Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours the Seven Archangels
On November 8, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the seven archangels- Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel. In Bulgarian beliefs, the eldest one- Archangel Michael, Prince of Heavenly Host, stands closest to God. When the last hour of the earthly journey of the soul comes, Archangel Michael himself descends to separate it from the body.
On the Day of St. Michael the Archangel, families pray for protection from the heavenly host of angels. Believers consecrate their homes with holy water.
The Bulgarian Police celebrate the Day of St. Michael the Archangel as their professional holiday. It was celebrated for the first time in 1924. The holiday was suspended between 1944 and 1994.
Angel, Angela, Anzhela, Arhangel, Gavrail, Gavril, Mila, Milen, Milena, Mihail, Mihael, Mihaela, Ognyan, Plamen, Plamena, Rada, Radka, Radoslav, Rayko, Rayna, Rangel and Raya celebrate their name day on November 8. /BGNES