November 8 : Feast of the Archangels

Today we celebrate the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and all the Bodiless Powers.

The orders of the Angels

 ~Seraphim~

The six-winged Seraphim are aflame with love for God and kindle others to such love

~Cherubim~

Through the many-eyed cherubim, wisdom is sent down to others and enlightenment of the spiritual eyes is given to see God and have knowledge of Him

~Thrones~

The God-bearing thrones serve God's justice, glorifying it and pouring out the power of justice onto the thrones of earthly judges, helping kings and masters to bring forth right judgement.

~Powers~

 They have power over the evil one, in order to restrain the power of the demons, to repulse the temptations brought upon people by them, and to prevent the demons from harming anyone to the degree that they would wish. The powers strengthen the good ascetics in spiritual struggles and labors, protecting them so that they may not be deprived of the Heavenly Kingdom. They help those wrestling with passions and vices to cast out evil thoughts and slanders of the enemy and to conquer the evil one.

~Dominions~

The dominions are so named because, being themselves free, they dominate over the rest of the angels. They voluntarily and with joy serve God unceasingly.

they send down power for prudent governing and wise management to authorities on the earth set up by God. Further they teach how to control the senses, how to subdue in oneself dissolute desires and passions, how to enslave the flesh to the spirit, and how to rule over one's will and be above all temptati

~Principalities~

The principalities are named thus because they have command over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfilment of divine orders. The management of the universe and the keeping of all the kingdoms and princedoms, of lands and all peoples, races and nations, is also entrusted to them since each kingdom, race, and people have for themselves a special deeper and manager from the heavenly order called the principalities, for all their country. Further, the service of this angelic order consists in teaching the people to requite each person in authority according to his calling.

~Virtues~

 The virtues, which are filled with divine strength, quickly fulfill the will of the All-High and Omnipotent Lord. They both work very great miracles and send down the grace of miracle-working to God's saints, who are worthy of such grace, in order that these may work miracles, such as healing every sickness and foretelling the future. The holy virtues also help people laboring and those overburdened by the bearing of an obedience placed on them by someone—by which their name "virtues" is explained—and they bear the infirmities of the weak. They also strengthen every man in patience and humility, giving thanks for everything to God, arranging all for our benefit.

~Archangels~

The Archangels are called the great heralds of good news, announcing the great and most glorious. Their service consists in revealing prophecies, knowledge, and understanding of God's will which they receive from the higher orders of angels and announce to the lower order, i.e. the Angels and through them, to men. The archangels strengthen people in the holy faith, enlightening their minds with the light of knowledge of the holy Gospel and revealing the mysteries of devout faith.

~Angels~

The word angel means "messenger" and this word expresses the nature of angelic service.

Angels are also referred to as "Bodiless Powers of Heaven".

Apolytikion 

O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, 

we the unworthy beseech you, that

through your entreaties you will fortify us, 

guarding us in the shelter of the wings 

of your ethereal glory, even as 

we fervently bow before you crying: 

"Deliver us from all danger,

as Commanders of the Powers on high!"

Kontakion

Chief Commanders of God;

ministers of divine glory;

guides for men and leadership of the Incorporeal; 

as Chief Commanders of the Incorporeal, 

plead for our welfare and for great mercy.

More aboutt the angels here, here and here.

Ἀπολυτίκιον

Ἦχος δ’. Τῶν οὐρανίωv στρατιῶν Ἀρχιστράτηγοι, δυσωποῦμεv ὑμᾶς ἡμεῖς οἱ ἀνάξιοι, ἵvα ταῖς ὑμῶv δεήσεσι, τειχίσητε ἡμᾶς, σκέπῃ τῶν πτερύγωv, τῆς ἀΰλου ὑμῶν δόξης, φρουροῦvτες ἡμᾶς προσπίπτοντας, ἐκτεvῶς καὶ βοῶντας· Ἐκ τῶν κινδύνων λυτρώσασθε ἡμᾶς, ὡς Ταξιάρχαι τῶν ἄνω Δυνάμεων.

Κοντάκιον

Ἦχος β’. Ἀρχιστράτηγοι Θεοῦ, λειτουργοῖ θείας δόξῃς, τῶν ἀνθρώπων ὁδηγοί, καὶ ἀρχηγοὶ Ἀσωμάτωv, τὸ συμφέροv ἡμῖv αἰτήσασθε, καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος, ὡς τῶν Ἀσωμάτων Ἀρχιστράτηγοι.

May the Holy Angels guide us and protect us.