Name that translates as angel. Names of archangels and angels, their meaning in Christian culture

In the Christian tradition, angels are creatures close to God, through them He can express His will to people, they are His army. Archangels, standing higher in rank, also have supernatural abilities, each has its own area of ​​responsibility, its own history. It is not at all necessary to look for the names of archangels and angels; believing parents often call their children with them, hoping that the heavenly namesake will protect them on the path of life.

Angelic hierarchy

Beings like angels are found in the mythology of many peoples, and many angels, in whose existence Christians believe, are also characters in Jewish and Muslim religious texts. Mentions of them are often found in the texts of religious figures who claimed that angels appeared to them to speak God's will to give instruction or prophecy about the future.

Angels are endowed with great power and many opportunities, but they never use them at their own discretion, all their actions are coordinated with God and never contradict His will. In addition, there is a clear hierarchy, according to which angels with different abilities are divided into different ranks. In total there are nine angelic ranks, which make up three triads.

It is believed that they are the closest to God and should carry His love. The name of these creatures comes from the Hebrew word meaning "fiery". Seraphim are described as beings with three pairs of wings and four faces, suggestive of their mythological roots, as they resemble beings from Assyrian mythology. It is possible that it was the myths of the peoples of Mesopotamia that became the ancestral home of the image of the seraphim.

They are just as close to God, have great wisdom and all the knowledge that God sees fit to give others. It is they who should bring the light of knowledge into the world, they represent the second rank after the seraphim. Cherubim is mentioned as the guardian of Eden, armed with a flaming sword. There are also references to the fact that God sat on cherubim, using them as a means of transportation.

So in the Christian tradition they call incorporeal spirits that serve God as a throne. In addition, the thrones are able to help judges and rulers make fair decisions.

They belong to the second triad of angelic ranks and represent the fourth rank of nine. References to dominions can be found in many early Christian texts, in which they are presented as beings capable of subduing passions, elevating the spirit over the body, and helping to master emotions.

These spirits are used by God to perform miracles and bestow the power of miracles on those most pleasing to him.

These creatures are endowed with the ability to control evil forces, repel their attacks and protect people from them, as well as cleanse thoughts from evil.

Beginnings are creatures similar in their functions to guardian angels, but they protect not one particular person, but a group (for example, on the scale of a tribe, nation, state). It is believed that God assigned them to every nation in order to protect, admonish, protect from rash acts, suggest correct and fair decisions.

VIII. Archangels

The archangels are considered the leaders of the divine army, they convey the will of God to the lower angels so that they communicate it to people. Archangels bring enlightenment, help strengthen people in faith. The highest among the archangels is Michael.

Angels are spiritual guides for people. An angel is assigned to each person, who guides him on the right path, protects him from adversity, bad thoughts. They are the voice of our conscience. Angels are the closest beings to people, however, they do not act on their own, because they receive instructions from God through his messengers.

Some archangels and angels, their deeds and influence on culture

The names of many angels and archangels are known to us not only thanks to the dogma, but also popular culture. References to their deeds are often found in religious texts.

The names of archangels and angels are found in Christian, Jewish and Islamic sacred texts. This serves as another proof of the relationship of the three religions.

(55 votes : 4.47 out of 5 )

The host of Angels, according to the Holy Scriptures, is numerous, the personal names of only the seven main Angels - the Archangels are known. What is the ministry of each Archangel, how does each help people and where can you read about them in Holy Scripture says this book.

HEAVENLY HIERARCHY

Archangels, Angels, Principalities, Thrones, Dominations and Seraphim of the Six-Crylatia, and many-eyed Cherubim of the Divine, Organic Wisdom, Strength and Power of the Divine, pray to Christ to grant our souls peace and great mercy.

The Word of God says: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (). Under the name of heaven, it is natural to understand spirits (), i.e. spiritual invisible world, or Angels. Holy Scripture, starting from the book of Genesis to the Apocalypse, presents us with Angels acting, fulfilling the commands of the Most High and protecting pious people with their cover. Holy Scripture narrates about the power and strength of the will of the Angels, and their fiery love for the Creator testifies to the purity and holiness of those who stand at the Throne of God.

Angels- the essence of the host of Heaven, according to the Gospel: “And suddenly there appeared with the Angel a numerous host of heaven, glorifying God and crying out: glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men” ().

God sends angels to proclaim His decrees. Therefore, they are called Angels, that is, messengers.

There are countless angels, the human mind is lost in their countless host.

But here the order that reigns among the heavenly spirits is amazing. Order, harmony is the beauty of perfection, the wisdom and truth of God. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is no monotony and stagnation - there is diversity, movement, activity, striving, great, multi-complex activity, unknown to us here on earth.

Seraphim are fiery, as directly coming to the One about whom it is written: “The sight of the glory of the Lord on the top of the mountain was before the eyes of the sons of Israel, like a consuming fire” (), His throne is a fiery flame (), because our God is a consuming fire () .

Seraphim blaze with love for God and excite others to the same love, as their very name shows, for “Seraphim” in Hebrew means: flaming.

After the Seraphim, before the Omniscient God, who lives in the impregnable light, many and you are e Cherubim always shining with the light of the knowledge of God, the knowledge of the mysteries and depths of the wisdom of God, enlightening themselves and enlightening others. The name Cherubim, translated from the Hebrew language, means: much understanding or an outpouring of wisdom, for through the Cherubim wisdom is sent down to others and enlightenment is given for the knowledge of God and knowledge of God.

Then God-bearing Thrones, for on them, as on reasonable thrones (as the saint writes), God rests. Resting on them in an incomprehensible way, God performs His righteous judgment, as David said: “For You have executed my judgment and my litigation; You sat on the throne, the righteous Judge "(). Therefore, through them, God's justice is predominantly manifested, helping earthly judges, kings, lords and rulers to carry out a righteous judgment.

In the middle hierarchy, as mentioned above, there are also three ranks of holy angels: Dominions, Powers and Powers.

dominance they send down power to prudent possession and wise management of earthly authorities, appointed by God, they teach to control feelings, humble obscene desires and passions, enslave the flesh to the spirit, rule over one’s own will and be above every temptation.

Forces filled with Divine strength and immediately fulfill the will of the Most High. They also work great miracles and send down the grace of miracles to the saints of God, so that they can work miracles, heal illnesses, foretell the future, help working and burdened people in carrying out the obedience entrusted to them, which explains their name of Power, i.e. they bear the infirmities of the weak. Forces strengthen each person in the patience of sorrows and misfortunes.

Authorities have power over the devil, tame the power of demons, repel temptations that are brought to people, do not allow demons to harm anyone to the extent that they wish, establish good ascetics in spiritual exploits and labors, protecting them so that they do not lose their spiritual kingdoms. Those struggling with passions and lusts are helped to drive away evil thoughts, slanders of the enemy and defeat the devil.

There are also three ranks in the lower hierarchy: Principles, Archangels and Angels.

Beginnings they rule over the lower Angels, directing them to the fulfillment of Divine commands. They are also entrusted with the management of the universe and the protection of all kingdoms and principalities, lands and all peoples, tribes and languages. s cov.

Archangels great evangelists are called, who proclaim great and glorious things. Archangels reveal prophecies, knowledge and understanding of the will of God, strengthen the holy faith in people, enlightening their minds with the light of knowledge of the Holy Gospel, and reveal the sacraments of pious faith.

Angels in the Heavenly hierarchy below all ranks and closest to people. They proclaim the lesser mysteries and intentions of God and instruct people to live virtuously and righteously for God, protect us from all evil. Angels are assigned to protect every Christian: they support us from falling, raise the fallen and never leave us, even if we have sinned, for they are always ready to help us, if only we ourselves wish.

The words of the Savior present us with convincing evidence of the Guardian Angels: “Look, do not despise any of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” ().

And not only every person has his Guardian Angel, but also every family, every pious society, every state.

The prophet Moses tells the people of Israel: “When the Most High gave inheritance to the peoples and settled the sons of men, then he set the limits of the peoples according to the number of the Angels of God” ().

But all the highest heavenly ranks are called common name– Angels. Although they, according to their position and according to the grace given by God, have different names - Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Forces, Authorities, Principles, Archangels, Angels - however, they are all generally called Angels, for the word Angel is not the name of a being, but of service. , according to the written: “Are not all of them service spirits sent to serve ...” ().

So, the Angels, fulfilling the will of God, as ministering spirits, take an active, living part in the fate of mankind. So, Angels proclaim to people the will of God, watch over states (), keep human societies, regions, cities, monasteries, churches and govern various parts lands (), have influence on the private affairs of people (), encourage, preserve (dan. b, 22), lead out of prison (), are present at the exodus of the soul from the body, accompany its procession through air ordeals, offer our prayers to God and intercede for us (). Angels come to serve people (), teach truth, virtue, enlighten the mind, strengthen the will and protect in life from troubles (). You can read about the appearances of good Angels in the Holy Scriptures -; ; ; ; .

Above all the nine Heavenly ranks of the Angels, Archangel Michael, as a faithful servant of God, was appointed by God as the chief and leader.

During the pernicious fall into the pride of Satan, his apostasy from God and falling into the abyss, the Archangel Michael, having gathered all the ranks and armies of the Angels, loudly exclaimed: “Look, let us become good before our Creator and we will not think about what is contrary to God! Let us see what suffered those who were created together with us and hitherto, together with us, were partakers of the divine light! Let us hear how, for the sake of pride, they suddenly fell from the light into darkness and from on high fell into the abyss! Let's see how Dennitsa, rising in the morning, slept from the sky and lamented on the ground.

But as a consolation, believers are given to see in Revelation that this primordial struggle with the enemy of our salvation will end in the perfect victory of the Lamb (and 20), and that in the struggle with the serpent we have the highest defenders and patrons, headed by the holy Archangel Michael.

When on earth the fate of God was revealed in a special way over the chosen people of the Jews, then the Church points to the holy Archangel Michael as the guardian, champion and defender of the people of God.

In the prophet Daniel, the Archangel Michael also appears as a special protector and patron of the Jewish people, always defending the Church from all her enemies ().

The Church in her hymns and prayers calls the Archangel Michael of the incorporeal Angels the first, the clerk and champion, and the Angels the chief leader, among the regiments of the Angelic elders, the heavenly ranks mentor (service 8 (21) November).

Therefore, the Archangel Michael is depicted in a militant form, with a spear and a sword in his hand, having a dragon under his feet, that is, the spirit of malice. The white banner adorning the top of his spear means the unchanging purity and unshakable fidelity of the Angels to the King of Heaven, and the cross with which the spear ends makes it clear that the battle with the kingdom of darkness and victory over it by the Archangels themselves is done in the name of the Cross of Christ, done through patience, humility and self-denial.

The Apostolic Scripture tells that the Archangel Michael argued with the devil about "the body of Moses" (), and served his burial, and the devil resisted that. Archangel Michael, the guardian of the Jewish people, contrary to the evil desire of the devil, hid the grave of the prophet Moses, so that the Jews, prone to idolatry, could not worship him as God.

The archangel of the power of the Lord, Archangel Michael, appeared to Joshua at the capture of Jericho: “Jesus, being near Jericho, looked, and sees, and behold, a man stands before him, and in his hand is a naked sword. Jesus went up to him and said to him: Are you ours, or one of our enemies? He said no; I am the captain of the host of the Lord, now I have come hither. Jesus fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down and said to him, What will my master say to his servant? The captain of the host of the Lord said to Jesus, Take off your sandals from off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy. Jesus did just that." This appearance of the holy Archangel Michael inspired Joshua with hope for heavenly help. Soon the Lord Himself appeared to Joshua and taught him the method by which Jericho, the first strong city in the land of Canaan, was successfully taken.

Antiquity was so deeply convinced of the authenticity of the appearance of the Archangel Michael to Joshua that on the site of the appearance, even in the early days of Christianity, a monastery was erected in the name of the holy Archangel Michael.

In general, the holy Archangel Michael of the pre-peace rank, the chief clerk, the minister of the glory of God and the commander of the angels, all-praise, helped the Israelites in their battles with enemies on the way to the promised land and accompanied Moses throughout his laborious life.

September 6 Art. Art. Orthodox Church celebrates a holiday called “Remembrance of the miracle of the Archangel Michael, who was in Khonekh (Colossae).

In Phrygia, near the city of Hierapolis, there was a temple in the name of the Archangel Michael and with it a healing spring. pagans, dissatisfied with the that the temple serves as a place of special veneration for Christians, they decided to destroy it. To this end, they connected two upland rivers into one channel and directed the course towards the temple. But through the prayers of St. Archippus, who lived at this temple, the holy Archangel Michael appeared and, with a blow of his staff, opened a cleft, which absorbed the water that was lowered onto the temple, and this place was called Hona (hole, cleft). Russia was also honored with the apparition of the Archangel Michael, like other countries. It was in 1608 in the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra during the invasion of the Poles to Rus', when the Archangel Michael appeared to Archimandrite Joseph, who at that time was the rector of the Lavra, with a beaming face, with a scepter in his hands and said to the enemies who had been besieging the monastery for several months: “Soon Almighty God will reward you with vengeance.” And the enemy, having stood at the walls of the monastery without any success, was forced to retreat in shame.

Defense of Russian cities Holy Mother of God always carried out by Her appearances with the Host of Heaven under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. Therefore, the faith of Orthodox Christians in the help of the Archangel Michael in all troubles, sorrows, needs is strong.

Archangel Michael in Old Testament referred to as "the great prince, standing for the sons of the people", he stands before the Throne of the Lord. In the Old Testament, the Holy Archangel Michael was the Guardian Angel of some leaders and rulers of the people of Israel, in the New Testament the Orthodox Church recognized him as a champion and intercessor for everyone, she encourages each and every true Christian to cry out to the first of the Angels for help and intercession before God. The Church recognizes the Archangel Michael as her Divine adornment, and the peace of the valley as a fence and affirmation (service on September 6 (19), can. No. 1). She teaches that the holy Archangel Michael bypasses the whole earth with a divine fortress, withdrawing from the fierce those who call on his divine name (ibid., pes. 3), calls him a divine preacher, a non-contemptible representative of the faithful, a guide and punisher of the lost (pes. 3), a prayer book for saving people (pes. 3). In a word, she makes everyone and everyone cry out to the great Archangel of God: “under the roof of your divine wings, fleeing by faith, Michael, divine mind, observe and cover through all life: and at the hour, Archangel, terrible mortal, you appear helper, to all of us most hospitable ”(service on November 8 (21), article on praise).

So, Archangel Michael is the winner of adversaries, the deliverer from all troubles and sorrows, the protector of all Orthodox Christians from visible and invisible enemy ov and evil spirits.

Archangel Michael is prayed for deliverance from sorrow, at the entrance to new house and on the foundation of the house, on the patronage of the throne and the state, on the salvation and preservation of Russia.

September 6 (19) celebration of the "Remembrance of the miracle of the Archangel Michael, who was in Khonekh (Colossae)" (IV).

On November 8 (21), the Holy Church glorifies all the Heavenly Forces, headed by the Archangel Michael. Archangel Michael is glorified as the leader of the Heavenly Forces and this holiday is called the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Forces.

Those who are adorned with the name of the first of the Archangels, that is, with the name Michael, are best distinguished by zeal for the glory of God, loyalty to the King of Heaven and the kings of the earth, constant war against vice and wickedness, constant humility and self-sacrifice.

Prayers to the Archangel Michael of God

Prayer 1st

Holy and great Archangel God's Michael, the inscrutable and essential Trinity, the first in the Angels to the primate, the kind of human guardian and guardian, crushing with his host the head of the proud day in heaven and always put to shame his malice and deceit on earth!

We resort to you with faith and pray to you with love: wake up the shield indestructible and take it firmly Holy Church and our Orthodox fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from all enemies, visible and invisible. Be a wise mentor and helper to all Orthodox Christian wearing them from the Throne of the King of kings enlightenment and strength, joy, peace and consolation. Be the leader and companion invincible to our Christ-loving army, crowning it with glory and victories over adversaries, may all those who oppose us know that God and His holy angels are with us!

Do not leave about the Archangel of God, with your help and intercession, and us, glorifying today holy name your; behold, if we are many sinners, we both do not want to perish in our iniquities, but to turn to the Lord and be revived from Him for good deeds. Illuminate our minds with the light of God, so that we can understand that there is a good and perfect will of God for us, and lead everything, even it is fitting for us to do and even despise and leave. Strengthen by the grace of the Lord our weak will and our feeble will, and having established ourselves in the law of the Lord, we will stop the rest of the earthly thoughts and lusts of the flesh and for the sake of the perishable and earthly, eternal and heavenly madness to forget. Above all of these, ask us from above for true repentance, unhypocritical sadness according to Bose and contrition for our sins, let us complete the number of days of our temporary life remaining for us in blotting out the evils we have committed. When the hour of our death and liberation from the bonds of this mortal body approaches, do not leave us, the Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of malice in heaven; ascending to the heavens that used to block the souls of mankind, yes, guard you, we will without stumble reach those glorious villages of paradise, where there is sadness, no sighing, but life is endless, and we will be able to see the bright face of the All-good Lord and our Master and give glory to Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen (from the service with an akathist).

Prayer 2

O Saint Michael the Archangel, light-like and formidable voivode of the Heavenly King! Before the Last Judgment, weaken to repent of my sins, deliver my soul from the net that catches me and bring me to the God who created it, sitting on the Cherubim, and praying for her diligently, but with your intercession I will go to the place of the deceased.

Oh, the formidable voivode of the Heavenly Forces, the representative of all at the Throne of the Lord Christ, the guardian, who is firm in all people and a wise armourer, strong voivode of the Heavenly King! Have mercy on me, a sinner who requires your intercession, save me from all visible and invisible enemies, moreover, strengthen me from the horror of death and from the embarrassment of the devil, and make me shamelessly present to our Creator at the hour of His terrible and righteous judgment. Oh, all-holy great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise me a sinner, praying to you for help and your intercession in this world and in the future, but make me worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit with you forever and ever. Amen. (From an ancient manuscript).

Troparion, tone 4

Heavenly armies of the Archangel, we pray to you forever, unworthy, but with your prayers protect us with the roof of your insubstantial glory, preserving us, falling down diligently and crying out: deliver us from troubles, as the clerk of the higher powers.

Kontakion, tone 2

HOLY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL

Archangel Gabriel- the herald of the mysteries of God.

The name Gabriel in Hebrew means: the man of God, the fortress of God, the power of God.

Archangel Gabriel is one of the seven Archangels sent by God to proclaim to people the great deeds of God.

He explained to the prophet Daniel the prophetic visions about kings and kingdoms (Dan. 8), about the time of the coming of the Savior. . . “while I was still continuing my prayer, the husband Gabriel, whom I had seen before in a vision, quickly flew in, touched me about the time of the evening sacrifice and admonished me, spoke to me and said: “Daniel! now I have come to teach you understanding. At the beginning of your supplication, a word went out, and I came to proclaim it to you, for you are a man of desires: listen therefore to the word and understand the vision. Seventy weeks are determined for your people and your holy city, so that the crime is covered, sins are sealed and iniquities are blotted out, and eternal righteousness is brought, and the vision and the prophet are sealed, and the Holy of Holies is anointed. Therefore, know and understand: from the time the command comes out about the restoration of Jerusalem, until Christ the Master is seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; and the people will return and the streets and walls will be built, but in hard times. And after the expiration of sixty-two weeks, Christ will be put to death, and will not; but the city and the sanctuary will be destroyed by the people of the leader who will come, and its end will be like a flood, and until the end of the war there will be devastation. And one week will confirm the covenant for many, and in the middle of the week the sacrifice and offering will cease, and on the wing of the sanctuary there will be an abomination of desolation, and the final predestined death will befall the desolator ”().

The Archangel Gabriel also instructed the holy prophet Moses in the desert, when writing the book of Genesis, passing on to him the revelations of God about the first generations and years, starting from the creation of the world.

The Archangel Gabriel announced to the priest Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist from his barren, elderly wife Elizabeth. . . “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of the incense burner. Zechariah, seeing him, was embarrassed, and fear fell upon him. The angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name: John; and you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord; he will not drink wine and strong drink, and the Holy Spirit will be filled even from his mother's womb; and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God; and he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to restore the hearts of the fathers to the children, and in the disobedient mindset of the righteous, in order to present to the Lord a people prepared. And Zacharias said to the Angel: Why do I know this? for I am old, and my wife is advanced in years. The angel said to him in response: I am Gabriel, standing before God, and I was sent to speak with you and announce this to you ”().

Also, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the righteous Anna and Joachim, who was fasting in the desert, and announced to each of them that they would have a daughter, the chosen Mother of the Messiah from the ages, coming for the salvation of the human race.

This great Archangel was appointed by God as the custodian of the Mother of God Mary, who was born of the barren, and when She was brought into the temple, He fed Her, bringing Her food daily.

This same representative of God, being sent by God to Nazareth, appeared Virgin betrothed to the righteous Joseph, and announced to her the conception of the Son of God by the overshadowing and the action of the Holy Spirit in her. . . “In the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to the city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to the Virgin, betrothed to a husband named Joseph, from the house of David; the name of the Virgin: Mary. The angel, having entered to Her, said: Rejoice, Blessed One! The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. She, seeing him, was embarrassed by his words and wondered what kind of greeting it would be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for you have found grace with God; and behold, thou shalt conceive in the womb, and thou shalt bear a Son, and thou shalt call his name: Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father; and shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom shall have no end. Mary said to the Angel: How will it be when I do not know my husband? The angel said to Her in response: the Holy Spirit will find on You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You, therefore the Holy One being born will be called the Son of God ”().

The Archangel Gabriel appeared in a dream to Joseph the Betrothed, explaining to him that the Maiden remained innocent, for what was conceived in Her from the Holy Spirit… womb from the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, being righteous and not wanting to publicize her, wanted to secretly let her go. But when he thought this - behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: Joseph, son of David! do not be afraid to take Mary your wife, for what is born in her is from the Holy Spirit; she will give birth to a Son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (1).

And when our Lord was born in Bethlehem, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds guarding their flocks at night and said: “Do not be afraid; I proclaim to you great joy, which will be for all people: for today a Savior is born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord; and here is a sign for you: you will find the Baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger ”().

The Archangel Gabriel warned Joseph the Betrothed about the plans of Herod and ordered him to flee to Egypt with the Child and the Virgin: “. . .behold, the Angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph and says: Get up, take the Baby and His Mother and run to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod wants to look for the Baby in order to destroy Him. He got up, took the Child and His Mother by night and went to Egypt ”().

“After the death of Herod, behold, the Angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and says: Get up, take the Child and His Mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the soul of the Child have died. He got up, took the Child and His Mother and came to the land of Israel "().

The myrrh-bearing women heard from him the joyful news of the Resurrection of Christ.

According to God-wise men, the Archangel Gabriel was sent to strengthen the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane and to proclaim to the Mother of God Her all-honorable Assumption.

Praise song Mother of God"it is worthy to eat" taught the monk Athos monastery also Archangel Gabriel.

Therefore, the Church calls the Archangel Gabriel the minister of the miracles and mysteries of God, the herald of joy and salvation, the herald and minister of Divine omnipotence.

March 26 (April 8) the celebration in honor of the Archangel Gabriel is the day of the Council, because on the next day of the Annunciation, Christians gather together to glorify the holy Archangel with sacred songs, as a heavenly messenger great mystery incarnation of the Son of God. The Holy Archangel Gabriel is one of the seven spirits, “who bring the prayers of the saints and enter before the glory of the Holy One” ().

July 13 (26) - Cathedral of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. This holiday has existed since the 9th century and serves as a memory of all the miraculous appearances of the Archangel Gabriel.

November 8 (21) - Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Powers. Archangels: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Yehudiel, Barahiel and Jeremiel, where the Archangel Gabriel is glorified with the entire Council of Heavenly Forces.

The Holy Church depicts the Archangel Gabriel with a paradise branch in his hand, which was brought by him to the Mother of God, and sometimes in right hand with a lantern, inside of which a candle burns, and in the left - with a jasper mirror. They are depicted with a mirror because the Archangel Gabriel is the messenger of the fate of God about the salvation of the human race. With a candle in the lantern they are depicted because the fates of God are hidden until the time of their fulfillment and, by the very fulfillment, are comprehended only by those who steadily look into the mirror of the word of God and their conscience. Therefore, those who bear the name Gabriel are worthy of that “faith of God, for which, according to the word of the Savior Himself, nothing is impossible.”

Prayers to Archangel Gabriel

Prayer 1st

Holy Great Archangel Gabriel! Stand before the Throne of God and be illuminated by illumination from the Divine light, enlightened by the knowledge of the incomprehensible Mysteries about His eternal wisdom! I whole-heartedly pray to Thee, guide me to repentance from evil deeds and to affirmation in my faith, strengthen and protect my soul from deceitful temptations, and implore our Creator for the remission of my sins.

Oh, Holy great Gabriel the Archangel! Do not despise me a sinner, praying to you for help and your intercession in this world and in the future, but my helper will always appear to me, may I unceasingly glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the power and your intercession forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 2

Oh, Holy Archangel of God Gabriel, always stand before the Throne of the Most High, joyful evangelist and zealous helper of our salvation! With the mercy characteristic of you, accept this laudatory singing, brought to you from us unworthy. Correct our prayers, and bring me, like incense, to the Heavenly Altar of the censer; illumine our minds with the light of knowledge of the mysteries of our saving faith; inflame our hearts with love for Christ our Savior, turn and strengthen our desires on the saving path of His Gospel commandments; Yes, in this age we will live quietly and piously for the glory of God, but in the future we will not be deprived of the eternal Kingdom of God, if we receive, let us be worthy of the grace of Christ our God, the intercession of His Most Pure Mother, the Immaculate Virgin Mary and your powerful prayers to the Lord God for us, and yes let us glorify with you and other bodiless powers of heaven and all the saints of the One in the Trinity of the glorious God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. (From an ancient manuscript).

Troparion, tone 4

Heavenly armies of the Archangel, we implore you forever, we are unworthy, but with your prayers protect us with the wings of your insubstantial glory, preserving us, crouching diligently and crying out: deliver us from troubles, like the clerk of the higher forces.

Kontakion, tone 2

Archangel of God, servant of Divine glory, chief of angels and mentor men, ask for useful things for us and great mercy, like the incorporeal Archangel.

Another kontakion, tone 2

In heaven in vain God's glory and on earth from above giving grace, chief of the angels, wise Gabriel, God's glory to the servant and peace of the Divine champion, save, observe the crying ty: be a helper yourself and no one is against us (July 13/26; Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel) .

Ying kontakion, tone 8

Blessed and Honest, and Omnipotent, Uncountable and Terrible Trinity you are, Archangel, glorious servant and prayer book; Now, unceasingly pray that we be saved from all troubles and torments, let us call you: Rejoice, protection of your servant (March 26 / April 8; Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel).

HOLY ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL

The month of November was chosen for the feast of the Angels because it is the ninth from March, which was once the beginning of the year, and the number nine corresponds to the nine orders of the angels.

According to the Holy Scriptures and tradition, the following Archangels are known: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Yehudiel, Barachiel and Jeremiel. But they are not called Archangels in the proper sense, but belong to the rank of Seraphim, while they are called Archangels as leaders of the angelic forces. They are the highest of the Seraphim, the closest to God (Denisov L. Apparitions and miracles of the seven holy Archangels. M., 1901).

“Grace to you and peace from Him who is and was and is to come and from the seven spirits who are before His throne” - we read in the Revelation of St. John the Theologian (). These seven spirits are the seven Archangels.

Archangel Raphael is a healer of human ailments, a guide, a doctor of God.

The name Raphael, translated from Hebrew, means - help, healing of God, healing of God, healer of human ailments ().

Archangel Raphael, doctor of human ailments, comforter of the mourners, is mentioned in Holy Scripture. There is a whole book called "The Book of Tobit", which describes how the Archangel Raphael, in the form of a young man, accompanied the righteous Tobiah, protected him from unintentional misfortunes on the way, freed Sarah, the daughter of Raguilov, from the evil spirit of Asmodeus, gave her to Tobiah's wife, son of Tobit, removed the thorn from Tobit ().

Departing from the house of Tobit, Tobias and Raphael came in the evening to the Tigris River. When Tobiah wanted to bathe, a fish appeared from the river that wanted to devour him, but Raphael said to Tobiah: “Take this fish, cut it open, take out the heart, liver and bile, and save them.” Tobias did just that. To his question - why this liver, heart and bile from fish? Raphael replied: “If someone is tormented by a demon or evil spirit, then one should smoke with the heart and liver in front of such a man or woman, and he will no longer be tormented, but anoint a person who has a thorn in his eyes with bile, and he will be healed.

When they came to Yekbatany, where Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, lived, whose seven suitors were destroyed by the evil spirit Asmodeus, they were well received in the house of Raguel. Raguel gave Sarah, his daughter, to wife Tobias. Tobias, entering the bedroom, took the incense burner, put the heart and liver of the fish, and smoked. The demon, hearing this smell, fled to the upper countries of Egypt.

When Tobias with his wife Sarah and Raphael went on their way back to Nineveh, where Tobit lived, Raphael said: “I know, Tobias, that your father’s eyes will open: you just anoint his eyes with bile, and he, feeling causticity, will wipe them off, and the thorns will fall, and he will see you.”

Tobias applied bile to his father's eyes and said, "Be of good cheer, my father!" His eyes were stuck and he wiped them off, and the thorns were removed from the edges of his eyes and he saw his son Tobiah.

When Tobit wanted to give half of the silver brought to Tobiah’s companion in gratitude, Raphael, having taken Tobit and Tobiah aside, said to them: “Bless God, glorify Him, recognize His greatness and confess before all living things that He has done for you ... The secret of the king is decent to keep, but it is commendable to announce the works of God. Do good, and evil will not come upon you... Now God has sent me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who lift up the prayers of the saints and ascend before the glory of the Holy One… I came not by my own will, but by the will of our God; therefore bless him forever.”

The words spoken by the Archangel Raphael when separated from the family of Tobit are also very instructive: “A good deed is prayer with fasting and almsgiving and justice. Better a little with justice than a lot with unrighteousness; it is better to do alms than to collect gold, for alms deliver from death and can cleanse every sin. Those who do alms and works of righteousness will live long. Sinners are the enemies of their own life.” Tobit and Tobiah were confused and fell on their faces to the ground, because they were in fear. But Raphael said to them: “Do not be afraid, peace will be yours. Bless God forever... So, glorify God now, because I ascend to the One who sent me, and write all that has happened in a book. And they got up and saw him no more.”

Therefore, whoever wishes to be honored with the heavenly help of the Archangel Raphael, he himself must be merciful to the distressed. Moreover, the virtue of mercy and compassion should distinguish those bearing the name of Raphael - otherwise they will not have a spiritual union with the Archangel.

The Holy Church depicts the Archangel Raphael holding a vessel with medical remedies in his slightly raised left hand and leading Tobias with his right hand, carrying a fish caught in the Tigris River.

Prayer to Archangel Raphael

Oh, Holy Great Archangel Raphael, stand before the Throne of God! You, by grace, from the Almighty Physician of our souls and bodies given to you, the righteous husband Tobit healed from bodily blindness, and his son, Tobias, traveling to him, saved you from the evil spirit. I pray to You with all my heart, be my guide in my life, save the enemy from all visible and invisible, heal my spiritual and bodily illnesses, direct my life to repentance for sins and to do good deeds. Oh, holy great Raphael the Archangel! Hear me a sinner praying to you, and vouchsafe in this and future life give thanks and glorify our common Creator in endless ages of ages. Amen. (From an ancient manuscript).

Troparion, tone 4

Heavenly armies of the Archangel, we implore you forever, we are unworthy, but with your prayers protect us with the roof of your insubstantial glory, preserving us, crouching diligently and crying out: deliver us from troubles, as the clerk of the higher forces.

Kontakion, tone 2

Archangel of God, servant of Divine glory, chief of angels and mentor men, ask for useful things for us and great mercy, like the incorporeal Archangel.

HOLY ARCHANGEL URIEL

Archangel Uriel is the fire or light of God, the enlightener of the darkened and the ignorant, the enlightener of spiritual and bodily feelings, the mentor of the lost, the stimulus to prayer.

The name Uriel, translated from Hebrew, means - the light or fire of God, the enlightener ().

Uriel, being the radiance of the Divine fire, is the enlightener of the darkened. As an Angel of light, he enlightens the minds of people with the revelation of truths that are useful to them; as an Angel of Divine fire, he ignites hearts with love for God and destroys in them impure earthly attachments.

The Archangel Uriel is written in the Third Book of Ezra ().

Archangel Uriel was sent by God to Ezra to offer him three likenesses and show him three ways:

“If you explain one of them to me, then I will show you the path that you want to see, and I will teach you where the evil heart came from. Then I said: Speak, my lord. He said to me: go and weigh the weight of the fire, or measure the breath of the wind for me, or return to me the day that has already passed. What man, I replied, could do what you demand of me? And he said to me: if I asked you how many dwellings are in the heart of the sea, or how many springs are at the very foundation of the abyss, or how many lived above the firmament, or what are the limits of paradise, you would perhaps say to me: “into the abyss I never descended, and into hell also, and never ascended to heaven. Now I asked you only about the fire, the wind and the day that you lived through, and about that without which you cannot be, and you did not answer me. And he said to me: you cannot know what is yours and with you from youth; how could your vessel contain the path of the Most High and in this already noticeably corrupted age understand the corruption that is obvious in my eyes? ():

Archangel Uriel answered this to Ezra: “Stand on the right side, and I will explain to you the meaning of the likeness. And I stood and saw: behold, a burning furnace passes before me; and when the flame passed, I saw: there was smoke. After this, a cloud filled with water passed before me, and it poured out heavy rain; but as soon as the rush of rain stopped, drops remained. Then he said to me: think to yourself: as rain is more than drops, and fire is more than smoke, so the measure of the past exceeded, but drops and smoke remained ”().

With these words, the Archangel Uriel pointed out to Ezra that the time for the arrival of the Redeemer on earth was near, that from his time to the coming of the Savior there were few years left, much less than from the creation of the world to the time of Ezra, who lived in the fifth century BC. So, Archangel Uriel is the servant of the light of truth, the enlightener of the darkened, the mentor of the lost, the stimulus to prayer.

People devoted to the sciences are your Archangel! Do not forget, following his example, to be servants not only of the light of truth, but also of the fire of Divine love. As the holy apostle Paul said: “The mind swells, but it creates love” (). The holy Archangel Uriel is depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand, against his chest, and a fiery flame in his left, lowered down, which marks a particularly strong zeal for the God of this Archangel.

HOLY ARCHANGEL SELAPHIEL

Archangel Selaphiel (Salaphiel) is a prayer book of God, always praying to God for people and encouraging people to pray, a prayer book for the salvation and health of people.

The name Selaphiel, translated from Hebrew, means prayer to God, the prayer book of God, inciting to prayer.

About this Archangel it is written in the Third Book of Ezra: “And it came to pass, on the second night, Salafiel, the leader of the people…” ().

Archangel Selaphiel appeared to Hagar in the desert when she was praying in deep sorrow. He told her: “. . The Lord heard your suffering. . ." ().

According to the belief of the Church, the holy Archangel Selaphiel also appeared to Hagar in the desert of Beersheba, when Abraham expelled her. In the book of Genesis, this is narrated as follows: “Abraham got up early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave Hagar, putting on her shoulders, and a lad, and let her go. She went and got lost in the desert of Beer-sheba; and there was no water in the bottle, and she left the lad under one bush and went, sat down at a distance, at a distance of one shot from her bow. For she said: I do not want to see the death of the lad. And she sat down at a distance opposite him, and raised a cry, and wept; and God heard the voice of the lad from where he was; and an angel of God called from heaven to Hagar and said to her: What is the matter with you, Hagar? don't be afraid; God heard

the voice of the youth from where he is; get up, lift up the boy and take him by the hand, for I will make him great people. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of living water, and she went and filled the bottle with water and gave the boy to drink. And God was with the lad; and he grew up ... "().

So, the Lord gave us a whole face of prayer angels, with their leader Selaphiel, so that with the pure breath of their lips they would warm our cold hearts to prayer, so that they would instruct us about what, when and how to pray, so that they would lift up our very offerings to the throne of grace.

The holy Archangel Selaphiel is depicted with his face and eyes bowed down and with his hands folded in prayer on his chest, as happens with a person praying tenderly.

Seeing the Archangel himself in such a position of prayer, let us try ourselves during prayer to always be in a position appropriate for the one who is praying.

HOLY ARCHANGEL YEHUDIEL

Archangel Yehudiel is the patron of ascetics and monastics, a glorifier of God, strengthening the workers for the glory of God and interceding for retribution for their deeds and labors, a companion and mentor in work, an intercessor on the way, an assistant to those in need of something for the glory of God.

Each of us, from young to old, is obliged to live and work for the glory of God. On our sinful earth, every good deed is not done otherwise than with difficulty, and many with great and heavy. But our Lord and Master will not forget any of our deeds and no labor of love in His name ().

The name Jehudiel, translated from Hebrew, means - glorifying God, praise God.

According to the belief of the Church, based on Holy Tradition, the holy Archangel Jehudiel is one of the seven Archangels who, by the Command of God, patronized the Israelites on their way during their 40-year wandering, and the name of Jehudiel is given to that Angel who preceded the Israelites in a pillar of fire and cloud at leaving Egypt, guarding them from their pursuers: “And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of the sons of Israel, moved, and went behind them; the pillar of cloud also moved away from their face and stood behind them; And he entered into the middle between the camp of the Egyptians and between the camp of the children of Israel, and was a cloud and darkness for some, and lighted up the night for others, and they did not come close to each other all the night ”().

When Moses, after forty days of fasting and prayers, ascended Mount Sinai, God appeared to him and, handing the tablets of the covenant, gave him a law that the people of Israel were to observe. And the Lord said: “Behold, I am sending my angel before you to keep you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared for you; watch yourselves before him and listen to his voice; do not be stubborn against Him, for He will not forgive your sin, for My name is in Him" ​​(). “... When My Angel goes before you and leads you to the Ammorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Jews and the Jebusites, and I will destroy them from your face, then do not worship their gods, and do not serve them” ().

So, the ministry of the Archangel Jehudiel is to strengthen people who work for the glory of God and intercede for retribution for their deeds.

The holy Archangel Jehudiel is depicted holding a golden crown in his right hand, and in his left a scourge of three black ropes with three ends - this marks the reward from God to pious and holy people and the punishment of sinners.

HOLY ARCHANGEL VARACHIL

The Holy Archangel Barahiel is the giver of God's blessings to people for good deeds and an intercessor, asking people for God's mercy and God's blessing to lead a life in spiritual health and salvation, the patron of pious families, the guardian of the purity of soul and body.

The name Varahiel, translated from Hebrew, means - blessed by God, God's blessing.

Archangel Varahiel is depicted as carrying white roses on his chest, on his clothes, as a harbinger of bliss in the Kingdom of Heaven, and Archangel Varahiel himself is, as it were, a harbinger of bliss and endless peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.

HOLY ARCHANGEL JEREMIEL

Archangel Jeremiel - the inspirer of good and kind thoughts, the lifter of souls to God, the offering to God is the mercy of God.

The name Jeremiel in Hebrew means - elevation to God, the height of God.

About the holy Archangel Jeremiel in the Third Book of Ezra it is written as follows: “Do not the souls of the righteous inquire about the same thing in their gates, saying: “How long shall we hope in this way? And when is the fruit of our retribution?" Jeremiah the Archangel answered me: “when the number of seeds in you is fulfilled, for the Almighty weighed this age on the scales, and measured the times by measure, and numbered the hours, and will not move and speed up until a certain measure is fulfilled” ( ), i.e., the next age will come only when the number of dead righteous reaches a certain limit. This answer is given to them by the Archangel Jeremiel (the Apocalypse of John the Theologian gives the exact figure of those sealed from all the tribes of Israel, namely 144,000 (7, 4)). All nine Angelic ranks gather on the day Doomsday of the Lord, when “the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him”, “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from the four winds, from the end of heaven to the end of them (). And then the elect will hear the words of the Savior of the world: “Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” ().

Prayer to the Holy Angels

To you, as an intercessor and guardian of my belly, as a cursed one, crouching, I pray: grant me with your prayers a day's stay, charitably and unskillfully from evil deeds and thoughts. Open the hearing with my ear, so that I can hear and understand the deeds and words of God, soulful, so that I can see the inner eyes, obsessed with sinful darkness. Pray for me, who has been sinning all the hours, that the sword of the Lord's wrath will not girdle me: you have greatly exceeded my iniquity on my head, and like a heavy burden you have weighed down on me. But you, my Lord, Lord, look upon me, and have mercy on me, and lead my sinful soul out of prison, before I even leave from here, and I will not come to Your terrible Judgment. Receive your holy angels praying for us, even around your throne they will be taken out with fear, and with those prayers, more than the Most Pure Mother, deliver me from the Terrible Onago and Your terrible judgment. You are the Lamb of God, take away the sins of the whole world, crucified on our cross for the sake of salvation; listen to my prayer, and send the Guardian Angel of my soul and body, so that we instruct, I will get rid of all enemies visible and invisible, and I will be able to receive Your mercy, with all who have pleased You from the ages, as You are our God, and I resort to You, and I hope in You, even if I sin more than a person, but I don’t back down, not lift my hand to another god, I pray to You, Lord Jesus Christ, I will bless You, and I bow to You from the One Trinity, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen. (From the canon).

Troparion to the Disembodied Forces, tone 4

Heavenly hosts Archistratisi, we implore you forever, we are unworthy, but with your prayers protect us with the roof of your immaterial glory, which preserves us who fall diligently and blatantly: deliver us from troubles, as the officials of the higher powers.

Kontakion to the Incorporeal Forces, tone 2

Archangels of God, servant of Divine glory, chief angels and mentor men, ask us useful and have great mercy, like incorporeal Archangels.

magnificence

We magnify you, Archangels and Angels and the entire host, Cherubim and Seraphim, glorifying the Lord.

Prayers to the Holy Archangels for every day of the week

Monday

Holy Archangel of God Michael, with your lightning sword, banish from me the spirit of the evil one that tempts me.

O great Archangel of God Michael the conqueror of demons! Defeat and crush all my enemies, visible and invisible, and pray to the Lord Almighty, may the Lord save and save me from sorrows and from all illness, from deadly ulcers and vain death, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday

Holy Archangel Gabriel, bringing unspeakable joy from Heaven to the Most Pure Virgin, fill my heart, grieved with pride, with joy and gladness.

Oh, the great Archangel of God Gabriel, you announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary the conception of the Son of God. Raise a day to me a sinner terrible death Lord God for my sinful soul, may the Lord forgive my sins; and the demons will not hold me in the ordeals for my sins. O great Archangel Gabriel! Save me from all troubles and from a serious illness, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday

O great Archangel of God Raphael, received a gift from God to heal ailments, heal the incurable ulcers of my heart and many diseases of my body. O great Archangel of God Raphael, you are a guide, a doctor and a healer, guide me to salvation and heal all my mental and bodily illnesses, and lead me to the Throne of God, and beg His goodness for my sinful soul, may the Lord forgive me and save me from all my enemies and from evil people from now to the century. Amen.

Thursday

Holy Archangel of God Uriel, illuminated by the light of God and abundantly filled with the fire of fiery hot love, throw a spark of this fiery fire into my cold heart, and illuminate my dark soul with your light.

O great Archangel of God Uriel, you are the radiance of the Divine fire and the enlightener of those darkened by sins: enlighten my mind, my heart, my will by the power of the Holy Spirit, and guide me on the path of repentance, and implore the Lord God, may the Lord deliver me from the hell of the underworld and from all enemies, visible and invisible, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Friday

Holy Archangel of God Selaphiel, give prayer to the one who prays, teach me to pray with a humble, contrite, concentrated and tender prayer. O great Archangel of God Selaphiel, you pray to God for the believers, implore His mercy for me, a sinner, may the Lord deliver me from all troubles and sorrows, and illnesses, and from vain death, and from eternal torment, and the Lord of the Kingdom of Heaven will vouchsafe me with all Saints forever. Amen.

Saturday

Holy Archangel of God Jehudiel, the companion of all who strive on the path of Christ, excite me from heavy laziness and strengthen me with a good feat. O great Archangel of God Yehudiel, you are a zealous defender of the glory of God: you excite me to glorify the Holy Trinity, wake me, the lazy one, to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and implore the Lord Almighty to create in me a pure heart and renew the right spirit in my womb, and by the Dominant Spirit will confirm me and the truth to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Sunday

Holy Archangel of God Barahiel, bringing a blessing from the Lord to us, bless me to make a good start, correct my negligent life, and please the Lord my Savior forever and ever. Amen.

List of abbreviations:

Gen. – Genesis

Ref. – Exodus

Deut. – Deuteronomy

Nav. - Book of Joshua

Tov. - Book of Tobit

Ps. - Psalter;

ps - psalm

Is. - Book of Isaiah

Dan. - Book of Daniel

3 rides - The third book of Ezra

Matt. - Holy gospel from Matthew

OK. - Holy Gospel from Luke

Acts. - Acts of the Holy Apostles

1 Cor. - The First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians

2 Cor. - The Apostle Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians

Heb. - Paul's letter to the Hebrews

Qty. - Paul's letter to the Colossians

Jude. - Epistle of Jude

Apoc. - Revelation of the Apostle John the Theologian (Apocalypse)

1 V Greek translation: “according to the number of the angels of God” (), in other translations - according to the number of the sons of Israel. The teaching that every nation and every kingdom has its own Angel is also based on the words of the prophet Daniel (Dan. 10, 12), which speaks of the Angels of the kingdoms of Persia and Judea.

2, 1 5) occurs only in the Book of Tobit and later in the so-called Book of Enoch (9, 1; 10, 4; 20, 3; 40, 9).

In the Eastern translations in one of the Latin codes, he is called Phaltiel. The name Falthiel means "salvation of God."

"Lodya". 2002.
T.S. Oleinikov. Compilation. 2002

Archangels

Ruban Yu.I.

Archangels (gr. archangel, units h. archangelos- "angel chief") - representatives of the "heavenly" world of service incorporeal spirits, occupying in it, according to the Christian "nine" hierarchy, the penultimate place (before the actual "angels"). The Orthodox theological tradition knows the names of seven archangels: Michael is the archangel (translated from Greek as “supreme commander”) of the angelic army, at the “end of time” leading the last battle with the “dragon” (Satan), in the Russian tradition he is the patron of princes (military) and all Christians, whose souls he escorts to the gates of Heavenly Jerusalem, helping to open the heavy shutters; Gabriel is the messenger of God's mysteries; Raphael - archangel healer; Uriel - enlightener of believers; Selaphiel is a special prayer book for people; Jehudiel - strengthening the workers for the glory of God; Barahiel is the distributor of God's blessings to people. The most revered in Christianity are the archangels Gabriel, who announced to the Virgin Mary about the future birth of Jesus Christ, Michael, the head of the heavenly host, and the healing angel Raphael. Gabriel and Michael are included in the deesis row of the iconostasis, located after John the Baptist and the Mother of God. Main holiday archangels - "The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other incorporeal Heavenly Powers" (November 8/21); among the people - "Mikhailov's Day".

There is a whole parascience about angels - angelology. The word "angel" in Greek means messenger. They are incorporeal companions and messengers of God. Early Christian iconography of angels goes back to the image of the winged guards of the royal palaces of Assyria and Babylonia.

Gregory the Theologian in the 4th century proposed a different classification, and Cyril of Jerusalem, naming the same ranks as Pseudo-Dionysius, but in a slightly different order.

Angels have their own hierarchy, which was established in the 5th century in the treatise Divine Names by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. Angelic gradation includes 3 faces of 3 ranks each. Archangels, along with thrones and angels, occupy the third, lowest hierarchical level.

In another, more ancient book of Enoch, a different classification is given and how many archangels exist. Only 7 archangels leading myriads of angels (heavenly host). They are also called archangels.

The word "archangel" is translated from Greek as "the main or highest messenger." They carry out the connection between God and people; lead the heavenly army into battle against the infernal hordes; led by guardian angels. According to some scholars, the archangels correspond to the 7 amshaspands of the ancient Persians and the 7 planetary spirits of the Babylonians.

How many archangels are given names

Michael is the only angel mentioned in the Bible as an archangel.

Each of the 7 archangels has its own purpose and name. The Roman Catholic Church venerates the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael more than others. Michael is considered the most significant of them. He is the prince of his rank, protecting the church from the forces of darkness. Gabriel is the guardian of paradise and the head of the spirits that help people. Raphael is considered the master of man's thoughts and his healer.

Archangel Uriel rules over the heavenly bodies. Shamuel punishes the world of luminaries. Jofil is the head of the spirits that lead people into sin. Ezekiel watches the resurrection from the dead.

As heavenly messengers and defenders of the Church on earth, the archangels had their own paraphernalia. In Christian art, they were depicted in the guise of young beautiful strong men with wings folded behind his back, holding swords and spheres in his hands - symbols of heavenly warriors.

The angel of mercy Gabriel is often depicted holding a lily or a scepter in his hand. The protector of warriors and believers, Michael, as a rule, is dressed in rich clothes and holds a sword in his hand. Guardian Angel Raphael - with a wanderer's staff and fish or a dish. Uriel carried a scroll or a book. Shamuel held a goblet or wand, Jofil a fiery sword, and Ezekiel a sacred knife.