Michael Day: Traditions

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

We know little about the world of angels, because the Bible says almost nothing about them. This is the invisible world created by the Almighty before the visible world was created.

Who are angels?

These are spiritual beings endowed with will, intelligence and power. The very word "angel" literally means "messenger", that is, God's messenger. Angels are also petitioners for people and warriors who fight for the Creator. If an angel has the prefix "archi", then it has a higher rank.

Who is Michael?

Michael the archangel is the chief among the archangels. It is mentioned in both the New and Old Testaments. In them he is called the "prince", he acts as the main fighter against all world evil. It was Michael who won the battle against Lucifer and other fallen angels who were cast down to hell.

When is Michaelmas Day celebrated?

This church holiday falls on November 21 (November 8, old style). The date itself is symbolic. November is the ninth month from March (in the old days, the new year began in March). It is believed that there are 9 ranks of angels in the service of the Almighty, and the eighth numbersymbolizes the gathering of all the powers of Heaven at the Last Judgment.

Michael's Day was celebrated for the first time in 363, after the decision of one of the church councils. Archangel Michael was considered the patron of our country in the fight against foreign invaders. In honor of him, many churches were erected in Russia. On Michaelmas day, noble persons, ordinary people, and even kings gathered in the temple. They glorified the celestials and, in particular, the angels who protect us.

How is the holiday?

During the service on Michaelmas day, hymns are sung in honor of the blessings of angels at all times. The priest tells the audience about the seven main angels, the first of which is Archangel Michael. During the Orthodox service, all parishioners receive communion.

Festive feast

Then a feast is held in honor of Archangel Michael and other messengers of God. If the holiday took place in the village, the feast was usually made in the house of the village head. He had a big house and a rich harvest. In addition to reading a prayer to the Archangel Michael, there was a discussion of the results of the year, and urgent decisions were made. In addition, instructive stories about love for one's neighbor, patience and humility were told. The owners of the house laid a luxurious table for the celebration, which was bursting with all kinds of snacks, as well as hot dishes. Mikhailov's Day is a holiday that does not take place on a fast day, so it was possible to cook from any products, including meat.

At the table, the guests were arranged strictly in accordance with their social status. Noblepeople sat closer to the owner of the house, and those who were lower in income sat further. The same was true for age. Life experience and seniority were held in high esteem.

The holiday was started by the owner of the house, who raised the first glass of wine. First, porridge was served, then soups, and only then tea and pies were served to the guests. In order to have enough tea for all the guests, a huge samovar was boiled.

On St. Michael's Day, they helped the needy: they treated them and made small gifts. This holiday was considered one of the main Christian Orthodox celebrations in Russia.