Every year on November 21 (8) the church celebrates a wonderful and bright holiday - the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other heavenly Forces ethereal - invisible angels that were created by God before man. And although he is not one of the great and twelfth festivities, nevertheless he was always very revered and loved in Russia.
A bit of history
The feast of the Archangel Michael, or simply St. Michael's Day, was established long ago, at the beginning of the 4th century at the Local Laodicean Cathedral. In apostolic times, an erroneous, heretical view appeared that Christ could not be directly addressed in prayer, but only to Angels. They were worshiped as creators and rulers of the world. In accordance with the established cathedral rule, this false teaching was condemned and rejected, and their correct, Christian veneration as God's servants was approved.
Feast of the Archangel Michael, the date of which is November 21, according to the new style (November 8, according to the old style), was established on this day by chance. November is the ninth month of March, which in ancient times was the beginning of the year. According to Christian teaching, there are exactly 9 angelic ranks. In addition, the eighth day of the month (according to the old style) is considered an indication of the upcoming Council of all Heavenly Powers, which should take place on the day of the Great and Terrible Judgment of God. It is called by the Holy Fathers as "the eighth day." It is the angels on it that will testify to the life of man, about all his deeds that he committed.
Holy Archangel Michael
The doctrine of angels is based on Divine Revelation. Archangel Michael, one of the faithful and faithful servants of God, has long been especially revered in Russia as an ardent defender of the faith and a fighter against false beliefs and heresies. He is also a patron of the army, an assistant in spiritual warfare against evil, a defender of the offended and oppressed. And at present, Orthodox people are aware of the power of his prayer and impudence before God, and the feast of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is considered one of his favorites. Translated from the Hebrew language, his name means "who is like God."
Feat of the Archistratig
Archangel Michael, the leader of the heavenly army, possessing great spiritual strength, performed his first feat in heaven. During the betrayal and retreat of Dennitsa (which means "Morning Dawn"), once the most beautiful and brightest of all the spirits of heaven, the Archistratigus gathered all the angelic ranks and armies that remained faithful to God. As many as nine regiments were recruited by a celestial commander. They blew their trumpets and fell upon the enemy. And a very long and fierce battle began. How long it lasted is unknown. And Dennitsa fell from heaven like lightning into a terrible and gloomy abyss, along with all the spirits rebelling with him.
Scripture tells of the participation of Angels and Archangels in many Old Testament events, their appearance to various people. The commander of God since ancient times is glorified by his help and miracles in Russia. Many believed that he was a thunderstorm of all evil evil forces, which, when it appears, runs away or falls through the ground. In addition, he was considered the patron saint of soldiers, whom he helped in the battle, strengthened morale.
Messengers of the Lord
On the feast of Michael the Archangel on November 21, other Archangels known from the Holy Scripture are also honored:
- Raphael - a guide and a doctor of human ailments, help and healing of the Lord.
- Uriel is the radiance of the divine fire. Enlightens the mind and heart of a person with the revelation of truth, instructs on the path of repentance, ignites the heart with love for God.
- Gabriel is the strength and fortress of the Lord. He appeared to some righteous people for the proclamation of great and joyful events.
- Selafiel - a prayer book for people, warms the hearts and encourages
- prayer.
- Yehudiel, the accomplice of all those who strive on the path of Christ, strengthens the working people for the glory of God and intercedes for their reward for honest work and deeds.
- Varahiel is the giver of blessings and mercy from the Lord for all good deeds. Helps in correcting life.
- Jeremiah is an exaltation to God.
- Tahil - helps and protects in misfortunes and troubles.
- Gefail - kindles the love of God.
Miracle in Honeh
More than once in a year the Feast of the Archangel Michael is celebrated. 2014 was no exception. On September 19, the miracle that occurred in the 4th century AD was recalled. e. Heavenly Governor in Honeh (Colossus), near the Phrygian city of Hierapolis. According to legend, in a place called Khoni, there was a healing spring through which Archangel Michael gave healing. Not only Christians, but also those of other faiths, were cured of their ailments here, and, assured of the power of the Christian faith, accepted holy baptism. A certain Hellene, whose daughter received healing at the source from dumbness, in gratitude to God, built a church in that place in the name of St. Archistratigue. A man named Arkhip, who became famous for his Christian and virtuous life, lived and served as a priest at the temple. The pagans, out of hatred of Jesus Christ, decided to destroy the temple and at the same time destroy this righteous one by flooding that place. Connecting the two rivers, they directed the flow to the place where the temple was located. The saint began in fervent prayer to ask the heavenly patron for deliverance from trouble. And a miracle happened. At a time when a stream of water from two rivers was already approaching the church, Archangel Michael, appearing on the ground, somehow miraculously stopped the desire for water. So the temple was saved from destruction, and the Gentiles fled. In memory of this event, the feast of Michael (Archangel) was established on September 19.
As celebrated the feast of the Archangel Michael
Last year 2014, of course, could not do without Mikhailov’s day. But now few people know and celebrate this holiday. Another thing before! On Mikhail Day in Russia traditionally began folk celebrations and festivities at the end of rural work. The feast of Michael (Archangel) on November 21 was celebrated by believers noisily and merrily. The Orthodox peoples did not have any special customs on this day, however, in every house, believers with great hospitality and joy were waiting and receiving guests. And they themselves tried to go on a visit.
The walk was excellent: by that time the harvest had already been harvested, and all the necessary agricultural work was completed. On the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, they did not spare wine, it just flowed like a river.
We walked for a whole week, as the Philippine fast began , which prepared Christian believers for a joyous meeting of the Nativity of Christ. The feast of the Archangel Michael was the end of the wedding season.
On this day, it was customary to treat all guests with jelly and cake. The meal began, as a rule, with noodles and drinks, and only then meat dishes were served. They drank tea with pies and bagels. The main feast rolled up the next day early in the morning. And on the third day, guests came from other villages.
November 21 is the feast of the Archangel Michael. Signs
In some cases, signs on this day carry a purely spiritual, Christian meaning, but much more often they are simply a response of the popular consciousness to the changing seasons, as well as some remnants of paganism.
On November 21 (the feast of the Archangel Michael), the people had such signs:
- What is the weather like on Mikhailov’s day, so will St. Nicholas (December 19). When snow falls - be snowy winter.
- If there is a thaw, snow will appear only towards winter Nicola. Frosts will be small.
- It portends a mild winter with a small number of cones on fir trees.
- If it dawns on the feast of the Archangel Michael earlier than usual - soon expect a cold.
- Morning fog - wait for the thaw soon.
- Clear day - severe frosts will come.
- Wet snow on holiday - in the spring it will rain.
- To hear the church bell ringing on this day is to be in trouble.
- It is necessary to take a steam bath in the bath, then you will not be sick for a long time.
- If a child is born on the Orthodox holiday of the Archangel Michael, his health will be very good, and when he grows up, he will become a good doctor.
Icons of Archangel Michael
On holy icons, as a rule, the Archangels are depicted according to the nature of their ministry. Archangel Michael is most often represented as a winged youth or man. He looks very warlike. He can be depicted in full growth or on horseback, dressed in military armor. He holds in his hands a fire sword or spear, which is decorated with a white banner on top, symbolizing purity and fidelity to God. It ends with a cross. With his feet Michael tramples on the defeated spirit of malice - the devil. There are icons on which he is unarmed. He holds a mirror in his hands, symbolizing the foreknowledge he received from the Lord.
In the XII century, the stories of the Last Judgment appeared, where he is portrayed as a formidable warrior with scales, in which the devil is trying to outweigh one cup.
What they pray on Mikhailov Day
People are not allowed to see the whole intensified struggle leading by the angels for the salvation of each person. However, many often enough in their life they feel that there is someone wonderful who inspires us with good thoughts and desires. In Russia, the Orthodox feast of the Archangel Michael is considered a special day when all believers pray for strength, for help in physical healing, deliverance from sorrows and troubles. In addition, people ask for protection from all visible and invisible enemies, for the salvation and preservation of the state.