Every person wants to have a heavenly patron who would protect and help him in everything. For Orthodox Christians, these can be saints, angels, archangels. People pray to Archangel Michael to get rid of troubles, misfortunes, and hatred.
“... Hearing and leading you like a great light, shining in the midst of the faces of angels, wonderful Michael, we resort to you, according to God and the Most Holy Mother of God: illuminate with the rays of your light all of us who cry out to you...”
Lines from an akathist in honor of Archangel Michael.
Icon of Archangel Michael. Photo: nicstyle.ru
Angel is translated as "messenger". The name Michael means “Who is like God.” The name of the archangel completely coincides with his activities. Archangel Michael is considered higher than all ranks in heaven; he is the main military leader. Under his leadership there is a great multitude of Heavenly Forces.
As a sign of thanksgiving and glorification, people sing an akathist to Archangel Michael
For Archangel Michael to help, people pray to him. They read prayers and ask the heavenly protector for intercession. As a sign of thanksgiving and glorification, people sing an akathist to the Archangel Michael.
An akathist is a hymn that thanks and praises the saints. When a person receives the help that he has been praying for for so long, he reads an akathist to the Archangel Michael.
archangel Michael
Memorial Days
In the Orthodox tradition, the main holiday associated with the name of Archangel Michael is November 21. This date was not chosen by chance in the 4th century. At that time, a heretical teaching spread among Christians, whose supporters worshiped angels as the creators of the world and its rulers.
At the Council of Laodicea, heresy was condemned and a decision was made to establish a day of remembrance of the angelic forces under the leadership of the archangel on the eighth day of the ninth month of each year. The number 9 corresponded to the nine ranks of angels, and 8 symbolized the eighth day of creation, when the Last Judgment will take place.
The day was chosen according to the calendar in force at that time in the Roman Empire, but in Russia it corresponded to November 8. When switching to a new style, the date shifted by two weeks, and now we celebrate the Council of the Archangel Michael of God and all the ethereal Heavenly Powers on November 21.
The remembrance of the miracle performed by the archangel in Khoneh is celebrated on September 19 according to the new style. On the same day, the memory of the deacon through whose prayers it happened, the Monk Archippus of Herotopus, is commemorated.
Akathist to Saint Archangel Michael is read on memorial days and on ordinary days
The Akathist to Saint Archangel Michael is read on the days of remembrance - September 19 and November 21, and on ordinary weekdays.
You simply cannot find a better patron to help a person. The most important thing is that your prayer is as sincere as possible. You can say prayers to the saint in the morning and evening.
You need to pray to Archangel Michael for protection and patronage. Photo: selcdn.fedsp.com
What does Archangel Michael help with?
Archangel Michael has been revered throughout the Christian world since the first centuries. He took a great part in the destinies of the church and entire states.
Patron of warriors and protector from all evil
The conqueror of the devil has always been an assistant to warriors. It is not for nothing that he is otherwise called the commander-in-chief - the archangel (from the Greek αρχιστρατηγός). In Byzantium, the eastern part of the Roman Empire, coins with his image were minted by order of the emperors: monarchs and military leaders considered him their patron.
In Rus', he was also considered the patron saint of the defenders of his land. His figure adorned the helmets of ancient Russian warriors.
Protector of the souls of the dead and sleeping
Thanks to the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures, which say that the Archangel Michael in the last times will intercede for those in whom at least the slightest bit of good remains, Christianity has developed the idea of him as the protector of the souls of the dead and sleeping people.
In Byzantium, many noble people were buried in the temples of the Archangel Michael in the hope of his protection on the Day of Judgment.
Healing power and help in sanctifying the home
The veneration of the Archangel Michael as a healer also dates back to early Christian times. In Asia Minor, healings often took place at springs consecrated in his honor, and then temples were erected in these places. Later, hospitals were built next to them and received the same name.
After the Baptism of Rus', this tradition took root in our country: before the revolution, many Russian hospitals had St. Michael the Archangel chapels.
Archangel Michael is also addressed when they begin to build a house or move into a new apartment. He who defeats the devil also protects human habitation from evil.
Akathist to Archangel Michael and All Heavenly Powers is read against temptations
Why else is the akathist read to Archangel Michael and All Heavenly Powers? You need to read the akathist:
- to ask the Lord for a pure mind;
- about deliverance from hell and destruction;
- about protection from war and warfare;
- from temptations;
- from fencing off evil spirits in the hour of death;
- about taming the elements;
- about guidance on the true and righteous path.
The miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh, which turned the hearts of idolaters to God
Joan of Arc
Catherine of Alexandria, Margaret of Antioch, and Archangel Michael appeared to Joan of Arc in turn and helped her in her mission - to help Charles VII ascend the throne in Reims. When Orleans was liberated from the British, the Leader of the Army of the Lord and his numerous shining army embodied in the darkening evening sky and led the French to victory. And then, when the bubonic plague was raging on the streets of Rome, the archangel appeared to Pope Gregory the Great standing on the roof of the Mausoleum of Hadrian. After his visit, the epidemic subsided. In honor of Mikhail, the mausoleum was renamed and his sculpture was installed.
To read the Akathist to Archangel Michael, you do not need a priest’s permission
Many people ask whether permission from a priest is needed to read an akathist? To read the akathist to Archangel Michael, no permission is needed. You simply take the akathist and read it in front of the icon of St. Archangel Michael.
Before reading the akathist to Archangel Michael, you need to read the following prayers:
- Heavenly King;
- Trisagion;
- Our Father;
- Troparion to Archangel Michael.
Akathist and prayers to Archangel Michael must be read in front of the icon
The text of the akathist to Archangel Michael can be found in the akathist book
After reading these initial prayers, you can begin reading the akathist. If you read it in the evening, you can turn off the light a little and light the lamp near the icons.
Read the texts of the prayers carefully, be focused!
The moment you start reading, nothing should distract you. After the akathist, a prayer is read. The text of the akathist to Archangel Michael is presented below.
A book with an akathist to the Archangel Michael can be bought in any Orthodox church. Photo: reader011.staticloud.net
Akathist to Michael the Archangel:
Kontakion 1
Chosen commander of the Heavenly powers and intercessor of the human race, this is to you, who are delivered from the sorrowful, we offer a song of thanksgiving: but you, as you stand before the Throne of the King of Glory, free us from all troubles, and with faith and love we call to you in praise: Rejoice, Michael , the great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Ikos 1
Like the angelic fiery faces of the primate, it is fitting that angelic bodies and tongues praise you, Michael; but until we are admonished by you to become accustomed to the incorporeal verb, hear, even from human, especially grateful lips, the tit:
Rejoice, original star of the world;
Rejoice, brighter light of truth and golden righteousness.
Rejoice, first receiver of the rays of uncreated light in angelic celestials;
Rejoice, chief of the angels.
Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly;
Rejoice, for in it are the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 2
Seer of faith, the greatness of spiritual beauty and the power of your lightning right hand, Archangel of God, we, as earthly and fleshly, are filled with surprise, joy and gratitude to the Creator of all, calling with all the Heavenly powers: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The mind is pure and free from passions, ask us, wonderful Michael, the ruler of the heavenly ranks, so that, having ascended in thought from the earthly to the heavenly, we will sing a song of praise to you:
Rejoice, God's indescribable beauty and kindness closest to the viewer:
Rejoice, sincere mysteries of the all-good advice of the Most Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, faithful executor of the eternal destinies of the Trinity;
Rejoice, for the hosts of Heaven marvel at him with love.
Rejoice, who are glorified with faith by those born on earth;
Rejoice, for whom the forces of hell tremble.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 3
Revealing the power of irresistible zeal for the glory of God in yourself, you became at the head of the angelic faces, Michael, against the proud Dannitsa, who breathes malice, and to him with his dark minions from the heights of heaven into the underworld, the being cast down, the host of Heaven, most gloriously led by you, with joy, as with one mouth, before the Throne of God, exclaiming: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
To you, Archangel Michael, the entire Christian race may have a great intercessor and a wondrous helper in battles with the enemy; For this reason, for the sake of your wonderful protection, if we wish to be honored, on the day of your triumph we cry out to you:
Rejoice, for Satan was cast down from heaven like lightning;
Rejoice, through whom the preserved human race ascends to heaven.
Rejoice, wonderful adornment of the all-bright world of the Mountain;
Rejoice, glorious intercession of the fallen world.
Rejoice, no longer defeated by the forces of evil;
Rejoice, established with all the Angels of God in truth and righteousness forever by the grace of God.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 4
Deliver us, the First Throne Angels, from the storms of temptations and troubles, who celebrate your most radiant triumph with love and joy; For you are a great helper in troubles and in the hour of death from evil spirits the guardian and intercessor of all who cry to your and our Master and God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Seeing your boldness against the hordes of Satan, all the ranks of angels joyfully moved after you to fight for the Name and glory of their Master, crying out: who is God? We, who have brought Satan under your feet, are defeated, and we call to you, as a conqueror:
Rejoice, to whom peace and silence have been established in heaven;
Rejoice, for the worthless spirit of malice has descended even to hell.
Rejoice, direct the angelic armies and the forces of the invisible world to destroy evil;
Rejoice, you have invisibly tamed the disturbance of the elements of the visible world.
Rejoice, wondrous champions of the spirits of wickedness in heaven;
Rejoice, you are strong and helpful to those who are weak in the temptations and misfortunes of this age.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 5
A rich source of great miracles appeared in your temple in Khoneh; Not just because the great and terrible serpent, who abided in that place, consumed your power, but also the streams of water, healing every bodily ailment, opened up, and all of them called to the Lord of the Angels, who glorify you, with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Hearing and leading you like a great light, shining among the faces of angels, wonderful Michael, we run to you, according to God and the Most Holy Mother of God: illuminate with the rays of your light all of us who cry out to you:
Rejoice, leader and guardian of God’s chosen people in the desert;
Rejoice, high mediator of the law, given by the hand of Moses at Sinai.
Rejoice, from the wicked judges and leaders of Israel you have found strength and protection;
Rejoice, through the prophets and high priestess of Judaism the gift of knowledge from the Omniscient God was received.
Rejoice, God-fearing lawgivers who provide secret wisdom;
Rejoice, you place judgment and truth in the hearts of those who do good.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 6
When I once saw Manoah, the herald of God's destinies, I was filled with bewilderment and fear, and thought that no one should live on earth; learned from his wife about the goodness of the appearance and the meekness of your words, in joy about the one who was born, according to your words, your son Sampson, cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You shone with wonderful glory, Michael, when you stood in the form of humanity before Joshua, saying: “Take off the boot from your foot,” - I am the Archangel of the power of the Lord. Marveling at this appearance of yours, we cry out to you with love:
Rejoice, vigilant guardian of the divinely crowned heads;
Rejoice, you who resist the authorities, as those who resist God’s command are quick to destroy them.
Rejoice, pacifier of popular unrest;
Rejoice, invisible abolitionist of evil customs.
Rejoice, for you enlighten those who doubt in the hour of fierce perplexity;
Rejoice, for you snatch away those tempted from destructive obsessions.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord of all things shows that the lot of the sons of men is not a matter of chance, but is contained in His Right Hand, having given you an intercessor and guardian for the kingdoms of the earth, and preparing tribes and peoples for the eternal Kingdom of God; For this reason, everyone who knows about your great service for human salvation calls out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
New miracles have been shown to us, Archangel, by you on earth, the Creator and Lord of all miracles, when the temple, created in your name, was wonderfully saved from being drowned by river waters; Seeing blessed Archippus with his spiritual children, he cried out to you with gratitude:
Rejoice, indestructible fence of the holy temples of God;
Rejoice, the enemy of the faith of Christ is an insurmountable barrier.
Rejoice, for the elements obey His command;
Rejoice, for through him all evil plans are crushed.
Rejoice, you who bring joy from the Throne of the Almighty to the faithful;
Rejoice, you who lead the unfaithful onto the path of righteousness and truth.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 8
A strange miracle of your power, Archangel of God, was carried away by Habakkuk, when, by the mania of God, you captured him and brought him quickly from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel, imprisoned in a den of lions; Moreover, being amazed at the great effect of your power, cry out with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You are all in the highest, Michael, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, you are not far from the lower ones, fighting with the enemies of human salvation; the same with all the coveted Fatherland. Those who want to achieve heaven, according to you, are called:
Rejoice, master of the thrice-holy angelic singing;
Rejoice, ever-ready representative and guardian of the earth-born.
Rejoice, proud Pharaoh and the infidel Egyptians, striking strangely;
Rejoice, faithful Jews, glorious guide in the desert.
Rejoice, by whom the flame of the furnace of Babylon was extinguished;
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 9
All the monks of the Holy Mount Athos came into joyful trepidation, seeing how God-fearing the youth was, furiously thrown into the depths of the sea with a stone from the wicked gold-lovers, you saved; In the same way, the monastery that has received him, admiring your name, gratefully calls out to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The ornate verbs and wise meanings do not suffice to express your power, Michael, how in one night you smote a hundred and seventy and five thousand from the armies of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, so that others may be punished, do not blaspheme the Name of the Lord; We, honoring your holy zeal for the glory of the True God, joyfully call to you:
Rejoice, invincible commander of the Orthodox armies;
Rejoice, fear and overthrow of evil armies.
Rejoice, planter of the right faith and worship of God;
Rejoice, destroyer of soul-harming heresies and schisms.
Rejoice, you who have strengthened the pious Maccabees many times on the battlefield;
Rejoice, you who defeated the wicked leader of Antiochus Iliodor in the temple itself.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 10
Be a strong helper to those who want to be saved, Archangel of God, deliver us and protect us from troubles and misfortunes, especially from our evil habits and sins, yes, thriving in faith, hope and love of Christ, with joy about your previous intercession to the Lord of Angels and men, grateful we call: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are a wall to a believer, Archangel of God, and a strong pillar in battle with enemies visible and invisible; For this reason, we are delivered by you from the snares of demons, with a grateful heart and mouth we call Sitsa:
Rejoice, invincible opponent of faith and opponent of the Holy Church;
Rejoice, tireless hastener of the humble proclaimer of the Gospel.
Rejoice, enlighten those who sit in the darkness of evil with the light of the faith of Christ;
Rejoice, instructing those fooled by false wisdom onto the path of truth and repentance.
Rejoice, terrible avenger who swears the Name of God in vain;
Rejoice, lightning-fast punisher of those who mock madness about the sacraments of the holy faith.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 11
All singing of praise is overcome by the multitude of your miracles, Archangel of God, as you have accomplished the essence not only in heaven and on earth, but also in the dark halls of the underworld, where you bound the deep serpent with the bonds of the power of the Lord, so that those who are delivered from his malice will bless the Lord of heaven and earth, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The luminous servant of truth and purity of worship of God appeared to you, Archangel, when, foreseeing the machinations of the spirit of darkness, you forbade him in the Name of God, so that the hidden body of the deceased leader of Israel, Moses, would not dare to appear for deification as the sensual son of Israel; For this reason, now honoring your blessed council, we cry out to you with gratitude:
Rejoice, having preserved the purity of knowledge of God among the Jews during the days of the Old Testament;
Rejoice, you who have many times eradicated the tares of error in the days of New Grace.
Rejoice, destroyer of pagan soothsayers and idols;
Rejoice, strengthener of Christian ascetics and passion-bearers.
Rejoice, filling those who are weak in spirit with the power of God’s grace;
Rejoice, thou who clothe those who are weak in the flesh with the whole armor of faith.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 12
Ask for grace from God from Heaven for us, who sing in the glory of your all-honorable name, Michael, so that, overshadowed by your intercession, we will live in all piety and purity, until, until we are separated by death from the bonds of the flesh, we will be worthy to appear before the fiery Throne of the King of Glory and cry out from the faces of the angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your manifold miracles, Michael, done for our salvation, we pray to the Lord and Master of all, that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God, which is in you, will become scarce in us who call you:
Rejoice, you have previously placed faithful servants of God at the right time to the heights of power;
Rejoice, thou who invisibly cast down the impudent and unworthy from the heights of power and glory.
Rejoice, on the last day you have brethren chosen from the four corners of the earth;
Rejoice, even though sinners, like tares, will be given over to eternal fire by the voice of God.
Rejoice, for Satan and his angels will be cast into the lake of fire forever;
Rejoice, for the righteous will be more gloriously established in the abodes of the Heavenly Father.
Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.
Kontakion 13
O wonderful chief of Archangels and Angels, for your wonderful service to the salvation of the human race, accept from us the voice of praise and thanksgiving that is now raised to you and, as if filled with the power of God, cover us with your immaterial wing from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that the one glorified by you and glorified you Let us call to the Lord: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1).
After the akathist, a prayer to Archangel Michael is read.
Prayer:
Lord, Great God, King without beginning, send Your Archangel Michael to help Your servants (name). Protect us, Archangel, from all enemies, visible and invisible. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael!
Destroyer of demons, forbid all enemies fighting me, and make them like sheep, and humble their evil hearts, and crush them like dust in the face of the wind.
Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Six-winged first Prince and Governor of the Heavenly Forces - Cherubim and Seraphim, be our helper in all troubles, sorrows, sorrows, a quiet refuge in the desert and on the seas.
Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Deliver us from all the charms of the devil, when You hear us, sinners, praying to You and calling on Your Holy name.
Hasten to our aid and overcome all who oppose us, by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, by the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, by the prayers
Holy Apostles, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Andrew, for Christ's sake, the holy fool, St. the prophet Elijah and all the holy great martyrs: St. martyrs Nikita and Eustathius, and all our reverend fathers, who have pleased God from the ages, and all the holy Heavenly Powers.
Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Help us sinners (name) and deliver us from cowardice, flood, fire, sword and vain death, from great evil, from the flattering enemy, from the reviled storm, from the evil one always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
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Guardian of Russian lands
He comes to Earth when the intervention of the power of the Lord is required. For over a thousand years he has been the guardian of the Russian lands. The Orthodox recognize him as their protector from dark forces. Archangel Michael saved our Fatherland many times from enemy encroachment, such as the case mentioned in the Volokolamsk Patericon, when in 1239 the Tatar Khan Batu wanted to take possession of Novgorod the Great.
Archangel Michael forbade the khan to attack the city. From that time on, on the military banners of Russian soldiers one could find images of the Archangel of God's army. When, while in Kiev, Batu had a chance to see a fresco depicting Mikhail, the khan noted that it was he who forbade him to touch Novgorod.
His name means “No one like God.” Archangel Michael is so transparent that he allows Divine light to pass through him, through which we know God. He was the first to oppose Lucifer when he rebelled against God and cast him out of heaven. Since then, Michael with his angelic army has served as a weapon in the Hands of God against the devilish forces. The struggle between the forces of Light and Darkness, as well as the struggle between good and evil, continues to this day on Earth, and all people actively take part in it.
