Beautiful Gate — Royal Doors — Holy Doors
Posted in Angels, Feast Days, Theotokos, Uncategorized Comments Off
The Beautiful Gate, also known as the Royal or Holy Doors, stand between the Nave and the Sanctuary in an Orthodox Church. They serve as both as separation and a point of contact between these two areas of the Church. These doors depict the Annunciation — the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos to tell her that she will conceive and bear Christ, as well as the four evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John.
These Royal Doors are part of the iconostasis at Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Boise, ID.
The Archangel Michael is given several roles in the Tradition and Scriptures. He is the chief of the Archangels. He fights against Satan, rescues and brings souls to judgement, and intervenes to help us in times of need.
“The Powerful or Strong Man of God,” “The Power or Strength of God” Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19-26.
Also called Djibril or Jibril.
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Troparion (Tone 4)
- Gabriel, commander of the heavenly hosts,
- we who are unworthy beseech you,
- by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,
- and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you:
- “Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commander of the powers on high!”
Kontakion (Tone 8)
- Supreme commander Gabriel,
- you are the glorious intercessor and servant
- before the all-radiant, worthy, all-powerful, infinite and awesome Trinity.
- Ever pray now that we may be delivered from all tribulations and torments,
- so that we may cry out to you:
- “Rejoice, protection of your servants!”
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The Archangel Michael is given several roles in the Tradition and Scriptures. He is the chief of the Archangels. He fights against Satan, rescues and brings souls to judgement, and intervenes to help us in times of need.
“Who is like unto God?” Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude v. 9; Rev. 12:7-8
Troparion (Tone 4)
- Commanders of the heavenly hosts,
- we who are unworthy beseech you,
- by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,
- and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you:
- “Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!”
Kontakion (Tone 2)
- Commanders of God’s armies and ministers of the divine glory,
- princes of the bodiless angels and guides of mankind,
- ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy,
- supreme commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.