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The Orthodox Church honors Seven Archangels, who pinnacle the saints’ prayers before God. These are: Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Saraqael. In the Book of the Prophet Daniel Archangel Michael is a great prince, who defends the sons of the people of Israel. The other archangels also have their mission. Gabriel is the messenger of God that brings to Virgin Mary the news that she has been chosen to give birth to the Savior. Raphael is the patron of doctors and healers and has the task to heal and protect mankind through love, joy, pray and compassion. Uriel guides the souls to good and illuminates them. The other two archangels glorify the Word of God and His blessings among believers.

Archangels are closer to people and can contact them mentally. They accompany us through all of our life ever since our birth as spiritual assistants and protect us from troubles and evil impacts. That is why all

Christians, who believe begin and finish their day with a pray to their archangel, asking them to guide them to good deeds and to protect them from sudden accidents. When death comes, St. Michael himself descends to take the soul away from the body.

The Bulgarian folk tradition honors the Day of St. Michael, the second most important church fest in the autumn after St. Dimitar’s Day and relates it to commemoration of the dead and the soul. A sacrificial rite takes place on this day at many spots across the country, as animals are slaughtered and ritual breads are prepared.

The church marks the great fest every year with holy liturgies and water blessing, honoring the leader of archangels. This year on the Day of St. Michael the Bulgarian Orthodox Church says farewell to its Patriarch Maksim. A memorial service took place at the St. Nedelya Church downtown Sofia, instead of a festive liturgy. The remains of the patriarch are exposed there for a last respect. A memorial liturgy will take place on the next day at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the heads of all patriarch churches are expected to be there, along with other officials. Later through the same day the remains of the patriarch will travel for their eternal home in the Troyan Monastery.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev