Every year on September 29, members of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) movement in Nigeria and beyond come together to commemorate Holy Michael Day. This celebration has been a part of the movement's tradition for many years, but its significance and meaning may not be immediately clear to outsiders or younger members. At its core, the celebration is a tribute to Saint Michael, who is revered as the heavenly Captain.
The C&S movement, founded by Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase, does not worship Saint Michael, but rather honours him as a servant of God. This distinction is rooted in Scripture, which emphasizes that worship is directed to God alone. In Revelation 19:10 and 22:8-9, the Bible warns against worshipping angels, emphasizing that they are servants of God. The C&S movement's stance is consistent with this principle, recognizing angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase was a Nigerian evangelist who played a central role in the emergence of the Aladura movement in the 1920s. He was a founding figure of the Cherubim and Seraphim movement in Nigeria, and his ministry was marked by preaching, prayer, visions, and healing. Despite lacking formal education, Orimolade had a remarkable knowledge of Scripture and was able to quote extensively from the Bible. His ministry developed during a period of intense Christian revival in early 20th-century Nigeria.
The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim identifies September 9, 1925, as the date Orimolade named the organisation the Band of Seraph following a period of fasting and prayer. On September 29, 1925, he named Holy Michael Captain of the Holy Order. This date is not arbitrary, but rather is connected to one of the formative events in the movement's history. The naming of Holy Michael as Captain was a deliberate choice, reflecting the movement's commitment to prayer, spiritual warfare, and divine intervention.
According to C&S historical tradition, Orimolade named Holy Michael as Captain when the movement was establishing its leadership structures. Several individuals had expressed interest in occupying the position, but Orimolade chose instead to name the heavenly Michael as Captain. This decision was significant, as it reflected the movement's understanding of Michael's role in Scripture. In Daniel, Jude, and Revelation, Michael is portrayed as a powerful heavenly being operating under God's authority in spiritual conflict.
The biblical picture of Michael helps explain why Orimolade associated him with the role of Captain. In Revelation 12:7-9, Michael is described as a heavenly warrior who fights against the dragon, identified with the devil and Satan. This portrayal of Michael as an archangel engaged in carrying out God's purposes is central to the C&S understanding of Michael as Captain. The movement's recognition of Michael is not based on the belief that he is God, but rather on his biblical role as a servant of God.
The significance of Holy Michael Day is closely tied to the movement's spiritual identity and its commitment to prayer, spiritual warfare, and divine intervention. By honouring Michael as Captain, the C&S movement acknowledges the importance of spiritual leadership and the role of angels in carrying out God's purposes. As the movement continues to commemorate Holy Michael Day, its members reflect on the significance of this celebration and its place in their spiritual heritage.
Key points
- The Cherubim and Seraphim movement celebrates Holy Michael Day on September 29 to honour Saint Michael as the heavenly Captain, a role rooted in Scripture and the movement's spiritual heritage.
