Today we celebrate the synaxis of the holy archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers of heaven. The tradition of the Orthodox Church speaks of seven or eight archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Barachiel, Jegudiel, and Salathiel, to whose number Jeremiel is sometimes added. Michael is the guardian angel of the entire Christian people; Gabriel is God’s messenger; Raphael is a bringer of divine healing. Uriel is the archangel of divine enlightenment, Salathiel the inciter to prayer, Jegudiel the inspiration of ascetics, and Barachiel the conveyor of God’s blessings. Finally, Jeremiel is the planter of good thoughts. Thus, in accordance with the tradition of the Church, we may pray to the archangels in their various divinely-appointed roles. Consequently, we find such prayers as these in the writings of a number of elders:
Holy archangel Michael, defend us in spiritual warfare!
Holy archangel Gabriel, confirm our faith!
Holy archangel Raphael, grant us God’s healing!
Holy archangel Uriel, bring God’s light to our minds!
Holy archangel Salathiel, teach us to pray!
Holy archangel Jegudiel, stir us up to holy zeal!
Holy archangel Barachiel, show us God’s blessings!
Holy archangel Jeremiel, inspire holy thoughts in our hearts!