Synaxis of Archangels Michael and Gabriel

Synaxis of the Chief Incorporeal Powers — Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

On November 8 the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel together with all the Bodiless Powers of heaven. Michael, whose name asks Who is like God, is honored as the chief commander of the heavenly hosts who stood firm when the rebellious angels fell; Gabriel is the messenger who announced the Incarnation to the Theotokos.

The feast confesses the ministry of the angels, created spirits who glorify God and are sent for the aid of the faithful. It is one of the great name days of the Greek world, celebrated by those named Michael, Gabriel, and Angelos.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Synaxis of Archangels Michael and Gabriel is commemorated on November 8. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on November 21 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Michail, Michalis, Michales, Mike, Miguel, Michele, Mikes, Gabriel, Gavriil, Angelos, Angeli, Angelo, Michael, Aggelos, Stamatis, Stamatios, Taxiarchis, Raphael, Rafail, Michaela, Gabriella, Gavriella, Gavriela, Angeliki, Aggeliki, Angela, Angelina, Stamatia, Stamatina, Matina, Rafaela

Also commemorated on November 8

• Olga of Alaska

  Holy Woman, Όλγα της Αλάσκας

  Saint Olga of Kwethluk, Alaska, the Yup'ik midwife and matushka glorified in 2024.

• Archangel Michael of Panormitis

  Saint, Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ ο Πανορμίτης

  Synaxis of the Archangel Michael at the monastery of Panormitis on the island of Symi.

• Archangel Michael of Mantamados

  Saint, Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ ο Ταξιάρχης Μανταμάδου

  Synaxis of the Archangel Michael the Taxiarch at Mantamados on Lesbos.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.