Archangels
THE SYNAXIS OF ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL AND ALL THE OTHER HEAVENLY BODILESS
POWERS.
In the fourth century, Pope Sylvester and Patriarch Alexander established today when the nine orders of the angels are
celebrated nine months after the world was created. This is thought to have happened in March. Angels, the first created beings, are not to
be worshipped according to a canon of the fourth century Council of Laodicea. The following is the hierarchy of the nine orders.
There is
perfect unity as well as obedience between the orders.
- (I) Six-winged Seraphim
- (2) Many-eyed Cherubim
- (3) Godly thrones
- (4) Dominions
- (5) Virtues
- (6) Powers
- (7) Principalities
- (8) Archangels
- (9) Angels There are seven leaders of the heavenly powers:
|
Michael |
Gabriel |
Raphael |
Uriel |
Salathiel |
Jequdiel |
Barachiel |
(I) ø
Michael
is the leader of the angelic army. His name means "Who is like God." Michael said the now familiar words to the remaining half
of the angels in heaven when Lucifer and his followers had been cast out: "Let us give heed! Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear!"
Michael defends the Garden of Eden, told Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac, told Lot to flee Sodom, protected Jacob from Esau, took the soul
of Moses from the devil, and he changed the course of a river in Asia Minor to protect a holy spring in a church.
(2)
Gabriel
which means "The power of God", is seen on the right side of the icon screen. He announces the
mysteries of God.
(3)
Raphael
means "God the Healer".
(4)
Uriel means "Light of God". He guards the underworld.
(5) Salathiel
means "One who prays to God".
(6)Jequdiel
means "One who
glorifies God".
(7)Barachiel
means "The blessing of God".
(8) Jeremiel
means "God's exaltation". He awakens the thoughts of man that
inspire him towards God.
Every nation and every Christian each have their own guardian angels. They record every thought, word, and
deed of man that will be revealed on Judgment Day.