Z 23rd

SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Z

November 8, 2015

EPISTLE: Ephesians 2:4–10 (#220)GOSPEL: St. Luke 8:41-56 (#39)TONE: 6

St. Innocent Orthodox ChurchZ Founded in 1967 Z Moscow Patriarchal Parishes Z

23300 W. Chicago _ Redford, MI 48239 _ 313-538-1142 _ Fax: 313-538-8126Church Website: www.stinnocentchurch.com _ E-Mail: frroman@firebirdvideos.com

St. Innocent Monastic Community: 9452 Hazelton, Redford, MI 48239 _ 313-535-9080PASTOR: Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest ROMAN STAR _ Cell: 313-319-0590

Dean, Central States Deanery, Patriarchal ParishesASSISTANT PRIEST: Rev. DANEIL SHIRAK _ 313-295-3073

DEACON: Rev. Dn. Michael ComerfordSUBDEACON: Dr. Joshua Genig

ATTACHED: Sister IoannaCHOIR DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Star Hatfield

READERS: Robert Joseph Latsko & George Hanoian

COMMEMORATED TODAY: SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL AND THE OTHER BODILESS POWERS: Archangels Gabriel,Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel . Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries.

Archangel St. Michael, Feast, 11/8

SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEKSaturday 11/14 4pm GREAT VESPERS & CONFESSIONS

Sunday 11/15 24th Sunday After Pentecost — BEGINNING OF THE NATIVITY FAST 9:15am HOURS. AKATHIST OR CANON; CONFESSIONS 10am DIVINE LITURGY, followed by Coffee Hour

SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEKSaturday 11/14 4pm GREAT VESPERS & CONFESSIONS

Sunday 11/15 24th Sunday After Pentecost — BEGINNING OF THE NATIVITY FAST 9:15am HOURS. AKATHIST OR CANON; CONFESSIONS 10am DIVINE LITURGY, followed by Coffee Hour

FOR THE HEALTH OF: Archimandrite Seraphim; Priest Daneil, Matushka Debra & Corrina Shirak; Deacon Michael, Matushka MaryEllen & Julius Comerford; Matushka Mary Donahue, Subdeacon Joshua Genig; Reader Robert Latsko, Reader George & Betty Hanoian, RoseNossal, Mary Glover, Nancy Cupp, Deborah Dade, Vasiliki Stamoulis, Gerald Martell, Azbehat, Donald Yakuber, Carl deVyver, Jo AnneNicholas, Joan Rusko, Daria, Alice Ladhu (cancer); Joseph NossalALSO FOR: Ed Manier, recuperating at home

Fr. Roman & Matushka Rose Marie, safe travel to & from Birmingham, Alabama, & Thomas, safe travel to Tennessee Sister Ioanna, who celebrates the anniversary of her being made a nun on Wednesday, 11 November

� MAY GOD GRANT THEM MANY YEARS! �

_ 9:15am — HOURS. AKATHIST OR CANON; CONFESSIONS __ 10am — DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM _

FOR THE REPOSE OF: Estelle & Joseph Star; Anna & John Witkowski; Michael Sr. & Margaret Rusko; Mary, Andrew, Daniel,Michael & Lottie Yakuber; Ross & Margaret Falsetti; Helen, John & Carole Andrayko; Peter & Theresa Harvilla; Marc Dade; BettyMartell; Frances & Todd Smoly; Peter Glover; Irene Adams; Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua deVyver; David Horka; Michael Rusko,Anna Lichagina, Yelena & Zinaïda Korniyevskaya, Joseph Nossal, Michelle Tucker, Todd ComerfordALSO FOR: V. Rev. Rastko Trbuhovich (newly departed, 30 September), by Fr. Roman MEMORY Mary Starinshak, whose anniversary of her repose is Tomorrow, Monday, 9 November, by nephew, Fr. RomanETERNAL! Mary Nicholas, whose anniversary of her repose is Wednesday, 11 November, by son, Nick Nicholas Nina Isagholian, whose anniversary of her repose is Friday, 13 November, by Sister Ioanna

PROSPHORA FOR TODAY IS OFFERED BY: Sister Ioanna

In Memory Eternal of: Parents: Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua deVyver; Robert David Horka; Fr. Photius (11/1); Nina (11/13); all departedfamily & friends. For the Health of: Fr. Roman & Mat. Rose Marie, & all parishioners for the parish Patronal Feast, 11/26; all those in specialneed of the Lord’s help; & all family & friends. And in Thanksgiving for: Anniversary of being made a nun (11/11/01); Anniversary of theestablishment of the St. Innocent Monastic Community (11/15/03); & all the Lord’s countless blessings, especially on Thanksgiving Day, 11/26.

CANDLES FOR LAST SUNDAY, 1 NOVEMBERCHURCH VIGIL LAMPS:Royal Doors Lamp: In Memory of Husband Joe; Son Kenneth; parents Michael & Margaret Rusko, & John & Martha Nossal, by Rose NossalAltar Candles: In Memory of Nicholas and Susan Yakuber, by son, Donald Yakuber Iconostasis Lamps: In Memory of parents, Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua; Robert David H; & Health of brother, Carl, by Sister IoannaCandles on the Solea: In Memory of Pete & Theresa Harvilla, Norman & Monica Holst, & Ricky Ellis, by Jason & Debra Truskowski Nave Reliquary-Icon Lamps: (1) In Memory of Ross & Margaret Falsetti, by daughters, Margie Martell & Rose Ann EverhardtNave Reliquary-Icon Lamps: (2) In Memory of Edwin Rusko, by the Nossal FamilyTable of Oblation Lamp: In Memory of parents, Helen & John Andrayko, Sr. & sister, Carole Andrayko, by John Andrayko, Jr.

IN MEMORY OF (MEMORY ETERNAL!)Joseph & Estelle Star, by son Father Roman and familyPaul & Alexandra Yupco, Basil & Ellen Starinshak, by grandson, Father Roman and familyJohn & Anna Witkowski, by daughter, Matushka Rose Marie and familySamuel & Mary Kupec, by granddaughter, Matushka Rose Marie and familyParents, Helen & John Andrayko, and sister, Carole Andrayko, by John Andrayko My husband, Joe; my sisters, Margaret & Ross Falsetti, Anna & Mike Elaschat, Theresa & Pete Harvilla, Irene, & brothers, Michael, John & Edwin Rusko; niece, Rose Mary & Dean Hough; Joe’s brothers, Raymond & Walter Nossal, & sisters, Theresa, Florence & Helen Nossal, by Rose Nossal ++ + Pete & Theresa Harvilla, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay Truskowski + + + My husband, Michael Rusko, by Joan Rusko Parents, Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua; David Horka; Nina I; Marion P; Fr. Photius; Mo. Benedicta; Archm. Roman; Olive B., by Sister IoannaShirley Troyer, Child Lana Wilson, & Marsha, by Becky Jurczyszyn + + + Tyler Briget (sp?), by Rose Ann EverhardtThelma Wortham Ratcliff & Louis Pitts, by the Manier FamilyNicholas & Susan Yakuber (Memory Eternal), by son, Donald YakuberSue & Gary Wakefield (Memory Eternal), by Donald YakuberJohn Joe Rock (Memory Eternal), by Donald YakuberIrene & Stan Mueller (Memory Eternal), by Donald YakuberFlorence & Bill Newton (Memory Eternal), by Donald YakuberPam Wright (Memory Eternal), by Donald YakuberMegan Madaffer (Memory Eternal), by Donald Yakuber

FOR THE HEALTH OF: (MANY YEARS!)Elizabeth & Lawrence, Caitlin & Zachary, by parents & grandparents, Father Roman & Matushka Rose Marie Gregory & Tamiko Star, by parents, Father Roman & Matushka Rose MarieChildren & Grandchildren; Monk Fr. Tikhon (Dade); by Rose NossalFather Roman & Matushka & family; Sister Ioanna; John Andrayko; Nancy; Mary G; Jo Anne N; Grandson Joey (in the Navy Reserves) & all people in the Armed Forces; & all the people of St. Innocent Church, by Rose Nossal My Mom, Jaime Truskowski, by Kay Truskowski + + + Family & Friends, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay T. Brother, Greg & Donna, nephew, Gregory & Liz & nephew, Alex, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay Archimandrites Nafanail, Gregory & Seraphim; Fr. Roman & Mat. Rose Marie; Fr. Lawrence & fam; Fr. Laurence & fam; Fr. Daneil & fam; Dcn. Michael & fam; Mat. Mary D; Carl; Sdn Fr. Tikhon; Sdn Andrew; Sdn Joshua, Abigail & children; Rdr Robert; Robert M; David Samuel & Sky & baby; Jo Anne & Nick; Martha; Athanasius; John A; Ed (stroke) & Tiffany; Vasiliki; Rose; Emil; Azbehat; Billy & Fonda, by Sr. IoannaJay Nossal, by Rose Nossal + + + John Andrayko (May God watch over him), by Rose Nossal + + + Rose Nossal, by John Andrayko Joan & Bob Jurczyszyn, Leia & Mike Wilson, Liz & Andrea Tomechewsky, by Becky Jurczyszyn

Ed Manier, by Mary Ann Harvilla + + + Subdeacon Joshua Genig, by the Genig Family + + + All Family & Friends, by Rose Ann Everhardt Thomas, Fr. Roman & Mat. Rose Marie (safe travel), by Becky J. + + + Trisha & Lindsey Harbut, & mother, Rose Nossal, by Patricia HarbutHealth & Salvation of: Ed, Manier Children, Grandchildren & all family, by Tiffany June Rock (God Bless), by Donald Yakuber Nancy Cupp (God Bless), by Donald Yakuber Pat & Jerry Wright (God Bless), by Donald Yakuber Tom Trail (God Bless), by Donald Yakuber

ANNOUNCEMENTSOUR ANNUAL BLANKET DRIVE CONTINUES. PLEASE GIVE YOUR DONATIONS NOW. GOAL: 150 blankets. As we did last year,we are collecting $5.00 per blanket, and are purchasing them at Walmart. They are being donated to the Redford Interfaith Relief (RIR). We arepleased to report that the first 50 blankets have been received, paid for, and already delivered to RIR. As we continue to gather donations largeand small, the second 50 blankets have been ordered, but only partially paid for. We would like to order a third batch of 50, if we have enoughdonations, but we need to do this soon, otherwise we won’t be able to get them. Therefore, if you haven’t yet donated for blankets, please do soNOW, and be as generous as your circumstances permit, whether it be $5 or $50. (See Mary Ann Harvilla.) Many thanks to all who have donated.

WHAT IS REDFORD INTERFAITH RELIEF (RIR)? The RIR was founded in 1997 by the Redford Ministerial Alliance, and is sponsoredby a faith-based coalition of Redford clergy and their churches, including Fr. Roman and St. Innocent, partnering with the Redford townshipofficials & schools, to serve all people in need in the Redford community with food, clothing, and other needed items, such as blankets. Fr. Romanis now a member of the Board of RIR. The RIR seeks to serve God by “feeding the hungry, clothing the naked...” as the Lord commanded.

THE SEPT.-OCT. ISSUE OF THE COCC’S “GOOD WORKS” IS NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE. You can view it in full color as a PDFfile on the COCC’s website: http://coccdetroit.com/files/Good%20Works/COCCGoodWorks-2015SEP-OCT.pdf. Printed copies available soon.

CHRIST RAISING JAIRUS’ DAUGHTERBy Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

23rd Sunday After Pentecost — St. Luke 8:41-56

A Sermon delivered on November 18, 1984

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Today's Gospel is not only about miracles and the mercy of God; to meit is about hope beyond hope. In the story of the daughter of Jairus we seea child already dead; everyone knows about it; there is such certainty thatwhen the Son of God, become the Son of Man, says, No! This child hasnot died, it is fallen asleep, everyone contradicts Him: No, this child hasdied. And then Christ, with a word of power, but in an act of love callsthe child to earthly life again.

Isn't this — apart from being a true event of our human history — isn'tthis also a parable, and an image of so many human situations? Howoften we would say, There is no point in doing anything about thisperson, this person is lost anyhow; there is nothing to do aboutredeeming a given situation, this situation is beyond redemption. And wemust remember the words which were spoken by Christ to Peter when hesaid, Who then can be saved? and the Lord said to him, What isimpossible to man, is possible unto God.

Hope beyond hope: not because we have got good reasons to hope, but because we can be possessed of a passionatecertainty that not only love divine but human love can bring back to life what was lost. People who have fallen intothe deepest dereliction, people who seem to us to be hopelessly evil, if they are met by the sacrificial love — and theword sacrificial is essential — the sacrificial love of God and the same sacrificial love in us, can be redeemed.

In the case of this child it happened immediately. In our relation to one another and to people it may take years, yearsof patient love, years during which we will give ourselves, but also endure, endure endlessly the most unendurablethings; and in the end there can be redemption. There can be redemption on this earth, in the form of a person whowas thought to be hopeless, beyond help, and who begins to change, and then we see a miracle, and we are elated,and hope becomes complete and real, and joy fills our heart.

But there is also another way in which this sacrificial love can be redemption. A western theologian has said aroundthe time of the last war, when feelings were deep and pain acute, he said that suffering is the meeting place betweenevil and humanity; suffering is always caused by human agency or human agency turns away from it and does notalleviate it. And suffering always cuts into the soul or into the body of people. But when it has happened, the victimacquires divine power to forgive, and by forgiveness to undo the evil, and to redeem those who have done the evil.Let us reflect on this; this thought has come to me not out of reflection, and indeed not out of my life that has alwaysbeen too easy for me to be able to speak such words. But after the war a document was found in one of theconcentration camps. It was written on a torn sheet of wrapping paper by a man who died in this camp. And thesubstance of his message was a prayer in which he said: ‘Lord, when you come as a Judge of the earth, do notcondemn the people who have done such atrocious things to us; do not hold against them their cruelty and oursuffering, their violence and our despair, but look at the fruit which we have borne in patience, in humility, infortitude, in forgiveness, in loyalty, in solidarity; and may these fruits be accounted unto their salvation. Do not allowthe memory of us to be in eternity horror to them; may it be their salvation.’

This is also hope beyond hope. And to me it is connected with this contrast between the sinful, the false, the blindknowledge expressed by the people in the house: they laugh at Christ, they know that the child is dead, hope issuperfluous, it is drowned in despair — and the victory of love and of mercy which is shown in the event but whichcan extend in so many ways into our personal lives on the simplest level, and on the most heroic ones.

Let us therefore give thought to it, and choose for hope beyond hope, for that love and that faith that conquer. Amen.

VANDALS STRIKE HISTORIC CEMETERY IN SITKA, AK

Sitka, Alaska, OCA, 10/30/15 — For the third time since mid-September2015, vandals toppled marble headstones weighing hundreds of pounds at the200-year-old Russian Orthodox and Alaska Native cemetery here during thelast weekend of October. By mid-week the alleged vandals—a group of pre-teens—had been apprehended following a door-to-door search.

As reported on KCAW Raven Radio, Sitka Police Lieutenant Lance Ewerssaid that if the culprits had been adults, the vandalism would have constituteda Class C felony. He hoped that the State of Alaska’s juvenile justice systemwould “give these kids the help they need and get them educated about whatappropriate behaviors are and introduce the consequences. This doesn’t haveto happen again, so I’m happy about that.”

Archpriest Michael Boyle, Dean of Sitka’s historic Archangel Michael Cathedral,has offered to speak with the pre-teens to “help them to understand what this sacredground is and what it means to the Russian and Tlingit Orthodox people of Sitka aswell as the whole community of Sitka, how ancestors are to be respected andhonored, and why a sacred space is given for them for their rest.” He added that Lt.Ewers thought that this was an “excellent idea” and that he would speak with thegroup’s probation officer.

Some of the cemetery’s gravestones date back to the 1800s, and between the threeincidents some 25 them sustained significant damage. Police, firefighters, studentsfrom the Alaska State Troopers’ Sitka Academy and local Orthodox faithful helped

put the headstones upright. People also quickly responded after the first two incidents on September 13 and 22. Policeindicated that although the group had been caught, new night vision cameras had been installed in the cemetery tomonitor any copycat behavior. Source: oca.org

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THE IOCC HELPS BRIDGE THE EDUCATIONAL GAP FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN

IOCC, Syria, October 2015 — Tears come easily when Joseph, 13,describes his former life in Syria ... living in a nice house with hisparents and two brothers in a quiet neighborhood, gathering afterschool with friends to play soccer or go for strawberry ice cream, hisfavorite. It's all gone now, and he knows he will never see it again.

Joseph was only 9 when his family fled from the city of Hama toLebanon at the start of Syria's civil war in 2011. They settled in thevillage of Kfarhazir, where his father now farms a small piece of landto sustain the family. Joseph has been able to continue his educationwith nearly 50 other Syrian refugee children at a local public school rehabilitated by IOCC. It is one of 61 Lebanesepublic schools in disrepair being renovated by IOCC to improve the learning environment for 18,500 Lebaneseschoolchildren and their Syrian refugee classmates. Lebanon's limited education resources and an influx of thousands of Syrian refugee children has severely strained thecountry's ability to educate so many new students in its existing schools. IOCC is helping ease the strain on the schoolsystem's infrastructure with upgraded electrical systems and newly installed communal bathrooms, drinking fountains,windows, and doors.

Joseph, a top student back in Syria, continues to work hard at mastering math and science so that he can keep movingtowards his dream of being an engineer one day. He believes that here, far from the dangers of war, he can see hisdreams for the future come true. Source: iocc.org

SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL AND THE OTHER BODILESS POWERSFeast Commemorated: November 8th (Today)

The Synaxis [Gathering] of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael andthe Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel,Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourthcentury at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the FirstEcumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned anddenounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, butaffirmed their proper veneration. A Feastday was established in November, the ninth month after March (with whichthe year began in ancient times) since there are Nine Ranks of Angels. The eighth dayof the month was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven sincethe Day of the Dread Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the holy Fathers. Afterthe end of this age (characterized by its seven days of Creation) will come the EighthDay, and then “the Son of Man shall come in His Glory and all the holy Angels withHim” (Mt. 25:31). The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. The Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.

The six-winged SERAPHIM (Flaming, Fiery) (Is 6:12) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity. They blaze with love for God and kindle such love in others.

The many-eyed CHERUBIM (outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment) (Gen 3:24) stand before the Lord after theSeraphim. They are radiant with the light of knowledge of God, and knowledge of the mysteries of God. Throughthem wisdom is poured forth, and people’s minds are enlightened so they may know God and behold His glory. The THRONES (Col 1:16) stand after the Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God through thegrace given them for their service. They are ministers of God’s justice, giving to tribunals, kings, etc. the capacityfor righteous judgment.

The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities: DOMINIONS (Col 1:16) hold dominion over the angels subject to them. They instruct the earthly authorities, established by God, to rule wisely, and to govern their lands well. The Dominions teach us to subdue sinful impulses, to subject the flesh to the spirit, to master our will, and to conquer temptation.

POWERS (1 Pet 3:22) fulfill the will of God without hesitation. They work great miracles and give the grace ofwonderworking and clairvoyance to saints pleasing to God. The Powers assist people in fulfilling obediences. Theyalso encourage them to be patient, and give them spiritual strength and fortitude. AUTHORITIES (1 Pet 3:22, Col 1:16) have authority over the devil. They protect people from demonic temptations,and prevent demons from harming people as they would wish. They also uphold ascetics and guard them, helpingpeople in the struggle with evil thoughts.

The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels: PRINCIPALITIES (Col 1:16) have command over the lower angels, instructing them in the fulfilling of God’s commands. They watch over the world and protect lands, nations and peoples. Principalities instruct people to render proper honor to those in authority, as befits their station. They teach those in authority to use their position, not for personal glory and gain, but to honor God, and to spread word of Him, for the benefit of those under them.

ARCHANGELS (1 Thess 4:16) are messengers of great and wondrous tidings. They reveal prophecies and themysteries of the faith. They enlighten people to know and understand the will of God, they spread faith in God amongthe people, illuminating their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel. ANGELS (1 Pet 3:22) are in the lowest rank of the heavenly hierarchy, and closest to people. They reveal the lessermysteries of God and His intentions, guiding people to virtuous and holy life. They support those who remainsteadfast, and they raise up the fallen. They never abandon us and they are always prepared to help us, if we desireit.

All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of theirservice. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the HOLY ARCHANGEL MICHAEL (his name in Hebrew means “who islike unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. He cast down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Luciferand the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summoned the ranks of angels and cried out, “Let usattend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God!”

According to Church Tradition, and in the church services to the Archangel Michael, he participated in many other OldTestament events. [slightly abridged from oca.org source]

During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillarof fire by night. Through him the power of the Lord was made manifest, annihilating the Egyptians and Pharaoh whowere in pursuit of the Israelites. The Archangel Michael defended Israel in all its misfortunes. He appeared to Joshua Son of Navi and revealed the will of the Lord at the taking of Jericho (Josh 5:13-16). Thepower of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest .... in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias,Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan 3:22-25). Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judeato Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions’ den (Dan. 14:33-37). The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9). From ancient times the Archangel Michael was famed for his miracles in Rus. When... for our sins, the godlessHagarene emperor Batu devoured and set the Russian land aflame and came to Novgorod, and God and the Most HolyTheotokos shielded it with an appearance of Michael the Archangel, who forbade him to enter into it. He [Batu] came toward Kiev and saw the stone church, over the doors of which the great Archangel Michael had written andspoken to the prince his allotted fate, ‘By this we have forbidden you entry into Great Novgorod’.” Intercession for Russian cities by the Most Holy Queen of Heaven always involved Her appearances with theHeavenly Hosts, under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. Grateful Rus acclaimed the Most Pure Mother ofGod and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, court and merchant churches arededicated to the Chief Commander Michael. In old Kiev at the time of the accepting of Christianity, a cathedral of the Archangel was built, and a monastery alsowas named for him. Archangel cathedrals are found at Smolensk, Nizhni Novgorod, Staritsa, at Great Ustiug(beginning of the thirteenth century), and a cathedral at Sviyazhsk. In Rus there was not a city, where there was nota church or chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. One of the chief temples of the city of Moscow, the burial church in the Kremlin, is dedicated to him. Numerous andbeautiful icons of the Chief Commander of the Heavenly Hosts are also in his Cathedral. One of these, the Icon“Blessed Soldiery,” was painted in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The saintly soldiers, Russianprinces, are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. We invoke St Michael for protection from invasion by enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of adversarieson the field of battle. He conquers all spiritual enemies.

Holy Scripture and Tradition give us the names of the Archangels:Gabriel: strength (power) of God, herald and servitor of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, Luke 1:26). He announcesthe mysteries of God. Raphael: the healing of God, the curer of human infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15) Uriel: the fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Ezdras 5:20). We pray for him to enlighten those 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 ofefforts. 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 according 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 handa 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 hisright 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 hand leads Tobias, carryinga fish for healing (Tobit 5-8). URIEL in his raised right hand holds a naked sword at the level of his chest, and in his lowered left hand “a fieryflame.” SELAPHIEL in a prayerful posture, gazing downwards, hands folded on the chest. JEHUDIEL holds a golden crown in his right hand; in his left, a whip of three red (or black) thongs. BARACHIEL is shown with a white rose on his breast. JEREMIEL holds balance-scales in his hand.

Each person has a guardian angel, and every nation also receives its own guardian angel from God (Dan. 10:13). Whena church is consecrated, it also receives a guardian angel (Palladius, Dial. Ch. 10). Source: http://oca.org/saints/lives/