Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael
and the other Bodiless Powers
The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly
Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel,
Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel,
and Jeremiel was established at the beginning
of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First
Ecumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the
Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced
as heretical the worship of angels as gods and
rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper
veneration.
A Feastday was established in November, the
ninth month after March (with which the year
began in ancient times) since there are Nine
Ranks of Angels. The eighth day of the month
was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless
Powers of Heaven since the Day of the Dread
Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the
holy Fathers. After the end of this age (characterized by its seven days of Creation) will come
the Eighth Day, and then “the Son of Man shall
come in His Glory and all the holy Angels with
Him” (Mt. 25:31).
Holy Scripture and Tradition give us the
names of the Archangels:
with darkened minds.
Selaphiel: the prayer of God, impelling to
prayer (3 Ezdras 5:16). He prays to God for
mankind.
Jehudiel: the glorifying of God, encouraging exertion for the glory of the Lord and interceding
for the reward of
Barachiel: distributor of the blessings of God
for good deeds, entreats the mercy of God for
people.
Jeremiel: the raising up to God (3 Ezdras 4:36)
On icons the Archangels are depicted in accordance to the character of their service:
Michael tramples the devil underfoot, and in
his left hand holds a green date-tree branch,
and in his right hand a spear with a white banner (or sometimes a fiery sword), on which is
outlined a scarlet cross. Gabriel with a branch
from Paradise, presented by him to the Most
Holy Virgin, or with a shining lantern in his
right hand and with a mirror made of jasper in
his left. Raphael holds a vessel with healing
medications in his left hand, and with his right
Michael: who is like God. In the New Testa- hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish. Uriel in his
ment Michael leads God’s armies against Sa- raised right hand holds a naked sword at the
tan’s forces in the Book of Revelation, where level of his chest, and in his lowered left hand
“a fiery flame. Selaphiel in a prayerful posture,
during the war in heaven he defeats Satan.
gazing downwards, hands folded on the chest.
Gabriel: strength (power) of God, herald and Jehudiel holds a golden crown in his right hand,
servitor of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, in his left, a whip of three red (or black) thongs.
Luke 1:26). He announces
Barachiel is shown with a white rose on his
breast. Each person has a guardian angel, and
Raphael: the healing of God, the curer of hu- every nation also receives its own guardian anman infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15)
gel from God (Dan. 10:13).
When a church is consecrated, it also receives
Uriel: the fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Eza
guardian
angel (Palladius, Dial. Ch. 10).
dras 5:20). We pray for him to enlighten those
St James Soup Kitchen - Saturday, November 28 at 10:00 AM
Weekly Bulletin
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
A Community of the Orthodox Church in America
Witnessing to the Apostolic Faith in Lake County for over 40 Years
Father Andrew Clements, Pastor
Volume 29
Sunday
Nov 8
Saturday
Nov 14
Sunday
Nov 15
2015
23rd Sunday after Pentecost / Tone 6 / Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the others
9:00 am Church School
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Coffee Hour
Holy Apostle Philip
5:30 pm
Great Vespers
Confession
24th Sunday after Pentecost / Tone 7 / Marytrs Gurias, Somonas & Abibus
Readings:
Eph 2:14-22 Luke 10:25-37
9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Coffee Hour Annual Meeting
ATTENDANCE / STEWARDSHIP / Nov 1
Attendance: (Adults 96, Children 30)
126
Operating$3,086.00
Hall Reno
20.00
Uganda Children
84.00
Charities55.00
Seminarians25.00
Memorial55.00
Icons
76.00
TUESDAY EVENING ADULT CLASS
The Class will meet this week at 7:00 pm to continue
our Book Study of Thirty Steps to Heaven.
COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday. Nov 12 at 7:00 pm.
ANNUAL MEETING
The meeting will be on Sunday, Nov 15 following
Coffee Hour. Please note that Liturgy will be at 9:00
am on that day. We have a full slate of officers who
will be completing their 2 year terms, and our two
incumbent Council Members, James Schlotzer and
Diane Grechny, have both agreed to run for another 2
year term.
ADVENT RETREATS
Number 45
Fr Andrew will meet with the parish Youth (ages 7-12)
on Saturday, Nov 21 from 4-5:00 pm and the parish
Teens (ages 13-19) on Saturday, Dec 19 from 3:305:00 pm. A light meal will follow each event and then
Vespers. Please sign-up in the foyer. Parents interested
in helping with the meals should let Fr Andrew know
ASAP.
TURKEY PROJECT
Please sign up in the foyer if you will participate in
our annual Turkey Dinner Project. We have nice bags
this year and shopping lists are available on the back
table. Please bring your items on Sunday, Nov 22. Any
help in distribution is always appreciated.
PRAYER CORNER + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Eleanor Alexander (Tom’s mom), Perry (Capitan),
James & Bess (Chongris grndprnts), Mary & Bruno,
Subdeacon Leonard, Donna, (Fross rltv), Fr Ted Bobosh, Gina (Laurie A’s friend), Bruce (Dzura friend),
George Glavinos (Zorka’s son-in-law), Helen Cicmanski (Andy D’s mom), Fr John Udics (Mary Ray’s bro),
Andy Dzura (srgry), suffering Christians in Ukraine
and the Middle East.
Anniversaries: John & Valerie Christani (11/8), Jim
& Darlene Horabik (11/10), David & Michelle Schroeder (11/12).
Birthdays: Luba Schelkanov, Pauline Demansky
(11/8), John Christani, Evelyn Wick (11/10), Tom Alexander, Natalie Antonov (11/12).
Expecting: Jonathan & Larissa, Dawn & Tim, Erin &
Shane.
Newborns: Arthur (Daniel & Danielle), Allyson (John
& Christine).
Newly United: Meredith & Carl
Memory Eternal: Fr Sergei Garklavs, James Wittke
(Bede friend), Fr Ratsco Tribukovich (Fr’s frnd), Bernie Buczak (Dzura friend).
9650 Johnnycake Ridge Road • Mentor, Ohio 44060 • 440-946-9571 • [email protected] • saintnicholas-oca.org