The Feast of Archangel Michael

For CYM members, the month of November is important because on the 8th we celebrate the feast of our Patron Saint Michael the Archangel or ‘Arkhystartyh’. 

Who is the ‘Arkhystartyh’? Іn the Holy Scriptures (the Bible) we read about 9 choirs (levels) of heavenly powers, incorporeal (without a body): 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Thrones then 4. Domination, 5. Strength, 6. Power, and 7. Started, 8. Archangels, 9. Angels.

Each choir (or order) has a responsibility and a role, just as there are different ‘Styah’ in CYM and each adds to the diversity and achievement of the goal of our organization, so each choir of the incorporeal enriches the Kingdom of God.

The ‘Arkhystratykh’ belongs to the choir of Archangels and there is only one. This is the highest degree of the Archangels, who are depicted in icons as warriors-defenders. They are the Holy Defenders of God’s truth, justice, light, will, goodness, all that is God’s. They protect against and overcome everything that is evil and diabolical. Although evil hurts, brings anxiety and violence, it will never conquer what is God’s.

And that’s why St. Michael is the perfect Patron saint for us. We, like him, should be close to God; we, like him, have the task of knowing and defending what is God’s, just, good; We, like him, are called in time of need to defend our neighbor with courage and cheerfulness.

In this month of November, we have a task: make sure that you have contributed 1. to help one’s neighbor, 2. to a speak positive words, 3. to prayer – whether it’s at meetings, at church, at school/work… With God towards victory.

Holy Arkhystratykh Michael, pray for us. 

Druh Fr. Andrij Figol

Chaplain for KY Canada