What are praying for the icon of Archangel Michael

Icons of Archangel Michael can be seen in the greatest laurels, in small provincial churches and in the homes of believers. Why does this biblical hero enjoy such love and respect among Christians?

Who is he?

According to the scripture, this saint is the leader of the angels, their commander. It was he who urged those who did not bend the false speeches of the fallen Lucifer and remained faithful to the Lord, to fight with the apostates. Therefore, the icons of the Archangel Michael most of all are honored by the military of all ranks: from the rank and file to the high command. He is asked for protection in battle and forces for a military feat. The memory of one of the higher angels is honored on September 6 by the current calendar. It was on this day that the Holy Church appointed in the 15th century the feast of the "Council" or, as they would say today, the aggregate of all the angels headed by their leader. On the high position of Michael just points out the prefix "arch", this is a distinctive feature of the names of all those standing above others in the light spiritual world.

Warrior and Assistant

The icons of Archangel Michael usually depict his main feat - the overthrow of Satan. Therefore, most often he carries a spear or sword in his hand, which will smash the traitor of God and his supporters. Has such a picture not only direct, but also allegorical meaning. The image of Lucifer can also be understood as a generalization and personification of any lawlessness done by people. Often the prince of angels had to act as an assistant, including assisting Jesus when Israel conquered the promised land. The prophet Daniel received a meeting with the commander of the heavenly army during the fall of Babylon. When the savior was crucified, the archangel grieved so that the earth could not withstand that grief, and after resurrection hastened to remove the stone block that closes the entrance to the tomb, and bring good news to people.

The Savior of the Dead Sinners

The icon of the Archangel Michael is accepted to pray for deceased relatives and friends. It is believed that two times a year, namely September 19 and November 21, in an invisible spiritual world, a real miracle occurs. On the night of his feasts the archangel, putting his wing into the hellfire (gehenna), extinguishes it for a while. And then he is given the opportunity to remove from the purgatory those who are assiduously praying at this time. The names of the deceased should be named, and the Christian should also be remembered for the nameless relatives according to the flesh, going to the tribe of Adam. This is necessary so that those whose name is lost in the centuries, had the opportunity to escape from pain and suffering. This privilege was granted to the archangel for his feat in battle with Satan. At the same time it is absolutely necessary to pray at night, at 12 o'clock. A vision with a fiery lake swarming with giant worms and the salvation of martyrs was revealed to the Theologian John for the good of the people.

Prayers and Patronage

The icon of St. Michael the Archangel helps those who pray not only for the dead, but also for the living. They turn to her, asking for the cure of the sick, since it is customary to think that the illnesses are from the evil one with which the prince of angels fought. It is also used for the consecration of the dwelling. It is believed that the house will be reliably protected from encroachments from outside. He will be circumvented by both dashing people and evil demons. It is useful to pray before the icon about the living members of the family, then they will be circumvented by all kinds of temptations, spiritual weakness and doubt in faith. Archangel acts as the patron of grooms and builders. On the pages of the Book of Books, there are references to the fact that Mikhail has an important role in the last days of the world. In Russia, many temples have been built for the glory of the commander of the heavenly troops, in each church there is an icon of the archangel Michael. The meaning of the prayers addressed to him can not be overestimated. Every good deed in the name of him, every honest charity committed by a Christian under earthly life, will not be forgotten by Michael.