November 21 - Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

On November 8, old style, or November 21, modern, Orthodox believers celebrate the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces. “Cathedral” in this case means an assembly, and “disembodied forces” are angels, over whom, according to Christian doctrine, the Archangel Michael, otherwise called the Archangel (military leader), rules.
Although the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is not one of the Great and Twelve Great Feasts, it is traditionally widely celebrated in Russia and other Orthodox countries. No matter what day of the week falls on November 21, the churches on this holiday are always full of believers gathered for common prayer.

In honor and glory of the Archangel of Heavenly Forces, hundreds of temples, chapels and holy monasteries have been consecrated, many settlements and one large city - Arkhangelsk, leading its history from the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk monastery, founded in the 12th century at the mouth of the Northern Dvina, have been named.
The celebration of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael was established at the end of the ancient era - at the beginning of the IV century, at the local Laodicean Council, which took place several years before the First Ecumenical Council.

And the ninth month indicates nine ranks of the angels ('We magnify you, Archangels, Angels, Beginnings, Authorities, Thrones and Dominions, Powers and Cherubims, terrible Seraphim who praise the Lord', sung in a festive chant for that day).

Above all the angelic ranks, like the commander-in-chief, stands the Archangel Michael, whose name translated from Hebrew means: 'who is like God?' According to Holy Tradition, it was the Archangel Michael who cast down the devil from heaven. Archangel of Heavenly Forces. more than once appeared to people since the time of the Old Testament. He accompanied the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. He appeared to Joshua, giving him the command of the Lord God to take Jericho.

Holy Scripture and Tradition also call the names of other Archangels:
Gabriel is the evangelist of the mysteries of God;
Raphael - doctor of diseases and guide;
Uriel - enlightens people, encourages them to prayer;
Jehudiel is an intercessor on the way, a helper to those in need for the glory of God;
Barachiel is the giver of God's grace and the keeper of the purity of the soul and body;
Salafiel - a doctor for malaria and a prayer book to God for people;
Gefael is a kindler of love for God;
Takhiil - helper and protector in troubles and misfortunes.

In Orthodox iconography, the Archangel Michael is often depicted with a spear or cane in one hand and with a crystal sphere (a symbol of God-given foresight) in the other. Often on the icons you can see the image of the Archangel Michael trampling the devil with his feet; at the same time, the Archangel, as a conqueror, holds in his right hand a spear in a white banner with a scarlet cross inscribed on it, and a date branch in his left. Sometimes in holy images he is depicted in military armor, with a flaming sword and shield in his hands, and occasionally riding a horse through the air.

The most famous of the plot icons associated with the Archangel of Heavenly Forces are the 'Cathedral of the Archangel Michael', 'The Appearance of the Archangel Michael to Joshua' and 'The Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khonekh' style).