St. Michael the Archangel
St. Nikolai Velimirovic
The angels are our older and superior brothers. The will of God Most-high is their will. They are brighter and swifter than light, lighter and fresher than the air on the mountain. In light they are clothed, the light of their Creator, these tireless laborers of the work of Christ.
They care for men. Their only concern Is how to return the prodigal son to God -- how to return their younger brothers from a strange land to the joyful courts of the householder. Michael, arch-captain, the first among the first: what Venus is among the stars, he is among the angels. He hurries to every penitent, to lift him up to God.
No matter how many penitents there are, he reaches them all. To serve, serve and serve -- for him that is joy. Even in heaven, service to one’s neighbor is paramount, service which strengthens life and makes a mother jubilant, service which adorns with wreaths unfading. That service for the angels is joy and celebration for it is directed to the glory of God and the salvation of men.
They care for men. Their only concern Is how to return the prodigal son to God -- how to return their younger brothers from a strange land to the joyful courts of the householder. Michael, arch-captain, the first among the first: what Venus is among the stars, he is among the angels. He hurries to every penitent, to lift him up to God.
No matter how many penitents there are, he reaches them all. To serve, serve and serve -- for him that is joy. Even in heaven, service to one’s neighbor is paramount, service which strengthens life and makes a mother jubilant, service which adorns with wreaths unfading. That service for the angels is joy and celebration for it is directed to the glory of God and the salvation of men.
From the Prologue of Ohrid by St. Nikolai Velimirovic, March 5th - A Hymn of Praise