person who decently prays.
Archangel Yehudiel
Many do not know the names of the Orthodox archangels and their purpose, since not everyone studies the Holy Scriptures. One of the saints is Yehudiel, who is known only by ancient traditions, since the Bible and the Gospel do not mention him. He is depicted holding a golden crown, as well as a scourge of three red branches. The archangel encourages the eternal reward of people who work for the glory of the Lord.
Every work is done only through labor, and many acts can be very difficult. However, every righteous and good deed is done under the auspices and protection of this saint. The more challenging the task, the higher the reward. Therefore, he is often depicted with a crown, which symbolizes the reward for the working person.
A scourge of twigs symbolizes the punishment of sinful people for laziness and ungodly deeds. Archangel Yehudiel is the patron saint of monasticism, a mentor in work, an assistant to the needy, and also an intercessor on the way. According to the belief of Christians, he patronized the Israelites during their 40-year wandering in the desert.
Archangel Varahiel
The names of the archangels in Orthodoxy indicate their deeds, which is why it is very important for every Christian to know them. One of them is Barahiel, who sends God's blessing to people for good deeds. On icons, he is traditionally depicted in a pink outfit, which symbolizes the grace of a blessing for good, as well as infinity. On his chest are white roses, which symbolizes the impending bliss and infinite peace.
This saint patronizes the good and pious people, asking the Lord for blessings from them. It gives people the opportunity to live in salvation and health. It is the patron saint of pious families, as well as the guardian of purity of body and soul.
How to ask for help from archangels
Throughout a person’s life, angels and archangels accompany him. How many of them and the names of the saints are known to many, but not everyone knows how to properly seek help. To ask for protection or anything else, you must say the prayers intended for this.
The clergy recommend prayers in the church, near the icon with the face of the saint whom they are addressing. In this case, you must say a specially designed prayer, the text of which can be found in the holy books or address this question to the clergyman.
Some people mistakenly believe that you can turn to the archangels for help only on a specially designated day of the week, however, this is not so. You can turn to the saint and ask him for help, and you can also read a prayer at any time. That is what priests say about this.
Knowing the names of the archangels and their purpose in Orthodoxy, you can determine when and to which saint you need to pray in order to receive the forgiveness of the Lord, learn the truth, get rid of illnesses or attract good luck.