You leaders of the bodiless powers ... you divine ministers ...you guardians ...you protectors of mankind ...we humbly ask you to intercede for us before God ...to deliver us from the wiles of the evil ones ...to teach us how to defend the faith ...and to strengthen us so that we can protect those who need our sheltering love.
Today is the synaxis (i.e., coming together to praise) of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers who are named in Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.
Michael: whose name means “who is like unto God.” Chief commander and faithful servant of God, Michael cast down Lucifer and the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summons all the angels to cry out: “Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God!” Michael is depicted trampling the devil underfoot while holding a green date-tree branch on the left, and a spear (with a white banner) or sword on the right.
Gabriel: whose name means "strength (power) of God." Gabriel is the herald and servant of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, Luke 1:26), announcing the mysteries of God. Gabriel is depicted with a branch from Paradise, presented by him to the Theotokos, or with a shining lantern on the right and a mirror made of jasper on the left.
Raphael: whose name means "the healing of God." Raphael is the curer of human infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15) and is depicted holding a vessel with healing oils on the left. On the right, Raphael may also be leading Tobias who is carrying a fish for healing (Tobit 5-8).
Uriel: whose name means "the fire or light of God" (2 Esdras 5:20). Uriel enlightens those with darkened minds and is depicted holding a sword at the level of the chest while a fiery flame sits in the left hand.
Selaphiel: whose name means "the prayer of God." Selaphiel prays for mankind and impels humans to prayer (2 Esdras 5:15). Selaphiel is depicted in a prayerful posture, gazing downwards with hands folded on the chest.
Jehudiel: whose name means "the glorifying of God." Jehudiel encourages exertion for the glory of the Lord and intercedes for the reward of those who show a strong effort. Jehudiel holds a golden crown on the right and a whip on the left.
Barachiel: whose name means "the distributor of the blessings of God." Barachiel entreats the mercy of God for people and is depicted with a white rose on the chest.
Jeremiel: whose name means "the raising up to God" (2 Esdras 4:36) and is shown holding balance-scales.
Give thanks today for your guardian angel and for those angels sent to every nation.
An Orthodox icon of the Archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel.
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