Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers
Categories: orthodox-life, hymns, feast-days
Date: 07 November 2006 11:46:17
November 8 is the Feast Day of, take a deep breath, the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel (Salathiel), Jegudiel (Jehudiel), and Barachiel, the seraphim, cherubim, thrones, principalities, virtues, dominions, powers, and angels: and it is also the Feast Day for my parish, Ss Michael and Gabriel. [Though for some, to me, unknown reason the feast day for our parish has been transferred to Sunday: in past years it has been held on the actual day, or the evening of the calendar day before(*), with a great number coming...but anyway.]
OrthodoxWiki has some interesting articles on St Michael and St Gabriel, including some information on how they are depicted in the church's iconography, and on the other archangels.
A blessed Feast day to all!
Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you: by your prayers encompass us under the wings of your incorporeal glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry out to you: deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!
(*)the Orthodox day begins at sunset, so Vespers is the first service of the day: the Antiochian church allows celebrations of feasts, as long as they do not fall on Sunday or Monday, to be held at a Vesperal Liturgy [a combination of Vespers and Divine Liturgy] the night before.
update: November 8, not 9.