Commemorated on November 8
When God made the angels, he gave them freedom to choose where to roam. They were given a free will similar to our own. Eosphoros, (the devil) within his freedom, wanted the glory which was given to God. Immediately as he had this prideful thought he fell from heaven as lightening. When Eosphoros fell the other angels began following him toward as they were deceived by his pride. Archangel Michael, the commander of all angels, called out “Let us stand well, let us stand attentive before our God and do what is pleasing to Him.” After Archangel Michael spoke these words, the other angels immediately stopped to follow Eosphoros as they knew the magnitude of Michael’s words. All of the angels them came together and stood before God. Bowing to the Lord, they gave Him the glory which was due only to Him.
From that day forth, the angels chose with their freedom to stay near to God.
“Let us stand well, let us stand in awe!” is said during the Divine Liturgy to remind us also that we are in the presence of God.
On this day, we honor the loyalty of Archangel Michael and the other angels. This celebration reminds us of an important spiritual lesson. We cannot be proud or else we will fall. Pride creates within us misery and pride will cost us our salvation. We also must look to the Saints and strive to live after their example.
It is on this day we honor the Archangels of our Lord who stood firm in the faith. This commemoration began in the early 4th century. It was established by the Laodicea Council, which was a meeting similar to the Ecumenical Councils, occurring beforehand. The Laodicea council decided that we are not to worship or see the angels as rulers or gods, but as heavenly servants of Christ. We honor them for their loyalty, bravery and strength, as they deserve veneration.
When deciding the day to commemorate the archangels, as well as all other angels, the 9th month (at the time) was chosen. In the fourth century, March was the first month of the year, so nine months later was November. The number 9 represents the nine levels of angels.
The 8th day was chosen because in the book of Revelation it says that after judgement day, those worthy will live among the angels and an 8th day shall come for those who are present in its glory.
Archangel Michael can be sited in both the old and new testament.Archangel Michael assists those in battle both physically and within spiritual warfare. Among Michael, we know of 7 other Archangels.
Archangel Gabriel is the most well known of the 7, as he was the messenger to our Blessed Mother of God and Joseph for the conception of Christ. He was also the messenger to Joachim and Anna, the parents of the Most Holy Theotokos. His task is similar to a royal messenger, as he delivers the news of God.
Another Archangel is Raphael, who is a healer and he tends to the sickly curing illness.
There is Uriel, who is not as well know, but his gift is to assist those who have darkened their mind, as he brings light ot them.
Barachiel is the angel of blessings, as he have a great love for mankind and aids those who are serving others.
Jeremiel is an angel that is written to bring our awareness up to God.
Selaphiel is the archangel of prayer, as he prays for all of mankind. He can also assist our prayers to quickly reach the Lord.
Jehudiel is known to bring glory and honor to God, and he inspires this feeling into our hearts.
Alongside archangels, we have knowledge from the bible of the other ranks of angels.
The angels closest to God are the Serpahim. You will hear in the Divine Litrugy that they are “six winged” and they remain near to the Holy Trinity. Their task is to spread God’s vibrant love to all.
Following are the Cheribuim who are “many eyed.” We again here of these angels during the Divine Liturgy. They are positioned next to the Seraphim and they too are shining brightly. With their light they are to spread wisdom to those seeking God and desiring his glory.
The next ranking are the Thrones. They represent noble judgement and they serve God in this manner.
After is the Dominions, they still have authority over the following ranks, and they rule the Earthly lands and help aid those in power on Earth.
They help us all to resist temptaions and avoid choosing our will above God’s.
Following are the Powers, who seek the Will of God above all else. They are often known to bring foresight to the saints or to help those in obedience to Christ.
Next are the Authorities, who have great power over the Devil, and they stop the demons from harming people freely, as they would if given the power.
Principalities follow and they are in charge of the last three rankings. They guide those on Earth to obey the law and to honor God will all that we do versus trying to please ourselves.
Archangels fall beneath the Principalites, and they are known to reveal prophecies, help us to know the great mysteries of God and to give us faith and wisdom.
The last ranking are the angels, this would include our guardian angels, as this ranking is the closest to us. Although they do not reveal to us great revelations, they reminds us of the simple truths of God and expose to us the meanings of thing we see in daily life. They are always there for us waiting to assist us in any way that they can.
Even though Archangels are not the highest rank, Archangel Michael is the Chief over all 9 orders of angels, as he was brave in stopping the fall of many.
We honor him especially on this day, and all the angels who are with us, guiding us and illuminating the path to salvation.
Many miracles have come about due to the influence of angels, Glory be unto God for their miraculous assistance!
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
Commanders of the heavenly hosts, / we who are unworthy beseech you, / by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, / and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you: / “Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!”
Kontakion — Tone 2
Commanders of God’s armies and ministers of the divine glory, / princes of the bodiless angels and guides of mankind, / ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy, / supreme commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.