|
|
Synaxis of the Holy Angels
Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Michael and
the other Bodiless Powers November 8
“If you feel sweetness or compunction at
some word of your prayer , dwell on it; for
then our guardian angel is praying with us.”
St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent.
The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly
Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other
Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels
Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel,
Barachiel, and Jeremile was established at
the beginning of the fourth century at the
Council of Laodicea (c. 363-364). The 35th
Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned
and denounced as heretical the worship of
angels as gods and rulers of the world, but
affirmed their proper veneration. A feast day was established in
November, the ninth month after March (with
which the year began in ancient times) since
there are Nine Ranks of Angels. The eight
day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis
of all the Bodiless Powers of heaven since
the day of the Dread Last Judgment is called
the eight day by the Holy Fathers. After the
end of this age (characterized by its seven
days of Creation) will come the Eight Day,
and then “the Son of Man shall come in
His Glory and all the Holy Angels with Him”.
(Mt 25:31) When you close the doors to your dwelling
and are alone you should know that there is
present with you the angel whom God has
appointed for each man…This angel, who is
sleepless and cannot be deceived, is always
present with you; he sees all things and is
not hindered by darkness. You should know,
too, that with him is God, who is in every
place; for there is no place and nothing
material in which God is not, since He is
greater than all things and holds all men in
His hand.
-St. Anthony the Great
|
