Archangel Barachiel - area of responsibility
Archangel Barachiel is better known among Orthodox believers than among Catholics.
He can be called a messenger of divine blessing. It is through this angel that the Almighty blesses people to do important things. The name Barachiel can be translated as "God's blessing" or "God's grace." The word “blessing” implies good deeds that benefit others. Barachiel also rewards those who, through their lifestyle, have earned the mercy of God. The name of the archangel is not found in either the Old or New Testaments. More precisely, he is not mentioned in the canonical biblical texts. And two sources brought him fame: the apocryphal Book of Enoch and the work of the Catholic monk Amadeus of Portugal “On Revelations and Prophets.”
And the archangel came into the Russian Orthodox tradition thanks to Metropolitan Demetrius of Rostov, compiler of the collection “Lives of the Saints”. This happened at the end of the 17th century, and since then Barachiel has been revered in Rus' as one of God’s closest helpers. It is believed that Barachiel appeared to the Jewish patriarch Abraham in the oak grove of Mamre. Through the archangel, the Lord conveyed to Abraham and his wife the news of the future birth of their son Isaac. The angel also told about the future fate of all the righteous who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is no coincidence that the Almighty put these words about the salvation of humanity into the mouth of Barachiel, who provides protection to all who sincerely believe in God and tells them how to maintain the purity of their souls.
Barachiel is depicted on icons much less often than his older brothers, such as Michael, Gabriel or Raphael. Nevertheless, imprinted images of the angel exist. On icons of the 18th–19th centuries you can see Barachiel holding flowers in his hands. As a rule, icon painters depict white roses, which symbolize purity. These flowers can also be understood as a reward that a believer receives for a righteous lifestyle and service to the Lord. Their divine aroma personifies the bliss that reigns in heaven.
Icon depicting the Archangel Barachiel
A bronze sculpture of the Archangel Barachiel can be seen on the facade of the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior on the southwestern side of the cathedral. According to tradition, the angel holds rose flowers in his hand, and the bronze image was created by Russian sculptor Yuri Orekhov.
In Russia the name of Barachiel was well known. Between 1715 and 1800, the Baltic Fleet included four sailing ships named after the archangel. The archangel is honored on November 21 during the Orthodox holiday of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal heavenly powers.
Mystics also believe in the power of the Archangel Barachiel and often turn to him for help. In their understanding, Varachiel is associated with the planet Jupiter and the following colors correspond to him:
- blue;
- violet;
- lilac;
- purple.
Saturday and the month of February are most suitable for contacting this heavenly messenger. And you can enhance the effect of prayer with the help of quartz, amethyst and aquamarine.
Image on icons
A small number of images of Barachiel have reached us. On them he appears in the guise of a young man of attractive appearance. In his hands he holds the obligatory attribute - flowers. The angel gives them as a reward to good people who please the Lord with regular prayers and good deeds.
Interesting! The angel is one of the characters in the image of the Virgin Mary “The Burning Bush”. And here, unlike many other icons, he is holding not flowers, but a bunch of grapes.
Flowers are also symbolically associated with joy and harmony in the soul. As a rule, we are talking about roses. The latter mean the bliss of worthy souls in Paradise, a well-deserved reward from the Almighty, received on the condition of renouncing a sinful life.
You can see the bronze sculpture of Barachiel in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (Moscow). You will also find it in the photo below.
What does Archangel Barachiel help with and what requests should you make of him?
Since the Almighty gives His blessing to people through the Archangel Barachiel, turning to this angel would be appropriate before starting any business. In fact, the phrase “God bless!” and is translated as "Barachiel".
One way or another, we call on the archangel when God's blessing is required. And it doesn’t matter what business we have ahead of us: an exam, a trip, marriage or organizing our own successful business. If we count on the implementation of our plans, then Barachiel’s help will not hurt.
Of course, if you ask the Lord for support, then the matter should not harm anyone. It must comply with Christian commandments. Even if your request is of an earthly nature, you must always remember the spiritual and moral side.
For example, you are planning to open your own bakery. On the one hand, you want to improve your financial situation. On the other hand, if successful, you will be able to help disadvantaged people, feed the hungry, donate money to a temple or social project. If you are driven only by personal gain, then God is unlikely to bless your endeavor.
Help from above can only be received if you are ready to take care of your neighbors, and not just satisfy your own interests. Therefore, Archangel Barachiel will definitely help if you yourself help others: orphans, the disabled, the homeless.
In our difficult times, not every person can afford to participate in charity. But it's not the amount you donate that matters. All that is essential is the desire to extend a hand to your neighbor, to support him in a difficult situation. In addition, help is not always expressed in money. For example, there are volunteer programs for the restoration of temples, where anyone can take part and receive a blessing.
What exactly is this blessing? The work carried out under the auspices of the archangel does not encounter any difficulties along the way. At the same time, a person experiences inner joy and elation. He feels that he is able to move mountains because he is full of the energy that God gives him. He has no doubts about a successful outcome, he does not waste time on unnecessary thoughts and worries. He is driven by Faith, which means everything will work out. And this state is bestowed upon man by the Archangel Barachiel.
According to Archbishop Innocent of Kherson, Barachiel’s ministry is diverse. The Archangel not only bestows the grace of God, but also rewards true believers. You just need to remember that this reward is not limited to receiving material benefits. It could be a meeting with a wise person who will strengthen our faith. Or some event that promotes spiritual growth. In any case, it is something that contributes to our awakening and purification.
Barachiel often turns his attention to people whose faith in the Almighty is beyond doubt. He protects such families and always comes to the rescue if they are in distress or in danger. But help will come faster if a person asks for it himself.
Archangel Barachiel is also able to establish harmony in the family. People turn to him if a family is having difficulty conceiving a child, if there are tense relationships between relatives, or if people are experiencing financial difficulties.
From esotericism
It is believed that our archangel corresponds to the color indigo. Additional colors include amethyst and lavender. Its month is February, its season is winter. The day when the archangel takes a particularly close look at people is Saturday. Esotericists say that his stones are aquamarine, quartz, amethyst. If you want to light candles for him, buy purple ones. Barachiel is characterized by sincere kindness, self-sacrifice, and a desire to help. His name is associated with the major arcana of the Tarot “Wheel of Fortune”.
Any business will be successful if you enlist the support of this archangel. And this will happen if those thoughts and feelings that are characteristic of him predominate in your soul. Although, they say, kindness is not critical. For our archangel, it is important how a person treats others, whether he tries to live for them. And sins are forgiven to those who strive to correct mistakes. Try to ask for the blessing of the archangel yourself.
When and where to pray
Jesus Christ advised turning to God only with a pure heart. Of course, you can also pray in a temple, where people specially come to communicate with the Creator. Here they see that they are not alone on the path to the Lord, they feel the presence of those who share their faith.
But rituals should not be performed for show. The external side means much less than what happens inside the soul. Your prayer is not intended for others, but for the Lord, and God knows how to read hearts. Words are important, but the main role is played by the feelings with which you begin to pray.
Remember, the angels and the Lord himself will hear your words, wherever you are. You just have to remember any of the angels, call him by name, and your heart vibrations will find a lively response. Sincerity of faith and purity of thoughts are important. A prayer coming from the depths of the soul will definitely be heard. But mechanically spoken words will not bring results.
Fulfillment of the prayer to Archangel Barachiel:
Prayers to Archangel Barachiel
A prayer to Archangel Barachiel can be read at any time before starting an important task. You can also ask him for protection and help in establishing family relationships. A separate prayer is intended for a situation where a family cannot have a child.
Below are several prayers addressed to the archangel that apply to specific situations.
Prayer to Archangel Barachiel “Very strong protection”
Oh, great archangel of God, Archangel Barachiel! Standing before the Throne of God and from there bringing the blessing of God into the homes of God’s faithful servants, ask the Lord God for mercy and blessing on our homes, may the Lord God bless us from Zion and from His Holy Mountain and increase the abundance of the fruits of the earth and give us health and salvation and good haste in everything, victory and victory against our enemies and will preserve us for many years, so that with one accord we glorify God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to Archangel Barachiel for the protection of family and family well-being
Oh, great archangel of God, Archangel Barachiel! Standing before the Throne of God and from there bringing the blessing of God into the homes of God’s faithful servants, ask the Lord God for mercy and blessing on our homes, may the Lord God bless us from Zion and from His Holy Mountain and increase the abundance of the fruits of the earth and give us health and salvation and good haste in everything, victory and victory against our enemies and will preserve us for many years, so that with one accord we glorify God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Prayer to Archangel Barachiel for Sunday
Oh, great archangel of God, Archangel Barachiel! Standing before the Throne of God and from there bringing the blessing of God into the homes of God’s faithful servants, ask the Lord God for mercy and blessings on our homes, may the Lord God bless us from Zion and from His Holy Mountain and increase the abundance of the fruits of the earth and give us health and salvation and good haste in everything, victory and victory against our enemies and will preserve us for many years, so that with one accord we glorify God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Prayer to the Archangel Barachiel for infertility
Holy Archangel of God Barachiel, who brings blessings from the Lord to us, bless me to make a good start, correcting my careless life, so that I may please the Lord my Savior in everything forever and ever. Oh, holy Heavenly Beginnings, pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us the opportunity to make a good beginning!
