Celebrated annually on November 8
Posted on 11/07/2020 2:27:42 PM PST by lightman
All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
Apolytikion of Synaxis of the Archangels
Fourth Tone
O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: "Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high! "
Kontakion of Synaxis of the Archangels Second Tone
Chief Commanders of God; ministers of divine glory; guides for men and leadership of the Incorporeal; as Chief Commanders of the Incorporeal, plead for our welfare and for great mercy.
Celebrated annually on November 8
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!
AMEN!!!!
This prayer is especially appropriate now!!!!
That “bodiless” concept always amazes me. Jacob wrestled with an angel. The Book of Daniel describes what Gabriel looked like in detail. Jesus said “if you see me, you have seen the Father.”
Jesus had his body after he was resurrected. The Apostle Paul talked about not wanting to be “unclothed” at death and that he had a body waiting in heaven.
Amen.
The current “parasha” (Torah portion) in Jewish study this week is Vayira [(The Lord) “Appeared” (to Abraham)]. It is, the three angels play a starring role. Michael announces to (the elderly) Sarah that she will bear a son in a year’s time. Gabriel brings a rain of sulpruic fire upon Sodom. And Raphael rescues Lot’s family from Sodom.
Those three angels of course also visit Abraham’s tent prior to Sodom’s destruction.
Oh, the mystery and the glory @
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