One of the most important autumn Christian holidays is Archangel's Day, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel and Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel.
In the Orthodox tradition, we celebrate their day on November 8 as the Feast of St. Archangel Michael, leader of the heavenly hosts and angelic hierarchies who defeated the forces of darkness.
According to the Church, angels are God's messengers and executors of His will. In Orthodox iconography, they are depicted in snow-white clothes and with wings - a symbol of the speed with which they fulfill God's commands and take an active part in the salvation of human souls. During baptism, every Christian receives a guardian angel who guides them and protects them from evil.
In churches, the image of St. Archangel Michael, with a spear in his hand, trampling the devil, occupies a central place, along with the icons of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and John the Baptist. Because of the key place he occupies in the Heavenly Hierarchy, he is considered the patron of those fighting for a just cause and the protector of all Christians from dark forces.
In the vicinity of Sofia and the surrounding areas, there are nearly a dozen monasteries dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. Among them is the Chekotin Monastery, which is located about 15 kilometers away from the town of Pravets. It was founded at the end of the 12th century and is connected with the history of the nearby Urvich fortress, which is located just 4 km away. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years, but today it is active and attracts visitors with its beautiful architecture and remarkable murals.
We learn more interesting details about the monastery from Priest Mihail in an interview with Svetlana Dimitrova.
St. Archangel Michael monastery of Chekotin – a little-known gem
See also:
Compiled by: Darina Grigorova
English: Al. Markov
Photos: library, BGNES
From 23 to 28 September, Sofia and Vidin will host the 7th International Conference on the Roman Danubian Provinces on the theme "Frontier Landscapes along the Danube", reports BNR Vidin. The initiative was taken by the University of Ferrara, Italy...
The independence of Bulgaria was proclaimed on 22 September, 1908. After the most audacious independent act in Bulgarian history – the unification of Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria – Bulgarians once again demonstrated the power of..
Bulgarian archaeologists have discovered a second statue in the large sewage channel of the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica. Around 11 a.m. on September 20, the team led by Professor Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski came across another marble sculpture near..
The National History Museum celebrates the 130th anniversary of the birth of Tsar Boris III with the exhibition "Tsar Boris III. Personality and..
+359 2 9336 661