THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL

The Archangel Michael is the head of the Heavenly Hosts, who stands before the throne of our Lord on behalf of the human race; he carries out the Commands of God against those who turn Him against them.

He is described in the Bible as “one of the chief princes” of Heaven, leading the powers and defenders of Heaven against the powers of the devil and his minions.

The Archangel Michael also stands at the heavenly throne of God, interceding with our Lord on our behalf  - asking Him to be patient with us and to forgive us.

May his intercession be for us. Amen

THE NINE ORDERS OF ANGELS: 

The word “angel “ is from the Greek word for messenger, because, according to the Bible, angels carry out missions at God’s command. There are nine different orders of angels mentioned in different places of the Bible; all created by God. Each order of angels has different tasks, or specialties.

1- Seraphim  

Attendants before God’s Throne, constantly singing praises of “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of the Hosts”. (Isaiah 6:14). They have six wings; two to cover their face, two to cover their feet, and two for flying. Seraphim is a Hebrew word meaning flaming, or fire.

2- Cherubim

Guardian-like attendants that stand next to God’s Throne; one of them guarded the gates to the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword (Genesis 3:24). There were

Two above the seat of mercy (Exodus 25:18). They are full of eyes (Ezekial 10:14). Cherubim is a Hebrew word meaning full of knowledge. The demons were once cherubim.

3- Thrones

Out of them are the four living creatures.  They have six wings, four faces (a face of a lion, a face of a man, a face of an ox, and the face of an eagle Ezekial (10:14), and are full of eyes (Revelation 4:5). These are the four faces often depicted in the large icon of Christ, Pantocrater  in back of the main altar. The Thrones are also called “Wheels” (Ezekial 10:9)

4-     Dominions          5-    Principalities        6-  Authorities       7-    Powers   These four orders of angels were created to serve and protect humans, and do miracles through God’s power.

8- Archangels – The word “arch” before a word means “chief “ or most important.”  These great angels minister to humans, carrying God’s messages. In Revelations 8:2, it says there are seven archangels; their names are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Suriel, Sedakiel, Sarathiel, and Ananiel.

Archangel Michael is described in the Bible as “one of the chief princes” of Heaven, leading the powers and defenders of Heaven against the powers of the devil.

9-    Angels-  Have the closest day-to-day contact with humans, our guardian angels are from this order.