Church-chapel of Archangel Michael near Kutuzovskaya Hut
Archangel Michael holds a special place among the angelic forces, being their leader and defender of the Church. His name, which comes from the Hebrew expression “Who is like God,” emphasizes his loyalty to the Lord and opposition to the forces of darkness. In biblical texts, Michael appears as the head of the heavenly host, who appeared to people more than once at key moments in their history. In the book of Joshua, he acts as a heavenly leader who helps the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land. In Daniel’s prophecies, he is depicted as a defender of Israel, fighting spiritual enemies. In the Revelation of John the Theologian, Michael leads the heavenly host in battle against Satan and his minions. The Apostle Judas in his epistle mentions Michael’s dispute with the devil about the body of Moses, which emphasizes his role as the guardian of God’s justice. Christian tradition also associates Archangel Michael with a number of important events. It is believed that he accompanied the Israelites in the desert, being a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. According to legend, it was his heavenly host that destroyed 185 thousand Assyrian soldiers besieging Jerusalem. Michael also helped the prophet Joshua, defended the righteous and fought against the wicked. The Church venerates Archangel Michael as a mighty defender of the faith, a fighter against heresies and evil. The icons depict him in military armor, with a sword or spear striking the devil. The feast of the Cathedral of Archangel Michael and All the Heavenly Powers was established at the Laodicea Cathedral in the 4th century and is celebrated on November 8 (November 21 according to the new style). This day symbolizes the nine angelic orders, and the number 9 and the eighth day of the month remind of the coming Last Judgment and the eternity of the Kingdom of Heaven. Archangel Michael is especially revered in Orthodox churches and monasteries, including Moscow and Smolensk. He is considered the patron saint of warriors and threatened countries. For believers, Michael is a symbol of devotion to God, a protector from evil and a helper in spiritual struggle. His intercession is reflected in prayers, icons, and traditions passed down from generation to generation. In Moscow, at Kutuzovsky Proezd, 3, a chapel temple has been erected in honor of Archangel Michael. By order of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia dated November 9, 2023, the temple was given the status of the main temple of the Main Military Prosecutor’s Office of the Russian Federation.
Address: Moscow, Kutuzovsky proezd, 3
