Icons of the Archangel Michael can be seen in the greatest laurels, in small provincial churches and in the homes of believers. Why is this biblical hero so loved and revered by Christians?
Who is he?
According to Scripture, this saint is the leader of the angels, their commander. It was he who called those who were not tempted by the deceitful speeches of the fallen Lucifer and remained faithful to the Lord to fight against the apostates. Therefore, the icons of the Archangel Michael are most revered by the military of all ranks: from privates to high command. He is asked for protection in battle and strength for a feat of arms. The memory of one of the highest angels is honored on September 6 according to the current calendar. It was on this day that the Holy Church, back in the 15th century, appointed the feast of the “Council” or, as they would say in our days, the totality of all the angels, headed by their leader. The prefix “archi” indicates the high position of Michael, this is a distinctive feature of the names of all those standing above others in the bright spiritual world.
Warrior and helper
Icons of the Archangel Michael usually depict his main feat - the overthrow of Satan. Therefore, most often he carries a spear or sword in his hand, with which he strikes the traitor of God and his supporters. Has such an image not only straight, but alsoallegorical meaning. The image of Lucifer can also be understood as a generalization and personification of any lawlessness committed by people. Often the angelic prince had to act as an assistant, including assisting Jesus when the Israelites conquered the promised land for themselves. The prophet Daniel was honored with a meeting with the commander of the heavenly army during the fall of Babylon. When the savior was crucified, the archangel grieved so much that the earth could not withstand that grief, and after the resurrection he hurried to remove the stone block that closed the entrance to the tomb and bring good news to people.
Savior of dead sinners
At the icon of the Archangel Michael, it is customary to pray for deceased relatives and loved ones. It is believed that twice a year, namely on September 19 and November 21, a real miracle happens in the invisible spiritual world. On the night of his holidays, the archangel, lowering his wing into the hellish flame (gehenna), extinguishes it for a while. And then he is given the opportunity to bring out of purgatory those for whom they are fervently praying at this time. The dead should be called by their names, and a Christian should also remember about nameless relatives in the flesh, going all the way to the tribe of Adam. This is necessary so that those whose name has been lost for centuries have the opportunity to be saved from torment and suffering. Such a privilege was granted to the archangel for his feat in battle with Satan. At the same time, you must certainly pray at night, at 12 o'clock. A vision with a lake of fire teeming with giant worms and the salvation of the martyrs was shown to the Theologian John for the benefit of people.
Prayers and patronage
The icon of St. Michael the Archangel helps those who pray not only for the dead, but also for the living. They turn to her, asking for the cure of the sick, since it is customary to think that diseases are from the evil one, with whom the prince of angels fought. It is also used in the consecration of the home. It is believed that the house will be reliably protected from encroachments from the outside. He will be bypassed by both dashing people and evil demonic entities. It is useful to pray before the icon for living family members, then they will be bypassed by all sorts of temptations, spiritual weakness and doubts in faith. The archangel is the patron saint of grooms and builders. On the pages of the Book of Books there are references to the fact that Michael has an important role in the last days of the world. In Russia, many churches have been built to the glory of the commander of the heavenly army, in each church there is an icon of the Archangel Michael. The importance of the prayers addressed to him can hardly be overestimated. Every good deed in his name, every honest charity done by a Christian during earthly life, will not be forgotten by Michael.
