We know little about the world of angels, because the Bible says almost nothing about them. This is an invisible world created by the Almighty before the visible world was created.
Who are angels?
These are spiritual beings endowed with will, intellect and power. The word "angel" literally means "messenger", that is, God's messenger. Angels are petitioners for people and warriors who fight for the Creator. If the angel has the prefix "archi", then he has a higher rank.
Who is Michael?
Michael the archangel is the chief among the archangels. There are references to it both in the New and in the Old Testaments. They call him “the prince”, he acts as the main fighter against all world evil. It was Michael who won the battle against Lucifer and the other fallen angels who were cast down into the underworld.
When is Mikhailov’s day celebrated?
This church holiday falls on November 21 (November 8 according to the old style). The date itself is symbolic. November is the ninth month in a row from March (in the old days, in March a new year began ). It is believed that at the service of the Almighty there are 9 ranks of angels, and the eighth number symbolizes the gathering of all the forces of heaven in the Last Judgment.
For the first time, Mikhailov’s day was celebrated in 363, after the decision of one of the church cathedrals. Archangel Michael was considered the patron of our country in the fight against foreign invaders. In honor of him, many churches were erected in Russia. On Mikhailov’s day, noble people, ordinary people, and even kings gathered in the church. They glorified celestials and, in particular, the angels who protect us.
How is the holiday going?
During the service on Mikhailov Day, chants are performed in honor of the good deeds of the angels at all times. The priest tells the audience about the seven main angels, the first of which is considered the archangel Michael. During the Orthodox service, all parishioners receive communion.
Festive feast
Then a feast is held in honor of the Archangel Michael and other divine messengers. If the holiday was held in the village, the feast was usually done in the house of the village head. He had a big house and a rich harvest. In addition to reading the
prayer to Archangel Michael, there was a discussion of the results of the year, as well as urgent decisions were made. In addition, instructive stories were told about love for one's neighbor, patience and humility. The hosts of the house set up a luxurious table for the celebration, which was bursting with all kinds of snacks and hot dishes. Mikhailov Day is a holiday that does not take place on a
fasting day, so it was possible to cook from any products, including meat.
At the table, guests were located strictly in accordance with their social status. Noble people seated closer to the owner of the house, and those who were lower affluence sat down further. The same was true of age. Life experience and seniority were held in high esteem.
The celebration was started by the owner of the house, who raised the first glass of wine. First cereals were served, then soups, and only then they gave guests tea with cake. To make tea enough for all guests, a huge samovar was boiled.
On Mikhailov day they helped the needy: they treated them and made small gifts. This holiday was considered one of the main Christian Orthodox celebrations in Russia.