On March 6, at the Moscow Museum of Russian Icons, a meeting took place with the composer of Coptic hymns, George Kyrillos. Muscovites received a unique opportunity to hear live Coptic liturgical chants. The chant of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts “Now the Powers of Heaven” is one of the most powerful impressions of Great Lent. It doesn't sound at other times. We cannot help but feel his “extraordinary” nature. “King of Glory” is the name of Christ, in which there is a very strong connection with the agony of the Cross. Priest Fyodor LYUDOGOVSKY and poet Olga SEDAKOVA comment. Most parishioners have never heard the beautiful and sublime prayers that the priest says at the most important moment of the Liturgy. The people standing in the temple can only hear exclamations and the end of prayers read silently or in a quiet voice at the altar. How was it like in ancient times? When and why did the current practice begin? The Sunday troparion in 3 voices is commented on by the leading columns of liturgical poetry “NS”: priest, philologist Fyodor LYUDOGOVSKY and poet, translator Olga SEDAKOVA. Stichera for the Lithium of the Presentation “Ancient of Days”, in which the hymn of St. Simeon “Now You Let Go” is combined with images of a Christian funeral, comment priest Theodore LYUDOGOVSKY and poet Olga SEDAKOVA. Who meets with whom on the Feast of the Presentation? The Virgin Mary and Joseph with Elder Simeon, Simeon with God, the Old Testament with the New, hope with its justification. Sretensky stichera tell about the paradoxes of these meetings. Commentary by priest, philologist Fyodor LYUDOGOVSKY and poet, translator Olga SEDAKOVA. The main theme of almost all Gospel Sunday stichera is Easter joy, the amazing period of time between the Resurrection and Ascension, between the two steps of Salvation: the Resurrection from the dead - and the return to the Father. The Gospel Sunday stichera of the 8th tone is commented on by the leading columns of liturgical poetry “NS”: priest, philologist Fyodor LYUDOGOVSKY and poet, translator Olga SEDAKOVA. This Sunday, during the service, the troparion in tone 5, “The Co-Original Word to the Father and the Spirit,” will be sung. Probably the author of this chant, extremely rich in vivid images and dogmatic meaning, was St. John of Damascus. Priest Theodore LYUDOGOVSKY comments.
Prayers to the Holy Archangels
1. Holy Archangel Michael, defeat every enemy and adversary. 2. Holy Archangel Gabriel, messenger of God's Mysteries, pray to God for me, a sinner, and strengthen me from laziness and relaxation. 3. Holy Archangel Raphael, heal the ailments of my soul and body. 4. Holy Archangel Uriel, enlighten the darkened me with the radiance of the fire of God. 5. Holy Archangel Selafiel, pray to God for me and lead me to prayer. 6. Holy Archangel Jehudiel, strengthen me, a sinner, to work and intercede for me reward. 7. Holy Archangel Barachiel, Giver of God’s Blessings, intercede for me God’s blessings. 8. Holy Archangel Jeremiel, due to the scarcity of good deeds, place the tears of my repentance on the scales of justice.
In 1939, Hollywood was churning out movies like hotcakes. On average, two new films were released per day.
To the Heavenly Powers of the Ethereal
Troparion, tone 4
Audio:
0:44
Heavenly armies of the Archangels, / we always pray to you, we are unworthy, / with your prayers protect us / with the blood of your immaterial glory, / keeping us diligently and crying: / from deliver us from troubles, // like the heads of the Highest Powers.
Translation: Heavenly armies of the Archangels, we, unworthy ones, continually pray to you, that you protect us with your prayers under the roof of the wings of your immaterial glory, preserving us, who fall diligently and cry: “Deliver us from troubles, as the leaders of the Highest Powers!”
Kontakion, tone 2
Audio:
0:37
Archangels of God,/ servants of the Divine glory,/ leaders of angels, and teachers of men,/ ask for what is useful for us, and great mercy,// like the Bodiless Archangels.
Translation: Archangels of God, servants of the Divine Glory, leaders of angels and mentors of people, ask us for what is useful and great mercy, as the disembodied Archangels.
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Prayer to the Archangel of God Michael
O Lord, Great God, King without beginning, send, O Lord, Thy Archangel Michael to the aid of Thy servant (name), take me away from my enemies, visible and invisible! Oh, Lord Archangel Michael, pour out myrrh of benevolence on your servant (name). Oh, Lord Michael the Archangel, destroyer of demons, forbid all enemies fighting me, create them like sheep, and crush them like dust in the face of the wind. Oh, Great Lord Michael Archangel, six-winged first Prince and Governor of the Heavenly Powers, Cherubim and Seraphim, give me help in everything: in grievances, sorrows, sorrows, in deserts, at crossroads, on rivers and seas a quiet refuge! Deliver me from all the charms of the devil, when you hear me, your sinful servant (name), praying to you and calling on your holy name, hasten to my help, and hear my prayer. Oh, Great Archangel Michael! Conquer all that opposes me, by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, by the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and the holy Apostles, and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Andrew the Fool and the holy Prophet Elijah, and the holy Great Martyr Nikita and Eustathius, the Reverend Father and the holy Saints and Martyr and all the Heavenly Saints Strength Amen.
Prayers to the Archangels for every day
On Monday, Holy Archangel of God Michael, drive away from me with your lightning sword the evil spirit that tempts me. Oh, great Archangel of God Michael - conqueror of demons! Defeat and crush all my enemies, visible and invisible, and pray to the Lord Almighty, may the Lord save and preserve me from sorrows and from all illnesses, from deadly plagues and vain deaths, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Oh, holy six-winged Seraphim, offer up your powerful prayer to the Lord, may the Lord soften our sinful, hardened hearts, may we learn to entrust everyone to Him, our God: both evil and good, teach us to forgive our offenders, so that the Lord will forgive us. Tuesday Holy Archangel Gabriel, who brought inexpressible joy from Heaven to the Most Pure Virgin, fill my heart, overflowing with pride, with joy and joy. Oh, great Archangel of God Gabriel, you announced to the Most Pure Virgin Mary the conception of the Son of God. Bring to me, a sinner, the day of the terrible death of the Lord God for my sinful soul, may the Lord forgive my sins. Oh, great Archangel Gabriel! Save me from all troubles and from serious illness, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen. Oh, many-eyed Cherubim, look at my madness, correct my mind, renew the meaning of my soul, may heavenly wisdom descend upon me, unworthy, so as not to sin in word, so as to bridle my tongue, so that every act is directed to the glory of the Heavenly Father. On Wednesday Oh, great Archangel of God Raphael, received the gift from God to heal ailments, heal the incurable ulcers of my heart and many diseases of my body. Oh, great Archangel of God Raphael, you are a guide, a doctor and a healer, guide me to salvation and heal all my illnesses, mental and physical, and lead me to the Throne of God, and implore His mercy for my sinful soul, may the Lord forgive me and will save me from all my enemies and from evil people, both now and forever. Amen Oh, holy God-bearing Thrones, teach us the meekness and humility of Christ, our Lord, grant us true knowledge of our weakness, our insignificance, grant us victory in the fight against pride and vanity. Grant us simplicity, a pure eye and humble consciousness. On Thursday, Holy Archangel of God Uriel, illuminated by the Divine Light and abundantly filled with the fire of fiery hot love, throw a spark of this fiery fire into my cold heart, and illuminate my dark soul with your light. Oh, great Archangel of God Uriel, you are the radiance of the Divine fire and the enlightener of those darkened by sins, enlighten my mind, my heart, my will with the power of the Holy Spirit, and guide me on the path of repentance, and pray to the Lord God, may the Lord deliver me from the underworld and from all enemies, visible and invisible, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen Oh, saints of the Dominion, always present before the Heavenly Father, beg Jesus Christ, our Savior, to seal His royal power in weakness and grant us grace, that we may be cleansed by this grace, that we may grow by this grace, that we may be filled with faith, hope and love.B Friday Holy Archangel of God Selafiel, give prayer to the one praying, teach me to pray a prayer that is humble, contrite, focused and tender. Oh, great Archangel of God Selafiel, you pray to God for people who believe, beg His Mercy for me, a sinner, that the Lord will deliver me from all troubles and sorrows, and illnesses, and from vain death, and from eternal torment, and the Lord of the Kingdom will vouchsafe me Heavenly with all the Saints forever. Amen. Oh, holy Heavenly Powers, pray to our Lord that he may bring down into our souls the consciousness of infirmity, weakness and limitation, that there will always be a place in us for Divine action, at the hour of death give us the grace given from God, that we may gain mercy from the Lord of Powers, to Him praise and worship are due. On Saturday, the Holy Archangel of God Jehudiel, the companion of all who struggle on the path of Christ, rouse me from heavy laziness and strengthen me with a good deed. Oh, great Archangel of God Jehudiel, you are a zealous defender of the glory of God, you excite me to glorify the Holy Trinity, awaken me, lazy, to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and beg the Lord Almighty to create a pure heart in me and renew a right spirit in my womb , and by the Sovereign Spirit he will establish me in the truth of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Oh, holy Heavenly Authorities, pray to the Heavenly Father for us, grant wisdom and reasoning in order to discern, so that with the Jesus Prayer we can crush all the thoughts of the devil through your intercession, so that we may acquire a pure, clear, prayerful mind, a good heart, a will turned to the Lord. On Sunday Holy Archangel Barachiel, who brings blessings from the Lord to us, bless me to make a good beginning, correcting my careless life, so that I may please the Lord my Savior in everything forever and ever. Amen. Oh, holy Heavenly Beginnings, pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us the opportunity to make a good beginning!
"Heavenly Armies of the Archangel"
Source: Pravoslavie.Ru
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers. Refectory of the Dionysiates Monastery on Mount Athos
The history of the Church knows many worthy people, whose exploits and virtues visibly testified to their holiness. Over the past millennia, hundreds of righteous people of piety of the Old and New Testaments have been canonized. Among all the saints, the host of the incorporeal Heavenly army stands out.
On November 8/21, the entirety of the Church honors the memory of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal heavenly powers. According to Saint Philaret (Drozdov),
“The earthly council has now solemnly assembled to give honor to the Heavenly Council, the council of men has gathered to sing the praises of the Council of Angels”[1].
And indeed, the angelic powers are revered by the people of God for their speedy intercession before the Heavenly Father. This holiday gained special love in Rus', where temples and monasteries were built in honor of the Heavenly Forces, icons were painted, and even entire settlements and large cities were named, for example Arkhangelsk.
Even in ancient times, Angels were considered messengers, heralds of God's will[2]. In the New Testament, the good news, reporting about past or future events, was brought precisely by Heavenly powers. Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary the birth of the Savior of the world from Her (see: Luke 1: 28–33). The shepherds heard the news of the Nativity of Christ from an Angel and the Heavenly Host, singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (see: Luke 2: 8-15). Two Angels in shining robes testified to the Resurrection of Christ to the myrrh-bearing women (see: Matt. 28: 1–8; Mark 16: 1–8; Luke 24: 4–7; John 20: 11–13).
The worship of the Heavenly powers in the first centuries of Christianity was so great that many began to incorrectly regard them as the creators and rulers of the universe, turning their veneration into idolatry. However, the fathers of the Council of Laodicea (about 343 AD)[3] condemned this heretical teaching and established Orthodox veneration of the angelic ranks[4].
Over time, the celebration of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal heavenly forces was established on November 8 according to the old style, that is, on the eighth day of the ninth month[5]. The chosen day pointed to the eschatological “eighth day,” the day of the Last Judgment, when “the Son of Man will come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him” (Matthew 25:31), and the ninth month of the year symbolized the nine ranks of angels: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, powers, authorities, principles, archangels, angels[6].
Troparion is a short text that succinctly tells the main meaning of the celebrated event. The troparion for the feast of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied heavenly powers is consonant with the general troparion “To the One Archangel.” It focuses on the heavenly messengers known by name - the Archangels. It sounds like this:
“Heavenly armies of the Archangels, we always pray to you, unworthy ones, and with your prayers protect us with the shelter of the wings of your immaterial glory, preserving us, falling diligently and crying out: deliver us from troubles, like the rulers of the Highest Powers”[7].
For a better understanding of this text, Archpriest Vladimir Uspensky made the following translation of the troparion into Russian, using which we will analyze as an example:
“Heavenly commanders! We, the unworthy, constantly beg you that with your prayers you protect us with the cover of your intercession - your immaterial (incorporeal) glory, protecting us, who diligently fall before you and cry out: deliver us from disasters, like the leaders of the highest powers! "[8]
Archangels of the Heavenly Hosts
First of all, the troparion tells us that we are addressing the Archangels, who are here called archangels. In the Church Slavonic language, archistratigs were considered the leaders of the angelic army[9]. Father Vladimir translates this word as “military leaders.”
Before our eyes appears the image of a countless courageous host of angelic ranks, at the head of which stand the Archangels of God, ready to lead the Heavenly regiments into a righteous battle with the forces of the prince of demons.
Angels Prayer
“Protect us with your prayers” - despite the fact that Angels do not have a physical form, and their nature cannot be comprehended by the human mind, we all believe that they are intercessors before the Creator for sinful people. They, as servants of the Divine Glory, are closest to the Throne of God and pray to the Lord to have mercy on His constantly sinning creations.
Orthodox doctrine says that each person has his own Guardian Angel, a personal intercessor to whom a person can turn in both sorrow and joy for intercession before God[10].
Incorporeality and wings
In addressing the Archangels, we ask to cover us with the veil of their “immaterial glory.”
In Archpriest Vladimir Uspensky we see the word “incorporeal.” In liturgical texts and the works of the holy fathers, Angels are spoken of as disembodied spirits, which in turn is based on the words of Christ: “a spirit has not flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39).
The wings of disembodied Angels are an allegory symbolizing speed and penetration
In the Church Slavonic text of the troparion there is a precise indication of the presence of wings in the Angelic forces: “with blood the wing of your immaterial glory.” It is significant that Father Vladimir omitted this detail when translating into Russian. However, if you know about the incorporeal essence of Angels, it becomes clear that there can be no talk of any wings, because incorporeal Angels are not subject to the laws of physics. Holy Scripture testifies that often God's messengers appeared in the guise of people, and not winged creatures, although there are references to them in the Old Testament. Wings are an allegory symbolizing speed and penetration[11].
Leaders of the Highest Powers
People’s prayer: “Deliver us from disasters, like the leaders of the highest powers!” – was previously considered as the potential ability of the Archangels to control some Heavenly forces. It was not without reason that in ancient times they believed that in prayers to the Archangels one could ask for “blessing of the air,” that is, good weather[12]. We cannot be sure that the Angelic forces have at least some power over the forces of nature, but we can say for sure: through their intercession, the Lord can control everything.
The entire troparion to Archangel Michael and other Heavenly powers suggests that human life is a constant struggle of man with the forces of evil, sin, and the devil. But don’t forget: we are not alone in this battle. The Lord sends all His Heavenly army, led by the Archangels of God, to help us. In this struggle between man and the devil’s temptations, the entire angelic world is on our side.
Professor Larisa Marsheva, Ilya Vedishchev
[1] Filaret (Drozdov), saint. Homily on the Day of the Council of the Holy Archangel Michael // Filaret, Saint, Metropolitan of Moscow. Creations. Words and speeches. T. 2. M., 2005. pp. 24–30.
[2] Denisov L.I. Apparitions and miracles of the holy seven archangels: Michael, the Archangel of the heavenly powers, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jehudiel and Barachiel. M., 1912. P. 7–10.
[3] Canons, or the Book of Rules of the Holy Apostles, Holy Ecumenical and Local Councils and Holy Fathers. M., 2022. pp. 206–220.
[4] Ivanov M.S., Nikiforova A.Yu. Angelology // Orthodox Encyclopedia. T. 2. M., 2001. pp. 300–306.
[5] Sergius (Spassky), archbishop. Complete months of the East. T. 2. M., 1876. P. 348.
[6] Alexander (Mileant), bishop. Council of the Archangel Michael and all the ethereal heavenly powers (electronic edition).
[7] Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and other immaterial forces // Menaion. November. T. 2. M., 2002. P. 213.
[8] Uspensky V., archpriest. A collection of church hymns with their translation into Russian. M., 1911. P. 225.
[9] Dictionary of the Russian language XI–XVII centuries. Vol. 1. M., 1975. P. 53.
[10] Davydenkov O., archpriest. Dogmatic theology. M., 2017. pp. 257–258.
[11] Dionysius the Areopagite. On the heavenly hierarchy // Dionysius the Areopagite. Essays. St. Petersburg, 2002. P. 191.
[12] Denisov L.I. Apparitions and miracles of the holy seven archangels: Michael, the Archangel of the heavenly powers, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jehudiel and Barachiel. pp. 7–10.
Prayers to the Guardian Angel
God gives every Christian a Guardian Angel, who invisibly protects a person throughout his earthly life from troubles and misfortunes, warns against sins, protects him in the terrible hour of death, and does not leave him even after death. The angels rejoice over our repentance and success in virtue, try to fill us with spiritual contemplations and assist us in all good things. Prayer 1. Main. Read in the morning. Holy Angel, standing before my accursed soul and my passionate life, do not leave me, a sinner, nor depart from me for my intemperance. Do not give room to the evil demon to possess me through the violence of this mortal body; strengthen my poor and thin hand and guide me on the path of salvation. To her, holy Angel of God, guardian and patron of my accursed soul and body, forgive me all that I have offended you so greatly all the days of my life, and if I sinned this past night, cover me on this day, and save me from every opposite temptation, Let me not anger God in any sin, and pray for me to the Lord, that He may strengthen me in His passion, and show me worthy as a servant of His goodness. Amen.Prayer 2. For business to prosper. Crossing my forehead with the holy sign of the cross, I, a servant of God, give praise to the Lord and pray to His holy angel for help. Help, holy one, in my affairs. For I am sinless before God and people, and since I have sinned, it is not of my own free will, but through thoughtlessness and the machinations of the evil one. Then pray for me before God and help me strengthen my work. I was made by the Lord to rule over many and a lot of money was given to me from Him for the benefit of people, therefore, it was the will of the Lord that I, a sinner, atone for my sins, work for the good of people, the Fatherland and the Church, and for the glory of the Lord. Help me, weak and infirm, to fulfill the will of the Lord and strengthen my deeds, so that I do not deceive anyone’s hopes with my ruin. Amen. Prayer 3. Holy Angel of Christ, falling to you I pray, my holy guardian, dedicated to me for the preservation of my sinful soul and body from holy baptism, but with my laziness and my evil custom I angered your most pure lordship and drove you away from me with all the cold deeds: lies, slander, envy, condemnation, contempt, disobedience, brotherly hatred and resentment, love of money, adultery, rage, stinginess, gluttony without satiety and drunkenness, verbosity, evil thoughts and crafty ones, proud custom and lustful infuriation, self-lust for all carnal things lust, oh my evil will, even beasts do not do it without words! How can you look at me, or approach me like a stinking dog? Whose eyes, Angel of Christ, look upon me, entangled in evil in vile deeds? How can I ask for forgiveness for my bitter, evil and crafty deeds, I fall into misery all day and night and at every hour? But I pray to you, falling down, my holy guardian, have mercy on me, a sinful and unworthy servant of yours (name of the rivers), be my helper and intercessor against the evil of my opponent, with your holy prayers, and make me a partaker of the Kingdom of God with all the saints, always, and now , and ever and ever. Amen. Prayer 4. To the Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all that I have sinned in this day: and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy who opposes me, so that in no sin I will anger my God, but pray for the name of a sinful and unworthy servant, so that you are worthy of showing me the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen. Prayer 5. To the Angel of God, my holy guardian, given to me from God from heaven for my protection! I diligently pray to you: enlighten me today, save me from all evil, guide me to good deeds, and direct me on the path of salvation. Amen. Prayer 6. O holy Angel, my good guardian and patron! With a contrite heart and a painful soul, I stand before you, praying: hear me, your sinful servant (name of the rivers), crying with a strong cry and a bitter cry; Do not remember my iniquities and untruths, in whose image I, the accursed one, anger you all day and hour, and commit abomination to myself before our Creator, the Lord; Show yourself merciful to me and do not leave me, the vile one, even until my death; awaken me from the sleep of sin and with your prayers help me to pass through the rest of my life without blemish and create fruits worthy of repentance; moreover, protect me from the mortal falls of sin, so that I will not perish in despair, and may the enemy not rejoice over my destruction. I truly confess with my lips that no one is such a friend and intercessor, protector and champion, like you, holy Angel: for standing before the Throne of the Lord, pray for me, indecent and most sinful of all, so that the Most Good One will not take away my soul on the day of my hopelessness and day of creation of evil. Do not cease to propitiate the Most Merciful Lord and my God, may He forgive me the sins that I have committed in all my life, in deed, in word and with all my feelings, and in the image of fate, may He save me, may He punish me here according to His ineffable mercy, but yes He will not convict or punish me according to His impartial justice; may he make me worthy to bring repentance, and with repentance may I be worthy of receiving Divine Communion, for this I pray more and I earnestly desire such a gift. In the terrible hour of death, be persistent with me, my good guardian, driving away the dark demons that have the power to frighten my trembling soul; protect me from those traps, when the Imam passes through airy ordeals, yes, we protect you, I will safely reach the paradise I desire, where the faces of the saints and heavenly Powers constantly praise the all-honorable and magnificent name in the Trinity of the glorified God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, to Him honor and worship are due forever and ever. Amen.
