Mikhailov Day: Traditions

We know little about the world of angels, because almost nothing is written about them in the Bible. This is an invisible world created by the Supreme before the visible world was created.

Who are the angels?

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

Who is Michael?

Michael the Archangel is the chief among the archangels. There are references to it both in the New and in the Old Testament. In them he is called "prince", he acts as the main fighter against all world evil. It was Michael who won the battle against Lucifer and the other fallen angels who were cast into the nether regions.

When celebrate Mikhailov's day?

This church holiday falls on November 21 (on November 8, according to the old style). The date itself is symbolic. November is the ninth month of the account from March (in the old days the new year began in March ). It is believed that the service of the Most High has nine grades of angels, and the eighth number symbolizes the gathering of all the powers of Heaven at the Last Judgment.

For the first time, Mikhailov's day was celebrated 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 built in Russia. In Mihajlov day and notable persons, and simple people, and even kings gathered in a temple. They glorified the celestials and, in particular, the angels who protect us.

How is the holiday?

During the service in St. Michael's Day, hymns are performed 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 the archangel Michael. During the Orthodox service, all parishioners receive communion.

Celebratory feast

Then a feast is held in honor of the archangel Michael and other divine messengers. If the holiday was held in the village, the feast was usually done in the house of the village head. He had a big house and a rich harvest. In addition to reading the prayer to the archangel Michael, the results of the year were discussed, and urgent decisions were taken. In addition, instructive stories about love of neighbor, patience and humility were told. The owners of the house laid a luxurious table for the celebration, which was bursting with all sorts of snacks, as well as hot dishes. Mikhailov's Day is a holiday that does not take place on a fast day, so you could cook from any food, including meat.

At the table the guests were strictly in accordance with their social status. Notable people sat closer to the owner of the house, and those who were less well-off, sat down further. The same applies to age. Life experience and seniority were in high esteem.

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

In Mikhailov'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.