With joy and reverence, we celebrate today, November 8th, the Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Archbishop Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique officiated an outdoor Divine Liturgy at his residence.
During the service, special prayers were offered for favorable weather and for peace in Mozambique and throughout the world. The Divine Liturgy reached its high point as Archbishop Ioannis laid the foundation stone for a new chapel dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
In his address, the Metropolitan reflected “The mission of the Angels is to protect and assist humanity for the sake of their salvation, as Saint Paul teaches: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). Interpreting this, Saint John of Damascus says, “See the humility of the Angels, as the Lord sits high above and the Angels minister from below.’ Saint John Chrysostom adds, ‘The ministry of the Angels is to serve God for our salvation… They are God’s servants, sent to many places for our benefit.’ In other words, the Angels care for the salvation of each one of us.”
He also extended his best wishes to those named after the Angels, celebrating their feast day today. May God’s blessings be upon all.
