Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel and All the Bodiless Powers

Michael, the most glorious and most brilliant Chief Commander of the bodiless Powers, has shown much beneficence and grace to the human race, as much in the Old Testament as in the New due to the gospel. He first appeared to Patriarch Abraham. Then to Lot, when he rescued him with his daughters from the fire sent by God, and the destruction of Sodom. After this he appeared to Patriarch Jacob, when he rescued him from the murderous hands of his brother Esau. He went before the encampment of the children of Israel, when they were liberated from bondage in Egypt, and together with the pillar of fire and of cloud, he made easier the difficulty of their journey. He appeared to the seer Balaam, when he went to curse the Israelite people, frightening him and clearly preventing him from doing such a thing. He also appeared to Joshua the son of Nun, and responded: "As the Chief Commander of the army of the Lord have I now come." Also during the time of new grace he brought together the rivers which once were released by the impious against the holy spring of Chonae and against its divine church. And many other things are recorded about him in the divinely inspired Scriptures. For this reason we have him as a protector and guardian of our lives for our defense, and we celebrate today his all revered festival, for which reason it is called a Synaxis.

The devil, who out of supreme pride exalted himself against the Creator and Master of all, and boasted of placing his throne on the clouds of heaven, and become like the Highest, as it is written about him in Isaiah (Is. 14:14), he therefore, upon having put his mind to do this, fell from heavenly glory and his archangelic office. For this reason the Lord said in the Gospel: "I saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven" (Lk. 10:18). Together with him an order of Angels fell, who sprung away from God due to their pride, and fell with their leader the devil. And they were all darkened instead of illumined, becoming demons rather than Angels. Therefore it is said at that time the Chief Commander Michael, beholding the pitiful fall of the Angels, understood the cause of their fall. And through subjection and humility, which he showed as a grateful servant and faithful housekeeper towards his Master God, he carefully guarded his own glory and brilliance granted to him by God, as well as the glory of the other Angelic orders. Therefore by his subjection and courtesy, it was determined by God Almighty, that he should be the first among the Angelic orders.***

Gathering together and uniting the choirs of Angels, he cried out: "Let us be attentive!" By this was meant that we should take care and be mindful of what happened with the fallen demons due to their pride, who not long ago were among us Angels. And let us consider what God is, and what Angels are. God is the Master and Creator of us Angels. We Angels are servants and creatures of God. In this way he sang hymns and glorified the God of all, surely crying out that divine and angelic hymn to all the Angels: "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of Your glory." This mystery which we received from an ancient tradition, we presently celebrate. It is called a Synaxis of the Angels due to their carefulness, harmony and unity.****

Together with the Archangel Michael we celebrate today the most beautiful and graceful Archangel Gabriel.***** For he also showed much beneficence to the human race, as much in the Old as in the New Testament. The prophecy of Daniel gives us his name, when Daniel explained the vision of the King of the Medes and Persians and Greeks: "Gabriel, tell this man [namely Daniel] the meaning of the vision" (Dan. 8:16). Gabriel also revealed to Daniel that after seventy weeks of years, which is four hundred and ninety-seven years, Christ would come, as it says: "While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice..." (Dan. 9:21). It is he who proclaimed the good news to the wife of Manoah, that she would give birth to Samson. And he also proclaimed the good news to Joachim and Anna that they would give birth to the maiden and Lady Theotokos.

In the New Testament he proclaimed the good news to Zechariah, standing to the right of the altar of incense, that he would give birth to the great John the Forerunner. He fed the Ever-Virgin Mariam for twelve years in the Holy of Holies with heavenly food. No one would dispute that it was he who proclaimed the good news to the Theotokos, that she would give birth by the Holy Spirit to the Son and Word of God. He appeared in a vision to Joseph, and told him to not be afraid, but to take Mariam as his wife, for that which will be born from her is from the Holy Spirit. He also appeared and evangelized to the shepherds, that Christ the Savior of the world was born. And in a vision he told Joseph to take the Child and His Mother and flee to Egypt. Then he himself told them to return to the land of Israel. Many sacred teachers and hymnographers think that it was the divine Gabriel who was the Angel clad in white, that came down from heaven and moved the stone from the door of the tomb of the life-giver Jesus and sat upon it. And he evangelized the Myrrhbearers regarding the resurrection of the Lord. We will say in general, that the most divine Gabriel served in the mystery of the incarnate economy of God the Word from beginning to end. For this reason the Church of Christ has received to celebrate him together with the Archangel Michael, and to call upon him for grace and help.

Notes:

* The name Michael means "power of God," or power of the Chief Commander of the Lord.

** According to Proclus of Constantinople, Gabriel means "God and man." This is why he served exceptionally in the mystery of the incarnate economy of the God-man Word.

*** Some teachers of the Church harmonize the fall of Lucifer and his demons and the bravery of the Archangel Michael, with what is written in Revelation 12:7, 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6.

Gregory the Theologian says concerning this: "But since this movement of self-contemplation alone could not satisfy Goodness, but Good must be poured out and go forth beyond Itself to multiply the objects of Its beneficence, for this was essential to the highest Goodness, He first conceived the Heavenly and Angelic Powers. And this conception was a work fulfilled by His Word, and perfected by His Spirit. And so the secondary Splendors came into being, as the Ministers of the Primary Splendor; whether we are to conceive of them as intelligent Spirits, or as Fire of an immaterial and incorruptible kind, or as some other nature approaching this as near as may be. I should like to say that they were incapable of movement in the direction of evil, and susceptible only of the movement of good, as being about God, and illumined with the first rays from God — for earthly beings have but the second illumination; but I am obliged to stop short of saying that, and to conceive and speak of them only as difficult to move because of him, who for his splendor was called Lucifer, but became and is called Darkness through his pride; and the apostate hosts who are subject to him, creators of evil by their revolt against good and our inciters" (Oration 38 - On the Nativity of Christ).

This is why the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." In their commentaries on this passage, both Theodoret and Jerome explain that the fallen angels did not all come from a single angelic order, but from various orders. However, Maximus the Confessor and John of Damascus say they fell from the ninth order only. Chrysostom, Augustine, Maximus, John of Damascus and Gregory the Dialogist say that Lucifer was the leader of the Angelic orders, while Tertullian specifically says he fell from the Seraphim order. Chrysostom also says that is on account of the multitude of Angels in the air that the Apostle Paul said that women should cover their heads when they pray.

**** Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite defends this ancient tradition as being apostolic and should not be viewed as a myth, and that according to Basil the Great we should keep these ancient traditions as they were delivered to us, both concerning the fall of Lucifer and his demons as well as the nine angelic orders, with the highest illuminating the lowest, after which we have modeled our clerical orders.

***** Because the Synaxarion of Constantinople only mentioned the Archangel Michael, Saint Nikodemos inserted information and iambic verses concerning the Archangel Gabriel also, since they are commemorated together on this day.

The Legacy of Saint Nektarios of Aegina

By St. Justin Popovich

Indeed, it is a great miracle that in our century of unbelief and lack of faith, this Metropolitan Nektarios, despised by many and humiliated to the point of death, becomes the cause of so many spiritual events and movements.

No matter where the faithful call upon him and invoke him in prayers with faith, he arrived and always arrives. He heals the demon possessed, strengthens the weak spiritually and physically, straightens and heals the lame, and saves those at sea in a storm.

In a very short time, his holy name became known everywhere: on the land, on the sea, and on the islands; in Europe and America and Africa; wherever there are Orthodox souls, his gracious presence is felt.

Around his Monastery of the Holy Trinity and its holy relics, many people constantly gather, not only from Greece, but, especially recently, from all Orthodox countries.

Many temples dedicated to him have sprung up everywhere: on the mainland and islands, in Africa and America. The temple dedicated to Saint Nektarios on the island of Crete in a place called Chania, where a part of his holy relics is also located, is famous for its many miracles.

In addition to the Services written in his honor, many books were written about Saint Nektarios, which describe his life and numerous miracles and healings done by the power of his gracious intercession before God. Many books have been written and are constantly being written both on the hearts of the faithful and on paper.

Many testify to his gracious appearance in the most remote corners of the world. Many terminally ill people, in moments of utter hopelessness, saw and continue to see an old monk with a gentle smile and a monk's cap, who comforts them and restores hope in God's salvation. To the question: "Who is he?" - he answers: "Nektarios of Aegina".

From The Lives of the Saints of November. Translation by John Sanidopoulos.

Father, the old woman has cast the evil eye on you.

 

From the new book by the Holy Monastery of Saint David:

“A Contemporary Saint ~ Saint Iakovos (Tsalikis)"

 

Once, my children, I was serving the Divine Liturgy in a small village nearby. I served there for about 30 years. I would travel there by mule to celebrate the Liturgy for the people. One day, after the service, a parish council member said to me:

“Come along, Father, and have a coffee.”

“My child, I don’t visit people’s homes,” I replied.

“If you don’t come, Father, it is a grave offense to us. We truly respect and esteem you, Father.”

I turned to Father Cyril, who was with me, and asked:

“Shall we go together, Father, for the sake of company?”

As soon as we arrived, an elderly woman was there, and she began to exclaim:

“What a beautiful priest! The way he chanted ‘Let us lift up our hearts’—it was so exquisite! He seemed like a second God, a second Christ.”

Suddenly, my children, a cold sweat broke out over me—it was the ‘evil eye’ (baskania). Forgive me, but I prayed:

“Saint Elijah the Prophet, I have been serving in your church here for so many years—what is this that has happened to me now?”

I said to Father Cyril:

“Father, let us get up and leave.” “But they’re making coffee, aren’t they?” said Father Cyril.

“Father,” I told him, “I feel like I’m about to die right this instant.”

When we arrived back down at the monastery, Father Cyril said to me:

“Father, that old woman must have cast the evil eye on you.”

“Father, what could an old woman possibly do to me? What great beauty or charm did I have?”

“Father, it was her words. Let me bring you some holy water.”

“But I just celebrated the Divine Liturgy and received Holy Communion, Father! Could the evil eye really affect a priest—someone who has just celebrated the Liturgy?”

“Yes, but the woman said those words to you *after* the Liturgy,” Father Cyril replied.

“Well, in that case, bring me some holy water.”

He brought some holy water—forgive me, my children—and I made the sign of the cross and drank it. My eyes cleared up immediately; before that, everything had been blurry, I felt dizzy, and I was breaking out in a cold sweat—but I recovered instantly.

That is why, my children, you should always keep holy water in your homes.

Did you see, my children, what that old woman said? The ‘evil eye’—or the harm caused by someone’s words—is a real evil, my children.

That is why you should always turn to the Church. Pray, my children—offer prayers and supplications. Have a priest read prayers over you. Make sure to have a priest who can pray for you to ward off the evil eye. If you do not have a priest, then have holy water, my children.

As for incantations, the "forty-day" rituals [for casting spells], reading coffee cups, and such things—these, my children, are all works of the devil.

Go to the Church; go to the Fathers of the Church. My children, let us be careful not to cause scandal. One day, we shall depart. The earth will consume all beauty, just as it will consume our bodies.

The Role of the Guardian Angel in Our Lives

 

Angels are ministering spirits who are sent to minister to us for our future salvation (Heb. 1:14). God "gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided all mankind, He set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the angels of God" (Deut. 32:8 LXX). They were created before the physical world and humanity.

The Archangels Michael and Gabriel serve the work of the Divine Economy for the salvation of humanity, and in the Holy Scripture, their appearances to specific persons are mentioned, in order to transfer to them a message. Such as, for example, the Archangel Michael to the Judge in the Old Testament named Gideon, and the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos and to Zachariah, the father of the Honorable Forerunner, etc.

At Baptism, God sends every believer an Angel for their protection, to remind them of God's will, and to rebuke them when they sin, in order to lead them to repentance. That is, to help them return to the path that leads to communion with God when they have gone astray. This creates joy since repentance is associated with eternal divine life, and this is why heaven celebrates when a person sincerely repents (Lk. 15:7). Saint John of Sinai, the author of The Ladder, in his discourse on discernment, writes on the conscience: "Conscience is the word and conviction of our Guardian Angel given to us from the time of Baptism. That is why we find that the unbaptized do not feel such keen pangs of remorse in their soul for their bad deeds."

The truth of the presence and work of a Guardian Angel in the lives of the faithful is mentioned in Holy Scripture, in the writings of the Holy Fathers (who are infallible interpreters of the Holy Scripture), and in the lives of the Saints. In the twelfth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the Evangelist Luke tells us of the miraculous rescue of the Apostle Peter, who was imprisoned by Herod after the martyric death of the Apostle James. The Apostle Peter was bound with two chains in prison, and suddenly there appeared before him the Angel of the Lord, who freed him and led him out of prison. He then realized he was not seeing a vision, but this was a reality, so he went to the house of the mother of the Evangelist Mark, where many believers were gathered, praying for his rescue. The Apostle Peter knocked on the door and waited for an answer. The servant, however, named Rodi, did not answer the door out of enthusiasm when she heard the voice of Peter but ran to tell the happy news to those gathered there. When she told them the Apostle Peter was knocking on the door, they thought she had lost her mind. When she insisted, however, they said together that it was because of his Guardian Angel (Acts 12:1-16).

From this we see it is clear that the early Christians had personal experiences of the existence of Guardian Angels, rejoicing in their presence and protection. Yet the same occurs today, just as in previous times, with the Saints and those who struggle to achieve their personal sanctification. They sense the presence of their Guardian Angel and some, depending on their inner purity, see them and converse with them. Indeed, internal purity is not achieved magically, but it implies an ascetical prayerful, and sacramental life. When someone by the grace of God and their personal struggle gains dominion over their passions, their nous is illumined, which is the eye of their soul, and they are able to see what their physical eyes cannot. They are able to see the glory of God, the Angels, the Saints, as well as their Guardian Angel, whom they always feel beside them protecting them.

In the Great Horologion, which contains the daily church services, there is a wonderful Canon to our Guardian Angel, which we can read and chant. Also, at the end of the Service of Small Compline, there is a Prayer to our Guardian Angel. When we read this every night, during Small Compline, we also can, to the extent of our ability, sense their presence and love, since we invoke them for our daily protection. Below is this prayer:

O Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all wherein I have sinned this day, and deliver me from all opposing evil of mine enemy, lest I anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, that you may show me forth worthy of the kindness and mercy of the All Holy Trinity, and of the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ, and of all the Saints. Amen.

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

ON PRAYER

  

—Elder Paisios, I have a toothache.

—Say a prayer rope [dedicated] to Saint Antipas—who helps with toothaches—and the pain will go away.

—Elder, I very often lose things, and then I waste time trying to find them.

—Why don’t you call upon Saint Menas, who specializes in this? Saint Menas immediately reveals whatever we have lost, without making many demands!

A single candle, and that’s it! The saints feel beholden when offered a candle. In general, this is the very work of all the saints: to help and protect us—wretched human beings—from visible and invisible temptations. Our own task is, as much as we are able, to live a spiritual life, to avoid causing grief to Christ, to light the oil lamp for the saints, and to beseech them to help us.

In this life, we are in need of help, so that we may be able to draw near to Christ.

 

from Words of Elder Paisios the Athonite, Vol. 6, Souroti