Everyone has heard about the archangel of God; they helped many people get rid of illnesses and take the right path. gain faith and hope for a bright future. Archangels and angels are messengers of God who bring messages to people from the Throne of the Lord. But they can also teach crafts or reveal hidden knowledge.
Prayer to Archangel Raphael helps in healing from various ailments, since his main activity in the human world is to treat and eliminate pain. My sister always prays to Raphael if her children get sick.
Not once has a prayer been left unattended. The Archangel also blesses the medicines, due to which the healing time is noticeably reduced. In the article I will tell you about this heavenly patron, prayers to him and how to correctly ask the saint for help.
The meaning of the Holy Archangel Raphael in Orthodoxy
People learn about the Archangel Raphael from non-canonical Old Testament texts. According to scripture, Raphael is one of the seven great angels who stand at the throne of God. His strength is so great that the Lord sent him to fight the demon Azazel, who taught people crafts and witchcraft. An angel imprisoned a demon in the desert.
Raphael is considered a healer because he repeatedly healed human illnesses. Thus, this archangel delivered Abraham from pain after circumcision. The wounds of the forefather of the Jewish people healed amazingly quickly as a result of the help of the messenger of God.
Later, the Book of Tobit tells about Raphael and his miraculous abilities. The events described in this part of the Old Testament refer to the period of the Assyrian captivity, when the Israelites were resettled in the territory of the Assyrian Empire after a lost war. The pious Jew Tobit lived in Nineveh. His fate was difficult, but he endured the trials sent with humility and faith: persecution of the Israelis, impoverishment, hard work and illness.
One day it happened that he went blind. Tobit could not work and support his family. In order to somehow survive, he decided to send his son Tobius to get the money once lent to Gabael, who lived in Media. The path was long and difficult, so Tobius took a companion on the road - Azariah, from the family of Ananias.
Having reached the Tigris River, Tobiah entered the water to wash himself. He was attacked by a large fish, which he was able to catch on the advice of Azariah. The companions prepared it, and they took the bile, heart and liver of the fish with them. When they came to the house of one of Tobit’s relatives, Raguel, they learned that he had a misfortune. The owner's daughter, Sarah, was beautiful and had a rich dowry, but she could not find a husband, because all the men who married her died on the first day.
Tobiah's companion told him to marry a girl. Sarah was pursued by an evil demon who was killing her husbands, and in order to drive him out, Tobias, on the advice of his companion, burned the heart and liver of a fish caught in the Tigris. He lived in his father-in-law's house until the people sent brought him the money lent by Gavail, and then with his wife and rich estate, accompanied by a companion, he went to his father. At home, the parents were already desperate, waiting for their son, since he was very late.
When Tobius arrived home, he again fulfilled Azariah’s command and anointed his father’s eyes with fish bile. Tobit received his sight, and the family rejoiced. Azariah's companion revealed that he was in fact not a man, but the archangel Raphael, sent by God to help Tobit for his piety and kindness.
What types of icons of Archangel Michael are there?
A large number of icons depict St. Michael, which confirms his importance for Christians. He has a significant role to play not only in the past, but in the present and future.
The Archangel, being the head of the holy army of heaven, is often dressed in military attire - a tunic and a cloak with an embroidered rectangular insert called a tavlion. He is represented both in full height and waist-deep. From the 7th century, icons of the Lorate Archangel Michael began to appear, that is, in the costume of Byzantine courtiers, consisting of the following elements:
- dalmatica - a narrow long chasuble with voluminous sleeves, embroidered shoulders and hem;
- lora - a piece thrown over the shoulder in the form of a woven strip of large sizes in length and width, which is decorated with pearls and various stones;
- boots – decorated with gold and precious stones.
In many scenes, the Archangel is dressed like a Roman general - in a short tunic, and on top of it a metal armor with shoulder pads and legguards, decorated with relief. On top of everything is a scarlet officer's cloak, tied at the left shoulder.
Military armor may differ, depending on the culture and characteristics of the place and time in which the icons were painted. In any case, clothing has a symbolic meaning, emphasizing the significance of the rank occupied by the Angel. Often you can come across icons where he is wearing a helmet, also like a part of military clothing. If there is a bandage on his head with fluttering ends, then the icon painter wanted to emphasize the main purpose of Michael - to hear God’s will. But the crown shows a sign of power that none of the other Angels possess.
Usually the Archangel has a weapon in his hand. It could be a sword, regular or fire, a spear, or both. A rod or labarum in the hand denotes a symbol of power. Michael can also hold a mirror, presented in the form of a transparent sphere or as an orb - a royal attribute, a golden ball with a cross. It is considered a symbol of the fact that the angel is a spirit serving Christ and is not a humanoid creature.
Taking into account the fact that Michael is also assigned the role of judge at the Last Judgment, he is often depicted with scales. Initially, this was adopted in Catholic iconography, but later it began to be used by the Orthodox Church. The good and evil deeds of each person will be weighed on the scales, so on many icons you can see how there is an ugly demon in one bowl, and a praying figure in the other. Referring to the book described in the Revelation of John the Theologian with seven seals that will be opened when the end of the world comes, in Western culture it is often depicted instead of scales.
Many icons contain basic Christian symbols - the Greek monogram of the name of Jesus Christ, the Star of David, the cross. They can be seen on the same mirror, on a shield, etc. Also, in addition to the main image of the Archangel, there may be references around him to his miraculous deeds.
There are a number of the most common subjects that are shown on icons:
- Deesis - Archangel Michael is located to the right of Jesus Christ, and Gabriel is to the left, following the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist;
- “Cathedral of Archangels” - they stand at full height, holding a sphere - “glory” with the image of Jesus in adolescence, or as it is commonly called, Savior Emmanuel; or separately Michael with a medallion of Jesus on his chest;
- the cathedral of angelic forces - a host of angels, symbolizing the Heavenly Forces, led by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel;
- the commander - riding a red winged horse, trumpets, carrying the news of the end of times, holds the Gospel in one hand, and an eight-pointed cross and a spear in the other. The latter will become the weapon with which he will pierce the devil and throw him into fiery Gehenna. Under the animal's hooves, crumbling earthly kingdoms are sometimes shown;
- a separate moment where the Archangel Michael pierces Satan with a spear;
- “Miracle in Khoneh” - from legends you can learn about the history of how in the city of Colossae, located in Asia Minor, there was a temple dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It was once built by one of the residents, in gratitude for the fact that his daughter was healed by healing waters from a spring in that place. The pagans decided to destroy this temple, and for this they dug a ditch, where the currents of the two rivers flowing there joined together and were directed towards the church. The sexton Arkhipp served in it, and he began to fervently pray to Archangel Michael, asking for help. And then he appeared, hit the nearby mountain with his staff, after which the flow of water stopped and went into a cleft that opened in the rock. Thus, the temple remained inviolable. The city in which the miracle happened was then called Khona, which means a cleft, a hole;
- “The Miracle of Flora and Laurel” is described in the traditions of the Russian Church. The main characters are the brothers Flor and Laurus, who later became holy martyrs. Through them, many miracles were performed, including healings, and many pagans converted to Christians. They were captured, thrown into a well and covered with earth after destroying the pagan idols that were intended to be brought into the newly built temple. They are depicted with Archangel Michael, since, according to legend, he taught how to ride horses and help animals. As a result, the brothers began to be called patrons of horses. Icons usually show an Angel giving two horses, white and black, Flora and Laurus;
- three youths in a fiery furnace - a plot from the Book of the Prophet Daniel, when Jewish youths were placed in a burning furnace for refusing to bow to a golden image. According to Christian tradition, it is generally accepted that the Angel of the Lord who appeared in the oven and threw out the flame of fire, thereby saving the lives of the youths, was Michael;
- worship of the Cross.
The last two stories are extremely rare, but were still worthy of mention.
Icons come in different types and sizes; you can choose and place any one you like at home. It is important to understand that it should not just hang or stand somewhere, but its main function is to warm up your love for God. A holy image is not some kind of talisman or magical thing that will bring you well-being and success just by its presence, but should create a prayerful mood. Therefore, it does not matter at all where to place the icon.
In the homes of many believers there is a special shelf where you can put an icon and hang a lamp into which special consecrated odorless oil is poured. Traditionally, it is used to anoint family members after prayer, during illness, before travel or other important events.
What do they ask the archangel for?
Since in the Holy Scriptures Raphael accompanied Tobiah on a difficult journey, he is revered as a helper to travelers. You can pray to the archangel before setting off on a difficult journey or in some difficult endeavors.
Raphael became famous for his ability to heal serious illnesses, such as blindness. It also relieves severe pain. Considered the patron saint of healers and physicians. It’s good if people healing have an icon of the archangel in their house. It can also protect a person from demons and from mental illness, mental disorders and even bad habits.
Appealing to the archangel promotes a successful marriage. It helps to enter into a happy marriage and maintain family happiness. In addition, it is believed that Raphael is able to get a person out of a difficult financial situation.
Prayer to Archangel Raphael has great power, but you can truly influence the situation only by following certain rules. In order for Raphael to assist, the correct mood of those praying and faithful adherence to Christian laws are needed.
In what cases does it help?
You can apply for yourself and for your loved ones. Prayer words to the Archangel help:
- be healed of any illness;
- get rid of fears, anxiety, stress, bad habits and inclinations;
- protect from various troubles and negative energy;
- cleanse the room of negative energy;
- find a faithful and reliable life partner;
Also read: Prayer for the health of a sick person to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Traditional healers turn to the Saint, asking for help and support.
Strong Orthodox prayers
Orthodox Christians pray to Archangel Raphael for healing, a happy marriage and protection from dark forces. Appealing to this intercessor of the human race has great power. The book of Tobit records that Raphael carries the prayers of the people all the way to the throne of God.
About marriage
Archangel Raphael, the Great Healer. My flesh is drowning in sins, and my soul is groaning about marriage. May happiness be rewarded to me through faith, do not let it break in sorrow. Thy will be done. Amen.
Oh, Great Archangel Raphael. Among the girls and beauties I get lost, I tempt myself in sickening bliss. Help me not to be deceived in the darkness, and with God’s help, to get married soon. Thy will be done. Amen.
Archangel Raphael, Righteous Intercessor. Show me the path to a sinless marriage, I turn to you with hope. Turn away those who are disgusting to God, I believe that you are generous and omnipotent. Thy will be done. Amen.
About protection
Oh, holy, glorious Archangel of God Raphael! A quick helper and warm before God for us, intercessor and prayer leader. Standing before the throne of the Holy Trinity, ask us from the Lord for forgiveness of our sins: may He turn over to mercy His righteous anger, which is brought upon us for the sake of our sins. Do not forsake us, O Archangel of God, with your help and intercession, who today glorify your holy name. Even though we have committed many sins, we still do not want to perish in our iniquities. Strengthen our weak will for good deeds with the grace of the Lord. Be a guide and adviser to us, like the youth Tobias, in our many-sorrowful life. Help us get rid of the diseases that oppress us, just as you saved Tobit from his many years of blindness. When the hour of our death approaches, do not leave us, Archangel of God, defenseless in the air ordeals against the spirits of evil blocking the sunrise to the heavenly. May we, guarded by you, reach the abodes of our heavenly Father and, together with you and with all the saints, glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
About healing the sick
Oh, most holy, mighty Angel Raphael, standing at the altar of the Lord! You, by the mercy of the All-Powerful Healer of our soul and body, given to you by the holy spirit of Tobit, cured him of the blindness of his eyes, and his youth Tobias, while traveling, saved him from the evil spirit. I patiently ask you: become my guide into my worldly existence. Save me from all familiar and unfamiliar enemies, cure my mental and physical ailments, direct my life to confessing my sins and doing good deeds. Oh, most holy, mighty Angel Raphael! Hear me, a sinner, who has turned to you, and help me now and in the future to thank and praise our common Father in endless years and years. Amen.
About healing a child
Holy Archangel Raphael, I turn to you, Servant of God (proper name), help. Heal my child, the Servant of God (child’s name), from a serious illness. I ask you, Great Heavenly Healer, come down from heaven and pay a visit to my home. Contribute to the health and well-being of all my household. Heal our souls and remove from my home the evil that causes illness. Help all my household members gain confidence in the future, free us from mental fears and doubts. Clear the space around my child and fill his soul with positive energy. Make sure that the disease leaves his body forever. May divine health remain in him throughout his life. I say words of gratitude and glorify your miraculous actions related to healing. Amen.
Prayer to Michael the Archangel for a son in Russian – read online, download for free
Lord Michael the Archangel, destroyer of demons!
Forbid all enemies fighting me, make them powerless, and scatter them like dust when a strong wind blows.
The Great Lord Michael the Archangel, six-winged, first Prince and Governor of the Heavenly powers!
Be my helper in everything - in insults, sorrows and sorrows, in deserts, at crossroads, on rivers and seas - my quiet refuge!
Deliver me, great Archangel Michael, from all the charms of the devil, when you hear me, a sinner, praying to you and calling on your holy name.
Then hear my prayer and hasten to help me.
O great Archangel Michael!
Defeat all those who attack me by the power of the frequent and life-giving Cross of the Lord, through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the holy Apostles, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Andrew Christ for the sake of the holy fool and holy prophet Elijah, the holy great martyrs Nikita and Eustathius, the Reverend Fathers, the holy Saints, the Martyrs and all Holy Heavenly Powers.
Amen.
Send this prayer to your loved ones
Send this prayer to your loved ones
Send this prayer to your loved ones
How to read prayers correctly
When praying to Archangel Raphael, the same rules apply as with many others. The most important thing is sincere faith. It is necessary to rely on the will of God and humbly trust in the heavenly intercessor. It is believed that when turning to Raphael, a person’s sincerity and own desire are of particular importance.
When the archangel is prayed for healing, it does not matter who does it - the patient himself or his loved ones. The sincerity and thoughts of the patient are much more important. If a person is disgusted by heavenly help, then Raphael can only partially alleviate the suffering. Therefore, to achieve a better result, it is worth convincing a person suffering from an illness of the benefits of prayer.
Otherwise the rules are the same. It is better to pray alone. You can do it out loud, you can do it silently. It’s good if the person praying has an icon of the archangel. It is advisable to light a candle or lamp and use incense for burning. Pure faith and prayer can change the whole world!
Prayers to the Holy Archangel
A prayer to Archangel Michael will always be heard. The Great Archangel patronizes Orthodox Christians and protects them from visible and invisible enemies.
Archangel Michael trampling on the devil
The Church teaches that the sources of disease are human sins, which he commits at the instigation of demons.
A prayer to Archangel Michael is read for any illness. It especially helps with:
- Hypertension;
- Migraines;
- Neuroses;
- Heart diseases;
- Vascular diseases.
About other prayers to Archangel Michael:
- Strong defense
- For deceased relatives
The holy archangel is honored by the church twice a year. On November 21, the Council of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied heavenly powers is celebrated. On September 19, his miracles in Khoneh are remembered.
But you can turn to him for help on any other day.
What do we know about Archangel Uriel?
So, why Uriel after all? Today, more than ever in the past, humanity has an incredibly large store of knowledge. A huge number of discoveries have already been made, and no less research is being carried out. People persistently search for the “keys” to the “doors” of the universe, admire their achievements, the incredible strength and potential of the human brain. But there is a source of all this knowledge - God, and there is one who brings this knowledge - Uriel.
Archangel Uriel and Prophet Ezra
We draw news about this Archangel from the non-canonical Third Book of Ezra (3 Esdras 4:1; 5, 20; 10, 28). Here we are talking about the fact that Uriel was sent to the priest Ezra to convey and explain to him the mysterious ways of God; he announces that very little time remains before the coming of the Redeemer. It is believed that the Third Book of Ezra itself is divided into two parts according to its content and time of origin. At a minimum, chapters 3 to 14 were most likely written in pre-Christian times, and therefore the revelation brought by Uriel could not be more relevant.
A prayer to Archangel Uriel gives us additional information about its properties. For convenience, it is best to take the text in Russian. In it we see a request for enlightenment of the mind and heart, while Uriel himself is called an enlightener, illuminated by Divine light and filled with the fire of love. Based on such evidence, St. Innocent of Kherson says that Uriel is the patron saint of people of science. He is the source of great and useful discoveries, it is thanks to his influence that after many hours or many days of work, researchers proclaim “eureka”.
The name Uriel (Hebrew “fire” or “light”) fully corresponds to the image that has been firmly formed in the Tradition of the Church. It ignites not only the minds, but also the hearts of people. That is why contemplation of the incredible harmony and thoughtfulness of the universe should lead a person to think about the Creator who created it.
