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 35^th 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