Aranđelovdan: Complete Guide to the Feast of the Holy Archangel Michael

Introduction

Aranđelovdan is one of the most widespread and most solemn feasts in the Serbian Orthodox tradition. Dedicated to the Holy Archangel Michael — the first and mightiest of all God’s angels — this feast is celebrated by hundreds of thousands of families in Serbia and among the Serbian diaspora worldwide. Beyond private households, Aranđelovdan is also formally celebrated by the military, police, and many state institutions, for Archangel Michael is the heavenly commander and patron of all who bear arms in a just cause.

Saint Archangel Michael is not merely a subject of theological speculation — he is a living, active spiritual force whom the Serbian Orthodox tradition recognizes as protector, intercessor, and warrior for God’s justice. To celebrate Aranđelovdan is to invite that heavenly protection upon one’s home, family, and all those held dear.

When It Is Celebrated

Aranđelovdan is celebrated in the Serbian Orthodox Church on November 21 by the Gregorian (New) Calendar. By the Julian (Old) Calendar this date corresponds to November 8. The full name of the feast is the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, for both supreme angels are honored on the same day.

The feast falls at a favorable liturgical moment — between the close of the autumn harvest season and the start of the Nativity Fast, which begins on November 28. This means that Aranđelovdan is a non-fasting feast and there are no dietary restrictions: the feast table may be laden with meat, dairy, and whatever the household has to offer.

History and Tradition

The veneration of Archangel Michael is among the oldest in Christianity. Already in the Old Testament he appears as the supreme angel who stands before God and defends God’s people. In the Book of the Prophet Daniel (10:13 and 12:1) he is called “one of the chief princes” and “the great prince” who watches over God’s people. In the New Testament, in the Epistle of Jude, Archangel Michael disputes with the devil over the body of Moses, and in the Revelation of John he leads the heavenly host in battle against the dragon — a symbol of Satan.

The veneration of Archangel Michael entered the Serbian slava tradition together with the Christianization of the Serbian people, at the latest during the time of Saint Sava (early 13th century). Over the centuries, families who took Aranđelovdan as their slava passed it from generation to generation as the most sacred family pledge. The Serbian Church especially cultivated this veneration: hundreds of churches and monasteries in Serbia are dedicated to Archangel Michael, and the Monastery of Arhanđelovac near Jagodina was one of the central pilgrimage sites.

Throughout history, the military has particularly honored the Archangel as its patron. The Serbian Army in both World Wars, and subsequently the Army of Serbia, formally celebrates Aranđelovdan as the feast of entire military units.

The Feast Table — What to Prepare

Since Aranđelovdan is a non-fasting slava, the hostess has full freedom in the choice of dishes. Tradition calls for a rich, festive table that reflects hospitality and gratitude.

Essential elements of every feast table:

• Slavski kolač — a round, decorated leavened bread broken and shared at the opening of the feast. Made from white flour, decorated with Christian symbols (the cross, IHS, ears of wheat, grapevine), it can be bought from a bakery or made at home.
• Žito (koliva) — boiled wheat sweetened with honey or sugar, mixed with walnuts and plums. A symbol of resurrection and eternal life, it is an indispensable part of every feast table.
• Slavska sveća — the feast candle, lit on the day of the feast and kept burning throughout the day.

Typical non-fasting dishes for Aranđelovdan:

• Roasted lamb or suckling pig (or both)
• Stuffed chicken or chicken paprikash
• Sarma — cabbage rolls filled with pork or mixed minced meat
• Prebranac (baked beans), though a Lenten dish, is often served at non-fasting feasts as well
• Homemade soup (chicken or beef)
• Serbian salad, winter cabbage salad
• Homemade pastries: baklava, tufahije (stuffed poached apples), urmasice, walnut strudel
• Rakija (plum brandy, grape brandy) and homemade wine

Hostesses often also prepare a sweet dessert or cake, especially if guests with children are expected.

The Feast Liturgy and Rites

The day of the feast begins with the Divine Liturgy in church. The family hosting the feast (or at least the head of household) attends the Holy Liturgy on the morning of November 21 and brings the slavski kolač and the žito for blessing. After the Liturgy the priest reads a prayer for the health of the host and family, breaks the bread with the host and those present, and blesses the žito.

In many parishes the priest comes to parishioners’ homes in the afternoon to serve a moleben (a short thanksgiving service), burn incense, bless the home, and share a drink with the host. This part of the feast is considered especially solemn and is eagerly anticipated by the host.

Throughout the day, the feast candle burns in the home, symbolizing God’s presence and remembrance of the ancestors who celebrated the slava before us.

Preparing the Feast — Step by Step

Several days ahead:

• Arrange with the priest for a prayer or moleben.
• Obtain or bake the slavski kolač (it can be ordered from a bakery up to two days in advance).
• Cook the žito (it is prepared one or two days before the feast and kept in the refrigerator).
• Purchase meat and other provisions.
• Prepare the space for guests and set the table.

Eve of the feast (the day before):

• Prepare as many dishes as possible in advance (sarma, pastries, salads).
• Set out the feast candle and incense.
• Call and remind guests.

On the day of the feast — morning:

• Go to the Liturgy with the kolač and žito.
• Have the kolač and žito blessed in church.
• Return home and prepare the table.

On the day of the feast — afternoon:

• Welcome the priest (if he is coming for the moleben).
• Light the feast candle.
• Break the slavski kolač with the first guests (the host and one guest hold the bread, turn it three times clockwise, and break it apart with the words “Hristos usred nas!” — “Christ is among us!”).
• Serve the guests.

Order of service at the table: Typically, rakija and appetizers are offered first, then soup, then the main course, and finally pastries and cake with coffee.

Greeting and Visiting

Guests who come to Aranđelovdan arrive mainly in the afternoon, between 3 and 9 p.m. It is not customary to arrive unannounced — the host needs to know how many guests to expect.

Greetings: The guest enters and says “Srećna slava!” or “Srećni Aranđelovdan!” The host responds “I tebi hvala!” or “Bog te darovao!” Handshakes and embraces are customary.

Gifts: It is not obligatory to bring a gift, but it is customary. Acceptable gifts include: a bottle of good wine or rakija, a cake or pastry, a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or a decorative item for the home.

A guest need not stay long — a short visit of an hour or two is entirely acceptable, especially if the host has many guests. What matters is to eat at least something of what is offered and to share a toast.

Aranđelovdan is a feast that brings together families, neighbours, and friends, and reminds us that over every home watches a heavenly protection — an army of angels led by the greatest of all, Archangel Michael.