The icon of the Archangel Michael - history, meaning, what helps

The icon of the Archangel Michael is one of the most famous and revered in Christianity. Its meaning is truly enormous, and its power knows no bounds. It has long been visited by believing people in order to find healing and help in their daily affairs, and most importantly - to know faith in the Lord and to become closer to Him in their thoughts and deeds. It is the greatest icon, which in its semantic and spiritual significance has no equal in the entire history of the formation of Orthodoxy.

What does the icon of the Archangel Michael help in?

Orthodox people venerate the Archangel Michael. He is asked for protection in battle, and to give strength to resist the enemy. Saint Michael begs God for some human sins that they committed in their lifetime, but earned forgiveness by good deeds. Also:

helps to get rid of bitterness, sorrow, grief and anxiety; of great importance the image has for sick people, helps in healing; at the icon one prays for living family members, that they are passed over by the temptations of life and weakness of spirit.

Before the image of Archangel Michael they pray for the salvation of the souls of relatives who have died. September 19 and November 21 are considered days when miracles are performed in the spiritual world. On these days the saint visits hell and extinguishes the flames with his wing. He manages to bring out of purgatory the souls of those so diligently prayed for. Deceased relatives are called by name and prayed for at 24:00 at night. Such an opportunity was given to the saint for his struggle with Satan.

What does the icon of the Archangel Michael protect from:

The image of the Saint is brought into the new dwelling. It is believed that the house will be reliably protected from any illegal intrusions, thieves and bandits. The house will be bypassed by bad people and devilish forces. The icon helps in protection from any visible and invisible evil, from robbers, troubles and misfortunes, saves from natural disasters.

Also read: Prayers to the archangels by day of the week

Angelic Peace

First of all, let us note that the word "angel" in translation from the ancient Greek means "messenger, messenger." The existence of this incorporeal being is equally recognized by the three monotheistic religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism. His main task is to proclaim to people the will of God, hence the name. Traditionally, he is depicted as an anthropomorphic (i.e., combining human and animal features) creature, endowed with wings.

According to theological concepts, the angelic world has a complex hierarchy, and in each religion it is different. Without touching on this vast subject, it should only be mentioned that in Christian angelology, the section of theology dealing with this topic, it is generally accepted that the archangels belong to the eighth of the nine angelic ranks.

The prefix "archi" in Greek means "senior, chief." Thus, it is not difficult to guess that the archangel is none other than the oldest angel. In all three monotheistic religions, or as they are also called "Abrahamic" (because they go back to the patriarch Abraham), the most famous and revered is the holy archangel Michael. In Orthodoxy he is often referred to as Archistratigus Michael, indicating his supreme position in the heavenly host.

Warrior and Archistratigus, miracle worker

Sometimes the saint is depicted with a sword. "The leader of the Lord's army" is how the Holy Scriptures describe this archangel. He is the main fighter against the evil existing in the world and leads the heavenly host. That is why he is also called the Archistratigus, that is, the senior soldier, the commander, the leader.

Almost all icons represent the Archangel Michael wearing a soldier's armor and armed with a sword (spear). After all, he was the first to raise the bright heavenly host to fight against the fallen angels led by Lucifer, defeated them and cast them "into the depths of the underworld".

And the battle between good and evil continues to this day, but - already on earth. It is a battle for human souls, and therefore each of us living here is an unwitting participant on one side or the other.

The most significant miracle performed by the Archangel Michael in Choneh is even honored with a special celebration.

At the beginning of the new era in a certain Phrygian area there was a temple in honor of the Archangel and a healing spring nearby. This temple was built by a townsman in gratitude to God and the holy Archangel Michael for healing his daughter's dumbness.

Archistratigus Michael revealed to him in a dream that the girl would gain the gift of speech by drinking water from this spring. And so it happened. And not only Christians, but also pagans, many of whom believed in Christ, began to come to the holy spring ever since. This was also helped by the sexton Archipp, who served in the temple for a long time.

The miracle at Chonae.Angry with Christians in general, and with Archippus in particular, the pagans plotted to destroy the temple and at the same time destroy its diligent servant. They joined the two mountain rivers into one channel and directed the stream to the temple.

After Archippus' fervent prayer, the Archangel himself appeared to the church and struck the mountain with his rod and opened a broad opening in it, into which the raging waters rushed. The temple thus remained unharmed. And the place became known as Honi, "cleft, orifice."

The Church has established two days of celebration in honor of the Archangel Michael: September 19 commemorates the miracle he wrought in Chonae, and November 21, since the beginning of the fourth century, the Council of the Archangel Michael has been celebrated, signifying the totality of all the heavenly Forces of the Incarnate Host, headed by Archistratigus Michael. It is especially recommended to turn to him in prayer on these days.

Ancient literature preserves many mentions of miracles wrought by the Great Angel. One of them occurred in our land. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Archangel helped Novgorodians resist the invasion of Batu Khan. He literally stood up to the enemy, forbidding them to enter the fortress walls, and the great war was stopped.

Read about the holy martyr Trifon in our article.

Michael's miraculous deeds

Many accounts have been preserved of miracles that occurred thanks to the participation of the heavenly archistratigus.

1. In the year 590, Rome was seized by a merciless plague. The clergy considered this epidemic to be a punishment for human sins and organized a penitential procession. During its conduct, the figure of Michael with a sword appeared on the roof of one of the city's mausoleums. After this amazing event the terrible disease receded.
2. In 630 the pagan tribes attacked the Italian city of Siponte. Its inhabitants began to fervently pray to Michael. Responding to their prayers, the Archistratigus protected the worshippers and appeared to the attackers in a fearsome form. Seeing his unearthly figure, the enemies retreated in terror. After these events a temple in honor of the heavenly host was erected with a healing spring in the altar.
3. In the fourth century in Phrygia there was an event known as the miracle at Choneh. Here the Archistratigus saved a Christian temple from flooding by breaking a stone with a blow of his spear and diverting a destructive stream of water from the sacred place. Many local residents had witnessed this miracle.
4. According to legend, Michael was the famous Frenchwoman Jeanne d'Arc. It is believed that thanks to the archistratigus she made the decision to coronate Charles the Seventh. Many believe that the archistratigus blessed the French troops for the battle of Orleans.
5. Miracles connected with the Archangel's participation in earthly events also took place on Russian soil. On the way of the armies of Batu Khan, who attacked Novgorod, Michael and the Blessed Virgin appeared, who prevented the implementation of their plans.

Many of the events described are reflected in religious paintings dedicated to the luminous image of the warlord of spiritual forces.

The meaning of the icon

The depiction of the icon of the Archangel Michael accepts two compositional variants: with a full-length and waist-length recreation of the image, although the appearance of the Archistratigus retains its features. Thus the Archangel holds with his right hand a spear ending in a cross, or a flaming sword, with which he pierces the dark power, the enemy of the human race, personified by the devil. The scarlet cloak clutched on his left shoulder develops behind him and thus the icon of the Holy Archangel Michael takes on a bellicose appearance. The shield and armor on the icon of the Archangel Michael also have a special place, the significance of which lies in giving the image greater power, the strength of a warrior, ready to perform his duty at any moment. In addition, the image of the Archangel in armor is a reminder of his importance in sacred history, when, according to biblical legends, Michael gave a helping hand to Joshua.

A huge number of icons depict the Archangel, which once again emphasizes his great importance for believers. He has remained not only in the past, but in the future he will play an important role, being not only the central image of the Archangel Michael, but also the leading figure of the whole sacred description, who will fight on the side of the Good, leading the heavenly warriors.

How to place the image of Michael at home

The icon of Archistratigus Michael can be placed or hung in any corner of the house. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the shrine is located away from household appliances and secular items.

It is not recommended to place the image in the kitchen or bathroom. The best place for this purpose would be a hallway, living room, or bedroom. Near the icon should not be present any accessories. Keep the sacred picture must be kept clean.

The face of the heavenly archistratigus can be placed separately or in a home iconostasis. Near it, be sure to adapt the lampstand with consecrated oil, which can be bought in every Orthodox church.

The origin of the name and its interpretation

To begin with the name of the Archangel Michael, the interpretation of which conceals many interesting things. Gregory Palamas christened the angels "second lights," what could this mean? Anthony Surozhsky gives his interpretation of this definition: angels are completely transparent and divine light spills through them to people. At the same time, each angel has a name, and it means something. The name given to the archangel Gabriel indicates that God saves us all. Raphael heals, he is the chief healer of the heavenly powers of the incorporeal.

But the word "Michael" has several translations. The most popular are "One God" and "No one like God. Metropolitan Anthony summarizes these meanings and says that we should understand the oneness of God. And we should worship the Most High. Therein lies the meaning of the name of Saint Michael.

Description of the holy image.

The Bible does not explicitly state when exactly the angels were created, but most of the holy fathers point out that they appeared before Adam, as representatives of the spiritual realm. As incorporeal beings, angels have something in common with man - free will. Only, unlike humans, angels are incapable of betraying God if they once chose obedience. They can also become visible to humans in order to communicate God's will to them.

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How is it that people have the courage to depict that which is invisible to their eyes and incomprehensible to their minds? God Himself gave His blessing for depicting heavenly creatures back in the Old Testament, a very ancient tradition. Pictures of angels are not portraits, but symbolic representations of their nature and abilities.

According to Blessed Theodorite, angels appear to people in a form that they are able to perceive and not be frightened. But also the appearance should indicate that a messenger of God is before man. Similarly, the celestial inhabitants are represented in images. The icon of the Archangel Michael can be recognized by the description of the main angelic attributes:

• wings - symbolize speed, the ability to penetrate space;
• Nimbus - holiness;
• The dolmatik (mantle) is blue or white, sometimes gold;
• The hymation (cloak) is red;
• The staff indicates the role of a messenger;
• The toroka (hair ribbon) is a sign of obedience to the Lord;
• the appearance of a handsome young man - indicates the perfection of the angelic nature.

There is also a mirror, which the Archangel Michael can hold in his hands - it is a sign of foresight. When in doubt, any icon can always be identified by the title, which is written next to the image, above or below it.

Revered Images

The faces of the Archangel Michael are depicted on the altars of all Orthodox churches. The most famous subject images are:

The revered icon located in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. In its center is depicted the figure of an angel who is dressed in military robes and holds a sword in his hand. The face of the angel is surrounded by stamps with images of his deeds.A large number of copies has the icon "Miracle in Honi", the plot of which is based on the biblical legend about the rescue of the Christian temple from the flooding in the village of Honi. In the foreground are the figures of praying sexton Archippus in monastic attire and Archistratigus Michael breaking the stone with a strike of his spear and diverting the water flow away from the church. The second plane is filled with the walls of the city and the townspeople who witnessed the miracle and believed in the power of the Lord.The Miracle of the Archangel Michael in ChonekhFrequently repeated Orthodox iconographic subject is the Miracle of Flora and Lavra. The great heavenly warrior is believed to have taught the revered Orthodox saints to care for horses. At the top of the image is placed the archangel passing bridles from the two horses to Florus and Laurus, standing on either side of him.In many temples one can see icons depicting the apocalypse. The Archangel Michael rides over the world on a red winged horse, blowing a trumpet of fire. He holds a book in one hand and a cross or trident in the other. The fiery horse tramples with his feet a dragon or a freak, symbolizing the leader of evil forces. In Orthodox religious painting this subject is called the Archangel Michael the Voivode. One should know: the Archangel Michael is depicted not only on icons, but also on artistic representations by secular artists. It is important to understand that icons are meant to help one focus on prayer. They express the essence of the holy image. And the artistic image tells the story of some event. It is admired, and prayers are made before the icon.

Miracles of the heavenly warlord

• The veneration of the archangels lies not only in the Bible, but also in miracles, the memory of which has survived since antiquity. Byzantine kings even depicted them on coins (where usually only kings were present).
• In the 6th century. Rome was overcome by the plague. During the procession, Pope Gregory saw the Archangel Michael putting the sword into its scabbard. The epidemic has been on the wane since that time. Now the top of Hadrian's Mausoleum is adorned with a statue of the Archangel (now the Castle of the Holy Angel).
• Veliky Novgorod was not taken by the Tatars under the leadership of Batu Khan thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God and Archistratigus Michael. This event is witnessed in the chronicles of the 16th century.
• Saints Laurus and Florus were taught the art of riding by their heavenly patron.
• Several Athos monasteries keep their own legends about how the Archangel Michael saved the monks from illness and attacks by robbers.

What the icon of the Archangel Michael helps in

The image of Michael is truly revered by Christians around the world as a miracle worker. He is a symbol of salvation and hope, support and the search for the righteous path, everything that invariably cleanses the soul from evil thoughts and grants the eternal - faith and the grace of God.

In particular, the Archangel is approached in such situations:

to fight ailments, both physical and mental; to heal from various kinds of diseases; to choose one's true destination, path; for help in military affairs; during the building of new temples and the restoration of destroyed ones; to protect from enemies; to find a way out of the current circumstances in life.

The face of the saint helps in many cases, if the man himself sincerely asks him for it and is ready to do everything in his power to overcome all difficulties and to fight all the evil that surrounds him, while remaining pure in his thoughts and righteous in his actions. Only then will the help of a saint matter, for only by knowing one's inner self can one know God.

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Prayer before the icon

Since the shrine patronizes military personnel, the icon of Archistratigus Michael is honored in the homes of their families at any hour, not twice a year. In general, there are no restrictions or set time limits in prayers, when one could ask for protection or deliverance from doubts or temptations.

Holy and great Archangel Michael, the first in the angels of the Trinity, the head of the human race, the helper and protector, who with his armies has crushed the head of the wicked Prince in heaven, and who shattered all his malice and guile on earth! To you we come with faith and to you we pray with love: be thy shield indestructible and thy armor firmly for the Holy Church and our Orthodox homeland, shielding them with thy lightning sword from all enemies, visible and invisible. Do not forsake us, O Archangel of God, with thy help and intercession, as we glorify thy holy name to-day: for even though we have sinned much, we do not want to perish in our iniquities, but rather to turn to the Lord and be revived by him for good works. Let us illuminate our minds with the light of the face of God, which doth shine on thy lightning-shaped forehead, that we may understand that it is God's will for us, good and perfect, and lead us to all that we must do and all that we must despise and forsake. Strengthen by the grace of the Lord our weak will and our weak will, so that when we are established in the law of the Lord, we may cease to be dominated by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, being drawn, like children without sense, to the perishable beauties of this world, as for the sake of the temporal and earthly, madly, to forget the eternal and heavenly. Over all these things, grant us from above the spirit of true repentance, unselfish sorrow for God, and brokenness for our sins, so that the days of our temporary life may be spent not in pleasing our senses and working our passions, but in purging the evils we have done with tears of faith and brokenness of heart, with feats of purity and holy works of mercy. And when the hour of our consummation, of our deliverance from the bonds of this mortal body, draws near, do not leave us. O Archangel of God, defenseless against the evil spirits of the heavens, who habitually prevent the souls of mankind from entering high places, so that, with your protection, we may reach those glorious villages of paradise without delay, where there is neither sorrow nor lamentation, but life without end; and when we are granted to see the shining face of our Lord and Master, falling down with tears at his feet, let us exclaim in joy and contentment: Glory be to Thee, our dearest Redeemer, for Thy exceedingly great love for us unworthy ones, Thou art pleased to send Thy angels in the service of our salvation. Amen.

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The meaning of the icons of the Archangel Michael

The saint is often represented on icons with a pike in his right hand and in his left hand he holds an orb-mirror, which was given as a gift of insight. Later icons depict the overthrow of Satan, with the saint represented as the victor. In his right hand is a pike and in his left is a bowl with scales. The icon has a metaphorical meaning; the image of Lucifer is a generalization of the lawlessness, violence, and arbitrariness that men create. The victor holds a branch of a date palm with his right hand and a spear with a scarlet cross with his left, a sign of victory over Satan.

The archangel is often represented holding a burning shield and Excalibur. Always present is a bright red robe, the symbol of the victor and protector.

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Sometimes you can find an image of a saint on a winged red horse. With his left hand he holds the Gospel, with his right hand he holds a pike which throws Satan into a hyena. Under the hooves of the stallion are the ruins of the earthly state. Between the hands of the archangel is a rainbow of all colors.

Also read: A prayer of protection to the Archangel Michael

The icon of the "Miracle in Honeh" is the most popular among other images. The icon on the left shows the Archangel Michael with a rod in his hand. Two vertical streams of water emerge from the cleft, forming an arch. On the right, Archippus is depicted in a prayer position.

There are also depictions of the saint in waist-length armor, full-length and ornate robes, dalmatic and lora, embroidered with diamonds and wearing gold boots.

In every Russian temple there is an icon of the Saint. Images or frescoes with the face of the Archangel Michael necessarily decorate any church. His image can be found on the items of church life, in his honor was named the city of Arkhangelsk and is decorated with the coat of arms of Russia.

Michael the Archangel of the ancient Jews and Muslims

As already mentioned, the image of the Archangel Michael is found in both Jewish tradition and Islam. At the ancient Jews he is known as Michael, together with the other archangels - Gabriel, Oriel and Raphael - guarding the four corners of the world. In the Qur'an he is called Micael, and is on the edge of the sea, crowded with angels and located in the seventh heaven. In Muslim imagination he is endowed with wings of emerald color.

Protection and support: in what cases

The main purpose of the angels - the fight against unclean spirits - does not overshadow the care of earthly people, helping them in their various troubles and illnesses.

Christian history has preserved many facts of such miraculous help, manifested by the archangel. The great multitude of Orthodox churches consecrated in his honor testifies to the veneration of St. Archistratigus Michael among the people. He is traditionally considered the protector and patron saint of soldiers.

The icon of the Archangel Michael is revered as a miracle worker. It is prayed to him on such occasions:

They pray for the health of those who have gone to war; they ask for the protection of the homeland from internal and external enemies; for the safe return of soldiers from the battlefields; for protection from evil forces; for protection from thieves and other troubles in their homes, especially when moving into new housing and its sanctification; they ask for support in tribulation and protection from temptation; for a safe journey or business trip; they also address prayers for healing of various illnesses.

The hypostasis of the Archistratigus as a healer seems a little unusual. However, it is not without a reasonable basis, which has reached our days from antiquity. Early Christians believed that the source of all diseases is the intrigues of evil spirits, and since the Archangel Michael is their victor, therefore, to get rid of disease is in his power.

Lucifer and Michael

The Archangel Michael overthrows Lucifer, Francesco Maffei

The battle with Lucifer is a symbolic moment because it combines aspects of the cult of the Archangel Michael. It makes sense that a saint (since he was elevated to the rank of commander of God's army) should be the victor over Satan and all the darkness that exists in our world. This is precisely the kind of liberator that people saw in him.

Michael's main task is to fight Lucifer, which does not end with the defeat of the latter at the very beginning of the creation of the universe. At the beginning of all time Michael overthrew the enemy, defeated him, and at the end of time will lead all deceased believers to the Last Judgment. And between these two extremes, which are the beginning and the end of human history, Archangel Michael is still fighting Lucifer for the sake of all mankind.

Performing miracles, protecting the righteous, defeating evil forces with his righteous sword Archangel Michael is the protector of the souls of the deceased and the intercessor of the living. Appeal to the angel with a prayer, and receive the support of one of the most powerful divine helpers.

Where to place the icon

Icons exist in different sizes and types, so the main criterion for choosing is not certain parameters, but what is the soul - the choice according to the dictates of the heart - that's what you need to approach with the utmost responsibility. And after choosing the icon of Archangel Michael, where to place the icon at home is not of particular importance. It is not an amulet or magical thing, so the place of the icon in the house should only contribute to the reading of prayer.

If desired, you can install a special shelf in the corner, where you can light a lamp. Traditionally, it is placed in front of the icon and poured with a special oil purchased in the church.

Iconography

What does the Archangel Michael look like? In fact, the incorporeal beings do not have any form, but for clarity and better perception they are depicted in the form of people. The Archistratigus on the icons looks like a stout young man in military armor with a sword or spear in his hands and large wings behind his back. This makes it easier for people to understand where an angel is and where a holy man is.

Sometimes you can see a picture of the archangel with a sword and a shield in his hands. In later icons, Michael is depicted trampling the devil. From the 17th century onward, icons show pictures of the Last Judgment, depicting Michael with scales in his hands, weighing the souls of sinners.

The spherical mirror that Michael sometimes holds in his hand is an instrument of foresight. He received it from God himself.

The Significance of the Archangel Michael in Christianity

Church tradition states that God created a myriad of angels at the beginning of time. At the head of the angelic host was Denitsa, who later rebelled and turned into Satan. The Archangel Michael had to engage in battle with Denitsa, after which he was cast down from Heaven. Since then the holy host has been led by Archistratigi Gabriel and Michael. Here are a few more facts to know about Michael:

Archistratigus Michael has been referred to since apostolic times. Metropolitan Macarius referred to St. Michael as an "all-powerful weapon. Another sphere of activity of Michael the Archangel is the protection of the souls of the dead. Healing prayers addressed to the saint can bring considerable benefit. Healing springs dedicated to the archangel exist in Asia Minor. Coptic Christians dedicated November 12 to Michael.

Of some interest are the apocryphal sources. According to these sources Michael repeatedly helped the dead. Sometimes this character is referred to as the keeper of souls. There are a number of reasons for this:

Before entering Heaven, the soul is washed by an archangel; Jesus entrusted righteous souls to Michael the archangel - this was done before the Savior went to hell; when Our Lady walked through Hell, she was also accompanied by the archistratigus.

Guardian of Paradise and protector from evil

Little has changed since the fall of Satan - the Archangel Michael still stands at the guardian of Heaven's gates. The Archistratigus holds a sword in his hand, with which he strikes the forces of evil. This fact is reflected in the iconography. Note the nimbus of Michael - it includes a floral ornament. This detail is associated with the function of the heavenly guardian.

The archangel Michael is spoken of as the patron saint of warriors. However, there is one important condition - it is necessary to fight for a just cause. Invisible enemies (demons, evil spirits) constantly attack Christians. It is Michael who is charged with standing with his sword between us and the darkness. In some images, by the way, there is no sword, but a spear. The body of the saint wears a battle armor. John the Theologian writes that in the future, the dark and light armies will meet again in the final battle - and then Lucifer will be destined to experience a second defeat.

Miracles Wrought by the Archangel

The spectacular miracles performed by the Archangel Michael are firmly embedded in the history of Christianity. There is a legend that a resident of the Phrygian town of Colossae was able to heal his daughter who drank water from a miraculous spring. In gratitude the Phrygian erected a temple and dedicated it to Michael. This was the beginning of the miracle in Chonae. Further on, there is mention of Archippus of Cherotopos, who served in the local church as a sexton for about 60 years. This man caused incredible anger among the pagans, who eventually wanted to destroy the church.

The pagans acted insidiously - they directed the stream that resulted from the union of two rivulets toward the temple. To prevent the disaster, Archip prayed fervently, seeking solace in Michael. It was hard to think of anyone holier than the archangel - so reasoned the long-suffering sexton. The Archangel Michael poked the mountain with his rod, after which a huge rift opened. Water rushed into the breach, but the sanctuary itself held.

Archangels, Michael in particular, are mentioned in other miraculous stories. Here are examples:

The Plague in Rome. When the plague was raging in Italy (590), the pope held a solemn prayer service. It is not known whether he invoked the archangels, Michael or anyone else. Eventually Michael was seen on the roof of Hadrian's Mausoleum. After the miraculous apparition, the plague ceased. The mausoleum was renamed the Castle of the Holy Angel. Holy Sinner. During the time of Emperor Trojan there lived a beautiful Roman woman who was famous for her riotous lifestyle. She did not know about Archangel Michael, but one day she heard his voice telling about the Last Judgement. The sinner repented, believed in the Lord, fasted, and was soon taken up to heaven by a handsome young man. Siponte's Salvation. In the year 630. Siponte (there was such a city in Italy) was besieged. The Archangel Michael appeared to the local bishop to cheer up the townspeople. The pagans besieging the city also beheld the saint and immediately repented and, if tradition is to be believed, embraced the Christian faith. In honor of that event a temple was erected on the mountain. Salvation of Novgorod. This miracle took place in the year 1239. Batyi's army rushed to Novgorod, but the Virgin Mary and Michael appeared to the conqueror. Before that Batyi was in Kiev, where he saw a fresco depicting the Archistratigus. The army eventually turned back. The rescue of the heir. A certain young man was to become the owner of an impressive inheritance, but a neighbor plotted to kill the young man out of envy. The rich man tried to leave the boy in the woods and drown him in the depths of the sea, but the boy invariably survived thanks to the help of the archistratigus. In the end, the murderer accepted death by his own blade as he tried to saddle his horse. Joan of Arc. As you may recall, Joan of Arc constantly heard the voices of angels helping her make decisions. The saintly maiden was guided by the promptings of these voices. One of them was Michael.

Other Archangels.

According to the Bible, there are many angels, and over all is placed the commander of the forces of heaven. The Archangel Michael and the Archangel Gabriel can be depicted together in icons because they have the same dignity. They both stand before the throne of God, carrying out especially important assignments. People know them from Holy Scripture, which describes four Archangels: Gabriel, Michael, Uriel, Raphael.

Michael and Gabriel together are the patrons of the chosen people, protecting them as well as the whole world. Gabriel's special role in Judaism is to take the souls of righteous people. There is a veneration of the archangels also in Islam. In Christianity, he is the messenger who came to Zechariah, the Virgin Mary, and the prophet Daniel. On icons, he can be seen holding a lily or a branch of paradise. Also attributes of the archangel Gabriel are:

• a lantern with a candle burning inside - the inscrutability of God's ways, a symbol of trusting His Word and the voice of conscience;

• The mirror of jasper, in which one can see the good and bad deeds of men, also symbolizes the knowledge of the Truth.

Being real beings who have will, power and mind, angels are not bound, like people, by bodily shell, they are not subject to the laws of physics that are in force in our world. Their existence - outside of time, space and is incomprehensible to humans. Nevertheless, they are the protectors of humanity, they pray before God, and they carry out His plan for the salvation of the human race. Every pious believer, before going to sleep, prays to the guardian angel, as well as other representatives of the heavenly forces of the incorporeal.

• The icon of the Archangel Gabriel
• Icon of the Lord Almighty - here
• Icon of the All-Seeing Eye of God - here

Prayer to Archangel Michael

O, holy Archangel Michael, have mercy on us, sinners, who ask for your intercession, keep us, servants of God (names), from all visible and invisible enemies, and strengthen us from the terror of mortality and from the confusion of the devil, and enable us to stand unashamedly before our Creator at the hour of his terrifying and righteous judgment. O holy, great Archistratist Michael, do not despise us sinners who pray to you for your help and intercession in this age and the future. Do not despise us sinners, who pray to you for your help and intercession in this age and in the future, but grant that we may praise the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit together with you forever and ever. Amen.

O Lord, Great God, King without beginning, send your Archangel Michael to help your servants (name) Protect, Archangel, us from all enemies visible and invisible. O Great Archangel Michael, O Lord! Help us sinful (name) and deliver us from coward, flood, fire, sword, and from vain death, from great evil, from the enemy of the flatterer, from the storm of the carried, from the evil one, deliver us always and forever. Amen

O Lord Great Archangel Michael! O Lord, the Great Archangel Michael, the destroyer of demons, forbid all enemies who fight against me, and make them as sheep, and humble their wicked hearts, and crush them as dust in the face of the wind.

O great Archangel Michael, the Lord! Six-winged first prince and commander of the heavenly forces, Cherubim and Seraphim, be our helper in all troubles, hardships and sorrows, in the desert and on the seas a silent refuge.

Holy Archistratigus of God Michael, with your sword of lightning drive away from me the spirits of the evil one, tempting and tormenting me.

Thou art the first incorporeal angel and servant of the Divine illumination of this Self-witness and Mystery Worker, save us, Archistratrix Michael, honoring thee in good deeds and singing of the Trinity faithfully.

The Archangel in Canonical Texts

Canonical texts state that St. Michael the Archangel leads the angelic army. The authors of the New and Old Testaments write about the archangel. However, there are no direct references to Michael in the Old Testament, as you will learn later. In Scripture, the archangel Michael is associated with:

• a fighter against evil;
• a leader of the divine army;
• prince;
• archistratigus.

Among the canonical texts, Dionysius the Areopagite's On the Hierarchy of Heaven occupies a special place. The book appeared in the first century and describes all the angels who dwell in heaven. Dionysius believed that the angels were divided into a triad of first, second, and third faces. The first cast of visible and invisible creatures includes the Thrones, the Cherubim, and the Seraphim. To the second are the Powers, Powers and Lords. And here is the third countenance:

1. Angels. Protect people, deliver divine messages, protect us from evil.
2. Archangels. Heavenly teachers, guides everyone on the path of truth.
3. The Initiates. Controlling the elements of nature.

It turns out that in the Archangel Michael should be seen as a spiritual teacher and leader of the heavenly host, able to repel all evil. This is a servant spirit, subject to the Lord. But in the spiritual hierarchy St. Michael is given one of the most important roles.

Old Testament.

When we open the Holy Scriptures, we find numerous references to the holy archistratigus Michael. The leader of the heavenly host accompanied the Israelites on the road leading out of Egypt, helping them to find the right direction. At night the spirit turned into a pillar of fire, by day - into a pillar of cloud. Michael assisted Joshua when he approached the walls of Jericho. The miraculous transportation of the prophet Habakkuk to Babylon (straight from Judea) was also orchestrated by the mighty archistratigus. Because of this action, Daniel, languishing in captivity, was fed.

In the Old Testament there is an account of the total defeat of the Assyrian ruler Sinachherib, who lost 185,000 men in a battle with the Archangel Michael. The Archistratigus saved three young men and appeared to the prophet Balaam. And it was also said that the leader of the heavenly host would rise at the time of the Last Judgment and destroy all who were not written in the "book."

New Testament.

Judas mentions St. Michael in the text of the Council epistle. We learn that the archistratigus argued about Moses' body with the devil and forbade him to take away the mortal remains. This is the first time Michael is referred to as an archangel in this section of the Bible - not found elsewhere. Moses killed the Egyptian, and Satan sought to prove his authority over the prophet to the leader of the heavenly host. The same tale is duplicated in some apocrypha ("The Assumption of Moses").

The Revelation of John the Evangelist is another important source. It tells of a battle between an army of angels, subordinate to Michael, and a ten-horned and seven-headed dragon. The ancient serpent, according to the sacred text, was overthrown. It is also stated there that the dragon was "the devil and Satan. Together with the serpent the demons ("his angels") were defeated.

History of the origin of the character

The warrior of light is revered in three world religions, but the origin of his image is shrouded in mystery. Researchers disagree on this matter. It is believed that the name Michael was known as early as the eighth century B.C. and was used by the people who inhabited the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates. Scientists suggest that the legends of the saint have their roots in the religion of ancient Persia, in which it is customary to divide the warriors of light and darkness into two opposing camps.

The cult of the archangel is associated with folklore. Beliefs said that Michael appeared on three mountain peaks, the former dwelling place of the pagan deity Odin. Hence the saint's feast day, which falls on September 29. It is the date of the harvest and a festival in honor of fertility. Since the eighth century, images of the Archistratigus Michael have been inscribed on German battle banners.

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Image of the Archangel Michael.
The Archangel patronized the Germanic armies opposing the invading Hungarians in foreign lands. Michael was often associated with Siegfried, the conqueror of the dragon. The occult teachings mention the name of the archangel. Sacred texts also contain stories about him.

The biography of the archangel Michael is full of events that have made him revered even by Muslims. The stories and legends that accompany him say that Michael, the leader of light, leads the Lord's army into battle against the forces of evil and darkness ruled by Velal. In Islam, as well as in Christianity, the Archangel Michael occupies a high position. He is God's messenger, bestowing goodness and grace upon human hearts. Michael also commands the clouds. God's messenger oversees the observance of God's law and will be present at the Last Judgment as the defender of all lost believers.

The story of the Archangel Michael goes back more than a century - its source is the Bible. The book tells the story of how long before the first man appeared in heaven there was a war. Lucifer, who had experienced pride, rebelled against the Creator. The angel was cast out, along with several heavenly warriors who supported him. Turning into demons, they represented the side of darkness, and the archangel Michael, who stood in defense of the Creator, led his army. The book of Revelation describes the angels' struggle with the dragon when the ancient serpent, the incarnation of the devil, was cast down to earth.

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The Archangel Michael is also mentioned as a heavenly warrior in the Book of Daniel. It is also commonly believed that Michael helped the people of Israel in their search for the Promised Land. Scripture scholars suggest that he led the Israelites through the Red Sea, using a pillar of fire to cause the waters to part. The Old Testament recounts the deeds of the heavenly messenger, who is personified with the archangel Michael.

The saint is often addressed, asking for health. It is believed that he protects against evil forces that provoke ailments, and helps to resist them. There are many magical springs in the world that bear the saint's name. According to legend, Michael guards the gates of paradise, protecting them with his sword from uninvited guests.