In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Beloved brethren, today the Holy Church gathers in solemn festivity to honor the chiefs of the angelic hosts — the most glorious Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael — who stand before the dread throne of the King of Glory, ever singing the Thrice-Holy Hymn, ever fulfilling the ineffable will of God Most High.
Hearken, O faithful, to the mystery of the bodiless powers. Though without flesh, they minister to Him Who for our sake took on flesh. Though invisible, they serve Him Who became visible for our salvation. In their choirs is reflected the great harmony of the divine economy, as the Apostle says: Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).
Behold first the mighty Archangel Michael, whose name signifies Who is like God? He is the prince of the heavenly hosts, the guardian of Israel, the great protector of the people of God, who cast down the ancient dragon and his rebellious angels from the heights of heaven. Even now he wars against the principalities, against the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. He is the defender of the Church militant, the shield of the faithful, and the terror of the demons.
Consider then the Archangel Gabriel, whose name means God is my strength. It was he who stood before the Ever-Virgin and announced the mystery kept secret before the ages: Hail, thou that art full of grace; the Lord is with thee. By his word the Word was made flesh, and the heavens and the earth were filled with rejoicing. He is the herald of glad tidings, the messenger of divine mercy, the revealer of God’s loving purpose.
Ponder also the Archangel Raphael, whose name is God has healed. He was sent to guide Tobias on the way, to bind the demon, and to restore sight to the blind. He is the minister of healing, the companion of pilgrims, and the angel of God’s tender compassion.
O brethren, as the hosts of heaven stand in awe and obedience before the throne, so must we on earth learn obedience to the divine will. As the archangels minister with humility, so must we serve one another in love. As they wage war against the spirits of wickedness, so must we struggle against sin, against pride, against the corruption of this age.
Let us therefore entreat these holy princes of the bodiless powers: be our defenders, O Michael, in the hour of trial; O Gabriel, strengthen us to receive the word of God with a pure heart; O Raphael, heal our infirmities, both of body and soul.
Through their intercessions, may we be granted to stand with them before the dread judgment seat of Christ, glorifying with all the ranks of angels the one God in Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
