Archangel Michael                   

The name Archangel is found in the New Testament twice; in St. Paul’s 1^st Thessalonians and in the Epistle of Saint Jude where the name Michael appears.  Archangel Gabriel is mentioned as the messenger of God who brought to the Theotokos the ‘good news’ of her being chosen to be the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The name Michael means “who is like God” , the name Gabriel means “mighty one of God.”  Michael and Gabriel, the Archangels, are in charge of the heavenly powers, and Michael is foremost. We have a relationship to the angels and look to them as God’s messengers and servants, “sent to serve those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb.1:14).  All Orthodox Churches have the full figure icons of the two Archangels at the two side doors of the iconostasis at the front of the Church.  In the icons, they wear the vestments of a deacon, showing their role as ministers, and also are often shown wearing guard’s clothing and carrying a weapon as a sign of their spiritual protection and as a sign of their leadership. We honor them on November 8^th.

Hymn to the Archangels - (Troparion)

"O Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are always unworthy, we ask you that with your prayers you may circle us with the protection of  the wings of your angelic glory.  Watch over us as we bow low and earnestly cry out to you:  “Deliver us from trouble, O Princes of the heavenly armies.”