Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Synaxis of the Archangels in pine wood with carved decoration.

According to church tradition the Angels were the first creative act of God. When Eusphorus rebelled against God and was led to fall with an Order of Angels, all the Holy Angels gathered to express their faith to the Creator.

The leaders of the Angelic Orders are the archangels Michael and Gabriel. Michael is the most glorious leader of Bodiless Powers and we meet him in the Old Testament. We meet the archangel Gabriel in the New Testament. He was the one who brought the news of the Virgin Mary's birth to Her parents.

The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the other Bodiless Powers on November 8 of each year.

Apolytikion of Synaxis of the Archangels

Fourth Tone

O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: "Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high! "