The names of the archangels and their purpose should be known to every Christian, as they guide a person, portend great events. They reveal prophecy, strengthen faith, and enlighten minds and reveal the innermost secrets of faith.
Archangels in Orthodoxy
The Orthodox faith has its own specific traditions that originated in ancient times. The names of the archangels and their purpose can be found by studying the Holy Scriptures, which in the best possible way explain exactly how everything works. However, even the most knowledgeable and knowledgeable theologians are not always able to reliably decipher the biblical texts.
Having studied the list of names of archangels and their divine destiny in Orthodoxy, one can understand that they are a kind of leaders of ordinary angels. Each of them has its own specific functions. Archangels are very often painted on icons, and artists try to pay maximum attention to the created image, drawing even the smallest details. In particular, each has its own attribute, such as sword, spear, trumpet.
In the Orthodox faith there are only seven archangels, namesknown to almost all Christians. Why such a quantity? The Bible does not mention it, the texts only say that it is known only to God himself. The archangels not only protect a person, but also instruct him on the true path. Each of them has its own specific functions, which it performs.
Their purpose
Many people are interested in how many archangels are in Orthodoxy and their names, since not everyone is well acquainted with biblical texts. The Holy Scripture tells about their exploits, appearance. However, it is worth noting that there are some discrepancies in the biblical texts that do not allow a complete description of these saints. The list of names of archangels allows you to find out how many of them exist in Orthodoxy:
- Mikhail.
- Gabriel.
- Raphael.
- Uriel.
- Selafiel.
- Jehudiel.
- Barachiel.
Michael symbolizes all the works of the Lord. He is depicted in a white robe, with a spear and a sword in his hands. According to ancient scriptures, it was this archangel who first rebelled against Lucifer.
Gabriel is considered a harbinger of fate and is depicted mainly with a mirror in his hands, as a symbol of the fact that he fully conveys the meaning of the acts and thoughts of God.
Raphael is in charge of healing and helping. According to existing legends, he healed the bride of a righteous man.
Archangel Uriel personifies the mental abilities of man, and he is depicted with a sword and fire. It helps in the study of various sciences. Selaphiel acts as the supreme minister of prayer. Jehudiel protects people from everything bad and encourages those who deserve it. Barahiel represents God's blessing and is often depicted wearing a pink robe.
Thus, the names of the archangels and their purpose immediately become clear, since each of them is responsible for performing a specific task. If you need to ask for heavenly help or protection, then you need to pray to one or another saint. For this, there are certain prayers that are aimed at asking the archangel for help.
Archangel Michael
In total, seven archangels are distinguished in Orthodoxy. The names of the archangels and their purpose are known to many Christians. In addition, all the information of interest can be obtained from the priests. Michael was the first archangel to rebel against Satan. After that, the angel, proud of his beauty, apostatized from God and was thrown from heaven. It is considered the most supreme patron of the heavenly army. He is depicted in a warlike form, with a sword and a spear in his hands. Under his feet is a dragon, which personifies the spirit of malice. The top of his spear is decorated with a white banner, which means unchanging purity and fidelity. The spear ends in a cross, which symbolizes that all deeds are done in the name of Christ, as well as through patience, selflessness, humility.
Michael is considered one of the most revered saints. In the Old Testament, he is called the senior messenger of the Lord and the protector of the people of Israel. Archangel Michael became the guardian of the people of Israel, as during the day he walked in front of them in the forma pillar of cloud that turned into fire during the day. Through him, the will of the Lord also appeared, destroying Pharaoh and his soldiers who were persecuting the Israelites. He has been revered since ancient times. According to his name, Michael is an angel with power.
Archangel Michael is the winner of dark forces and evil, who helps to get rid of various troubles and sorrows. He is the protector of all Orthodox Christians from evil spirits, as well as enemies. They pray to him for deliverance from grief, at the entrance to a new house, for the protection of the state. Some church leaders see this saint as a participant in very important events in people's lives. The Church honors him as a defender of the true faith and a zealous fighter against all evil and ungodly actions and thoughts.
Besides, it is mentioned in the writings of St. John the Evangelist, who describes the last battle, in which the angels emerged victorious, and Satan was cast down to earth along with his servants. Also, this saint is mentioned in the legend, according to which, Michael was given a special trumpet, which will have to wake up all the dead from the beginning of time during the Last Judgment.
Archangel Gabriel
The names of the holy archangels are recorded in Holy Scripture, and one of them is Gabriel. He reveals the most secret knowledge of the Lord, shows the secrets to the prophets, brings the Good News to the Virgin Mary. The Lord sends him to bring the good news to the earth, as well as to inform the human race about the upcoming salvation. On icons, he is often depicted with a flowering branch or lily. In addition, images with a mirror inhands, and sometimes with a candle located inside the lamp. Such an image signifies that the ways of the Lord are not always understood, they are comprehended only after a while, by studying the word of God. The mirror is covered with black and white spots, which reflects the good and bad deeds of people.
Often the image of this saint is present on the northern door of the iconostasis. Every church has an icon depicting this saint. He is often depicted on the iconostasis, the side gates of the altar, or applied to the walls and dome of the temple. Often, Gabriel is represented as a golden-haired angel with wings folded behind his back, dressed as a deacon, which emphasizes his constant, zealous service to the Lord. With his right hand he blesses, and in his left he holds a spear.
There are also other symbols on the icons, each of which has its own specific meaning, in particular:
- green branch;
- lantern;
- mirror.
The green branch of the tree of paradise symbolizes the plant that he gave to the Virgin Mary when he brought her the good news. A lantern with a lit candle inside symbolizes prayer, as all angels pray tirelessly. The mirror reflects all the good and bad deeds of people. It is made of jasper, therefore it is able to proclaim all the secrets of the Lord. In some cases, Gabriel may be depicted in the armor of a warrior.
One of the tasks was to help the Virgin Mary in her earthly life. In addition, he performs many other assignments of the Lord, many of which are described in the Bible. ATThe Bible mentions Gabriel as a teacher and spiritual mentor of Joseph, as well as a guardian of the chosen people.
Gabriel is considered the guardian angel of the chosen people. According to the teachings of Muslims, it was from him that Mohammed received his revelations. He instructed the prophet Moses in the desert, and also passed on to him the instructions of the Lord, which he wrote down in the Bible, starting from the moment the world was created.
It is customary to turn to this archangel with prayers for pregnancy, as he brought happy news to the Virgin Mary and Zechariah. In addition, they pray to him in the presence of problems with the liver and kidneys, to treat infertility and maintain the he alth of the mother and child during pregnancy. This saint helps to get rid of various fears and phobias, to restore faith in love, to direct on the true path. However, it is worth remembering that he absolutely does not tolerate betrayal and deceit and can severely punish an evil and vicious person.
Before you start praying, be sure to wash yourself and clear your thoughts, throwing all problems and negativity out of your head.
Archangel Raphael
Studying the names of the archangels and their purpose, it is impossible not to mention Raphael, as he is revered by Christians. People cry out to him, praying for the healing of the body. He is considered a healer from the Lord. Saint Raphael is the archangel of mercy and help to suffering and needy people.
He is considered the patron saint of all doctors and those who care about other people. However, it is worth remembering that getting help from the archangel Raphaelonly a pious person who is merciful towards others can, because otherwise the saint simply will not hear prayers. On icons, he is depicted with medicines and a clipped bird feather, which he uses to treat wounds.
Those who bear the name Raphael need to be merciful and compassionate with the suffering, otherwise they will lose their spiritual connection with the patron.
Archangel Uriel
The names of the 7 archangels are found in many biblical references. One of the saints is Uriel, which in translation means enlightener. He illuminates with his divine light those who are captured by darkness. Archangel Uriel patronizes people who have the ability to science, but also reminds that one cannot live only by science. Above all, love divine truth.
Traditionally depicted with a sword and flames. As an angel bringing light, he enlightens the minds of people and reveals the truth to them. In addition, Uriel inflames the hearts of people and fills them with true love for the Lord, and also helps to eliminate impure thoughts and earthly attachments. There is an opinion that he rules over the heavenly bodies.
Archangel Selaphiel
Among the names of the archangels in Orthodoxy, one can distinguish - Salafiel, which in translation means "servant of prayer." This saint warms the hearts of people for prayer, and also helps in it. A person is very weak and fusses all the time, therefore, often he simply will not be able to fully open his heart. Herevered by the Orthodox as a prayer book of the Lord, as he prays all the time and encourages people to pray for the salvation of he alth.
Very often the icons depict the archangel Salafiel praying, which he sets an example for Christians. Seeing a saint in such a position, Christians also try to always be in a position during prayer, which befits a person who decently prays.
Archangel Jehudiel
Many do not know the names of Orthodox archangels and their purpose, since not everyone studies the Holy Scriptures. One of the saints is Yehudiel, who is known only from ancient legends, since there is no mention of him in the Bible and the Gospel. He is depicted holding a golden crown, as well as a scourge of three red branches. The archangel encourages with an eternal reward people who work for the glory of the Lord.
Every deed is done only through labor, and many deeds can be very difficult. However, every righteous and good deed is done under the auspices and protection of this saint. The more difficult the task, the higher the reward. Therefore, he is often depicted with a crown, which symbolizes the reward for a working person.
Scourge, woven from branches, symbolizes the punishment of sinful people for laziness and impious deeds. Archangel Yehudiel is the patron saint of monasticism, a mentor in work, an assistant to those in need, and also an intercessor on the way. According to Christian belief, he patronizedthe Israelites during their 40 year wandering in the wilderness.
Archangel Barahiel
The names of the archangels in Orthodoxy indicate their deeds, which is why it is very important for every Christian to know them. One of them is Barahiel, who sends God's blessing to people for good deeds. On icons, he is traditionally depicted in a pink outfit, which symbolizes the grace of blessing for good, as well as infinity. On his chest are white roses, which symbolizes the upcoming bliss and endless peace.
This saint patronizes kind and pious people, asking the Lord for blessings from them. Gives people the opportunity to live in salvation and he alth. This is the patron saint of pious families, as well as the keeper of purity of body and soul.
How to ask for help from the archangels
Throughout a person's life, angels and archangels accompany him. How many of them and the names of the saints are known to many, but not everyone knows how to ask for help correctly. To ask for protection or anything else, you need to say the prayers intended for this.
Priests recommend saying prayers in the church, near the icon with the face of the saint they are addressing. In this case, you need to say a specially designed prayer, the text of which can be found in the sacred books or ask the clergyman with this question.
Some people mistakenly believe that one can turn to the archangels for help only on a specially designated day of the week, however, this is not the case. You can turn to the saint and ask himfor help, as well as you can read a prayer at any time. That's what the priests say about it.
Knowing the names of the archangels and their purpose in Orthodoxy, you can determine when and to which saint you need to pray in order to receive the forgiveness of the Lord, find out the truth, get rid of illnesses or attract good luck.
