The Church celebrates today the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and the Other Bodiless Powers.
The Archangel Michael confronted Eosphoros (Lucifer) and his Order, the First Order of angels who fell from Paradise since he displayed arrogance by believing that he could ascend higher than the omnipotence of God. Then, the Archangel Michael called on all heavenly powers to remain firm in the will of God and to praise God, saying, “Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator! Join us!”
In commemoration of the sacred attitude of the Nine Orders of Angels, who firmly serve the righteousness and God’s philanthropy, the faithful celebrate the Synaxis of the Angels.
The Bible mentions in many passages the communication of people with the angels and especially with the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Specifically, the Archangel Michael appeared to Abraham and saved Isaac, whom he was about to sacrifice. He also appeared to Lot to save him when God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
In addition, the Archangel Michael, among other miraculous events, led the people of Israel to flee from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.
The Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary, thus foretelling the birth of Jesus Christ.
Elsewhere in the Bible, angels appear to convey God’s will to pious people, which is always to protect and redeem us.
Source: Church of Cyprus
