Beloved brethren, children of the Light,
Today, we gather beneath the shadow of the wings of the Most High to celebrate and honor the mighty Archangel Uriel, whose name means “God is my Light.” In the great economy of the celestial hosts, the Lord of Hosts has appointed many servants: some to guard, some to heal, some to bring tidings, and some to illumine.
Uriel, Prince of Wisdom and Flame of the Most Holy Throne, stands among the seven who minister before the face of God. As the river that watered Eden divided into four heads, so too do the archangels minister in diverse offices. To Gabriel was given the message; to Michael, the defense of the faithful; to Raphael, the healing of the sick; but to Uriel, the illumination of the mind and the unveiling of divine mysteries.
When the flood threatened the world of Noah, it was Uriel who warned the righteous patriarch, guiding him to build the ark of salvation. When the hearts of men grew cold and stiff-necked, Uriel was sent to rekindle in them the flame of wisdom, to turn them from darkness unto light, from the paths of perdition unto the way of life.
O flock of Christ, consider how often we walk as those who grope in shadows. Ignorance clouds our judgment; the glittering lies of the evil one entice us. But the prayerful soul cries out: “Send forth Thy light and Thy truth!” And behold — Uriel descends, bearing the fiery sword not to destroy, but to cut away falsehood and delusion.
As the Prophet Esdras beheld in vision the mysteries of the Most High, Uriel was his instructor, unveiling the deep things of God. So too, let us beseech the Archangel that he may instruct our hearts, that the law of God may not be mere letters to us, but living words written upon the tablets of our hearts.
O, wise and radiant Uriel! Intercede for us before the dread throne, that we may be granted understanding in the days of confusion, steadfastness in the hour of trial, and vision in the night of this world.
Through thy intercession and the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
