Synaxis of the Archangel Michael

The Heavenly Hosts, created before the visible world, adore the Majesty of God and express His Glory, acting as messengers and heralds. Among the nine angelic choirs, listed by Dionysius the Areopagite, who lived in the 5th/6th century, only the Archangels possess the privilege of ascending and descending through all levels of the hierarchy. They serve as God's Representatives and Guardians of His Throne. Their presence has been attested multiple times in the Bible. Archangel Michael, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is like God", was appointed their Commander, the Archistrategos of the Heavenly Hosts. In the New Testament, he is the protector of the new chosen people — the followers of Christ. The veneration of Archangel Michael was already widespread in the 4th century. At the beginning of the second millennium, after the period of iconoclasm (the destruction of religious images), the feast of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and Other Heavenly Powers was established. It is celebrated on 21 November (8 November according to the Julian calendar). Along with it, the iconography of this theme developed. The central figure of the composition is Archangel Michael, depicted in armour and a purple cloak draped over his shoulders. On either side of him stand the other Archangels and other Heavenly Powers. The Archistrategos shows a medallion with the image of Christ Emmanuel. The icon conveys a message about the power of God's Majesty and the dignity of His representatives, who bring the image of the Eternal God to the people for worship. In Ruthenia, in household icons of the Synaxis of Archangel Michael, the Heavenly Powers were sometimes replaced with a group of selected saints, including, in the first place, the most important intercessors for humanity and locally revered saints.

Teresa Bagińska-Żurawska https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9243-3967