Today is the Assembly of Saint Archangel Michael, known among the people as Aranđelovdan. The holiday was established as early as the fourth century AD.
Aranđelovdan is dedicated to Archangel Michael, the leader of the army of angels, the bodiless forces of good that participated in the creation of the world. He is considered the guardian of the Orthodox faith and a fighter against heresy.
Saint Archangel Michael, a symbol of the fight against evil, is depicted on icons and frescoes as a heavenly warrior in military attire, with a sword, a spear, and an evil spirit, chained, lying beneath his feet.
His cult originated in the 3rd century and first developed in Phrygia. As a holiday, Aranđelovdan was established a century later, during the time of Pope Sylvester I and Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria.
There is an incorrect tradition that those who celebrate this feast do not prepare wheat for Aranđelovdan, forgetting that the wheat is offered not to the saint, but to all departed ancestors who made a vow to Saint Archangel Michael.
As a family patron saint’s day, Aranđelovdan was celebrated by Tsar Dušan the Mighty, Stefan Nemanja, and his sons. It is the patron saint’s day of the Belgrade Cathedral.
By the number of celebrants, the feast of Saint Michael ranks second among Serbs, right after St. Nicholas Day.
This year as well, due to the pandemic, the celebration should be marked within the family circle, in order to respect tradition but also protect the health of loved ones.
Among the people, it is believed that the weather on Aranđelovdan shows what the entire winter and spring will be like.
It is believed that this winter saint wanders disguised as a beggar and guides nonbelievers onto the right path. In some parts of Serbia, he is also considered the protector of livestock.
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Source: RTS; Foto: Wikimedia Creative Commons