Historical facts
There is a version that the text of the prayer was found in 1929 on the porch of the destroyed Miracle Monastery, which is located on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. Moreover, there was a postscript to the plea for help, the content of which boiled down to the following: “Whoever finds this prayer must rewrite it on 7 sheets of paper and address it to 7 believers. Anyone who fulfilled this condition was forgiven 49 sins.”
Some clergy claim that the origin of the “Prayer to Archangel Michael” is a mystery that humanity cannot solve. Some claim that the text of the “sacred letter” was discovered in the altar of St. Michael the Archangel (Rome), others - on Mount Tabor (Great Britain) under the icon of the saint. But some representatives of the church community insist that the text originally appeared many centuries ago in Jerusalem with one of the bishops.
Images of Archangel Michael
The saint is remembered for his good deeds that he performed for people. Priests regularly remind parishioners that it is Archangel Michael who will lead the army of the Lord in the fight against dark forces. On icons he is often depicted with a spear or long sword in his hands. The archangel is dressed in the armor of a warrior, and at his feet is the defeated devil in the guise of a dragon.
The sword symbolizes victory over demons; with its help the Saint protects believers from lies, temptations and unclean thoughts. The spear is a sign that the fight against Satan is being waged in the name of the Savior through self-sacrifice, patience and obedience.
Some icon painters depict Archangel Michael holding a shield or scales of justice - objects that emphasize the inevitability of punishment for sins committed. Wings are a symbol indicating the speedy fulfillment of God’s covenants entrusted to the Archangel. White material with the image of the Red Cross means fidelity and purity of service to God.
Pilgrimage
People come from everywhere to glorify the Archangel in Holy places and in front of icons with his image. Some special places that are popular include:
- O. Thassos, Greece - local monastery named after St. Michael the Archangel;
- O. Symi (Rhodes, Greece);
- monastery-fortress of St. Michael (Mont Saint-Michel island);
- cave church on the peninsula of Monte Gargano (Italy).
Monastery on the island Thassos
Wasp believers from all over the world come here for various reasons:
- here one of the miracles happened - in ancient times, the Archangel appeared to save a youth who showed valor, and who later built this monastery with funds saved from bandits;
- the place where the sacred monastery was built is rare in beauty, because it is located on a cliff, and from the windows and the top there is an inspiring view of the Aegean Sea;
- a sacred nail from the Cross of the Savior was found here;
- There is still a spring with healing water in the cave. You can get to it along a steep path. Because of the small height of the cave, you need to bow your head, which reminds those entering of the need to worship the Lord through St. Michael.
Monastery of Panormitis on the island. Symi (Rhodes, Greece)
The Archangel is considered the patron saint of the island. There is a monastery named after him, where an icon of the Archangel was discovered. Interestingly, the size of the image of the Holy Face exceeds all expectations - larger than the average human height. It is believed that the icon is miraculous, helps with illnesses, mental illnesses, and provides protection from evil people and entities. Believers flock here for a very strong amulet. The monastery itself does not function (there is no monastic life here), but local residents and volunteer pilgrims serve for its benefit.
Miracles
The saint, even before the birth of the Savior, assisted the Jews in eradicating paganism.
Archangel Michael saved the inhabitants of Rome from a dangerous disease. At the peak of the plague, he answered the prayers of the Pope and saved his subjects.
There is a well-known legend that Michael once healed a little girl who could not speak. In a dream, he appeared to the child’s father and showed him the way to “Holy Water,” which subsequently helped him get rid of muteness. The townspeople soon learned about this miracle and built a temple as a sign of gratitude.
Also, the “doer of God’s will” during the persecution of Christians saved the clergyman Archippus of Herotopus, who converted many pagans to the Orthodox faith.
One day the Archangel helped a young girl named Evdokia find the “true path in life.” She was very beautiful, often entered into vicious relationships with men and did not refuse to accept generous gifts from them. One day, a girl witnessed a conversation between people who mentioned the Last Judgment for the sins committed by humanity on Earth. Soon she turned to the priest and began asking him questions about God. The girl spent the next week in solitude, praying for her unrighteous deeds. On the 7th day, Archangel Michael appeared before her, who told her about the forgiveness of the sins of those who repent of them. After meeting with the Archangel, Evdokia began to lead a righteous lifestyle.
Question-answer section
There are several prayer texts for addressing the Archangel. Among them there is a protective one - against damage and witchcraft, as well as a prayer that is read when help is needed, and others. If you have questions about how to choose the right sacred text, you need to contact a clergyman. This can be done online on the website.
Who should ask Archangel Michael for help?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“A sick, suffering, subject to temptation should more often rush to the Lord, for this you can read prayers to his companions. The power of the Archangel’s help is very great, thanks to which they are healed of ailments and bring enemies to light. They are also saved from the influence of unkind people. However, the pure in soul must also strive towards the Almighty and through the Archangel and the Saints. This helps strengthen faith and strengthen love.”
Why and in what cases does prayer work and help?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“He who changes his soul, character, and thoughts deserves quick help from our God Jesus and His Father, as well as the Holy Spirit. It does not matter how many sins were previously committed. Sometimes strong deep changes in the soul in a few days or a week give better results than many years of overcoming obstacles on one’s path, the path of life, because this is an indicator of a person’s readiness to enter the Kingdom of God - to overcome sins and destructive passions. Repentance is one of the foundations for turning to God according to Orthodox canons.”
How and who is allowed to apply for the strongest protection?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“The Lord accepts prayer from believers, but does not abandon unbelievers and sinners, but gives the opportunity to change through trials. The Archangel can help anyone who has opened their heart to sincere prayer. In this case, they turn to the Lord himself through his main associate. The Archangel will help you ask for forgiveness for your sins and pray for a correction of your fate.”
What is the main thing in prayer to a saint?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“Love for God, faith in him and his help, repentance, recognition of one’s sinful essence and the desire to change one’s spirit and character - these are the main points, without which the prayer may be incomplete, even if read in Church Slavonic, in front of the image in the temple with the fulfillment sign of the cross. The internal state of a person is important. The most powerful changes come from sincere prayer, not technical adherence to rules.”
Why not everyone receives protection from the Archangel
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“Much depends on how the benefits were asked when reading the prayer, whether the person repented, whether he thanked for everything he has. Sometimes a believer does not receive what he asks for, but an unbeliever, on the contrary, receives in full. Here the result depends on a powerful message: the stronger the internal changes when reading the text, the better the result: children will be healthy, family relationships will improve, trouble will pass by, there will be fewer problems at work.”
In what cases does prayer help?
Believers turn to Michael to:
- protect yourself from communication with ill-wishers and envious people;
- return after traveling safe and sound;
- do not become a victim of thieves, murderers, scammers;
- normalize personal life;
- avoid damage, the evil eye;
- do not succumb to sinful temptation (temptation).
As a rule, protection from the Saint is sought by those who have lost direction and meaning in life, are experiencing severe mental suffering, and who lack perseverance and patience in achieving their goals. People whose relatives fight for the good of the Fatherland and ensure the inviolability of its borders rely on the angel’s protection.
What is the most important thing in prayer?
Often those who have never read the Bible and rarely attended church need the patronage of Higher Powers. Is it possible to contact Archangel Michael if you don’t know the text of the prayer? Absolutely yes. Church ministers recommend asking for protection from the “doer of God’s will” in your own words. A prayer will be heard if it is said sincerely and with good intentions.
For example, an appeal to Archangel Michael can begin like this: “Please, hear and help me or someone who needs protection.” But before this phrase you should say: “Great Archangel Michael” or “Wonderful Archangel Michael, Cherub and Seraphim.”
You can pray at any time of the day.
Prayer text
The modern format of addressing Archangel Michael differs from the version that was common in the era of pre-revolutionary Russia.
Today parishioners, praying to the Saint, say:
“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 of the Holy Apostles, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Andrew, for Christ's sake, the Fool for the 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. Holy Archangel of God Michael, with Your lightning sword, drive away from me the evil spirit that tempts and torments me. Amen".
This version of the “Sacred Word” is recommended in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed.
There are several prayers to the “Terrible Governor of the Heavenly Forces” (from enemies, from evil forces, for a change in fate, for healing, for the deceased, for help in any endeavor).
Protective prayer to Archangel Michael from enemies
Oh, Saint Michael the Archangel, bright and formidable commander of the Heavenly King! Before the Last Judgment, weaken me to repent of my sins, deliver my soul from the net that catches me and bring me to the God who created me, who dwells on the cherubim, and pray diligently for her, so that through your intercession she will go to a place of rest.
O formidable commander of the heavenly powers, representative of all at the Throne of the Lord Christ, guardian of the strong man and wise armorer, strong commander of the Heavenly King!
Have mercy on me, a sinner who requires your intercession, save me from all visible and invisible enemies, and moreover, strengthen me from the horror of death and from the embarrassment of the devil, and grant me the honor of unashamedly presenting myself to our Creator at the hour of His terrible and righteous judgment.
O all-holy Michael the Archangel! Do not despise me, a sinner, who prays to you for help and your intercession in this world and in the future, but grant me there together with you to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
IMPORTANT ADDENDUM
A prayer to Archangel Michael from enemies is said before leaving the house, but only if the person asking may be in real or perceived danger.
Protection
Turning to Archangel Michael, people seek his protection in situations where they have to “deal” with those who often neglect the Ten Commandments. To protect yourself from the evil thoughts of ill-wishers, you need to read a special prayer.
“Archangel Michael, Great Heavenly Voivode and Savior of the human race from dark forces. Pray to the Lord God for forgiveness of all my earthly sins, committed through my foolishness. I urge you to come down from heaven, and for this I will pray earnestly to God. I ask you to protect me from damage and the evil eye.
Keep my enemies away from me, but do not harm them, let God judge them and decide their fate. Let them beg for forgiveness for their sins, because we on earth have one road that leads to God’s threshold. Amen".
But before that, you should visit the temple and submit a note about the health of your loved ones. It is also necessary to put three candles on the images of Jesus Christ, Matrona of Moscow and Nicholas the Wonderworker. Before leaving the church, the worshiper must buy 12 candles, which must be lit at home and repeatedly pray to Archangel Michael on the same day until the fire goes out. Then you can drink Holy water.
Orthodox prayer to the Archangel for every day for very strong protection
The text is large and difficult to remember right away. However, as you read every day, it will gradually become easier. When converted, the virtues of the Archangel are glorified. Through prayer, they ask Michael about the possibility of turning to the Lord, illuminating the mind with the light of God, accepting the will of the Most High Father, strengthening the will to resist evil. An important part of the sacred text is repentance, thanks to which it is possible to get closer to God. Daily prayer to Archangel Michael is a very strong protection. The aspiration towards him and the Almighty is strengthened by repeated reading.
Holy and great Archangel of God Michael, the inscrutable and all-essential Trinity, the first primate of the Angels, the guardian and guardian of the human race, crushing with his army the head of the proud Denis in heaven and putting to shame his malice and deceit on earth!
We resort to you with faith and we pray to you with love: be an indestructible shield and a strong shield for the Holy Church and our Orthodox Fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from all enemies, visible and invisible.
Do not, O Archangel of God, forsake us through your help and intercession, who today glorify your holy name: behold, even though we are many sinners, we do not want to perish in our iniquities, but to turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him to do good deeds .
Illuminate our minds with the light of God’s face, which shines on your lightning-like brow, so that we can understand that God’s will for us is good and perfect, and that we know all that it is fitting for us to do and that which we should despise and abandon.
Strengthen our weak will and weak will with the grace of the Lord, so that, having established ourselves in the law of the Lord, we will cease to be dominated by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, carried away in the likeness of senseless children by the soon-to-perish beauties of this world, as if for the sake of the corruptible and earthly it is foolish to forget the eternal and heavenly.
For all of these, ask us from above for the spirit of true repentance, unfeigned sadness for God and contrition for our sins, so that we may spend the remaining number of days of our temporary life not in pleasing our feelings and working with our passions, but in erasing the evils we have committed with tears of faith and contrition of heart, deeds of purity and holy deeds of mercy.
When the hour of our end approaches, liberation from the bonds of this mortal body, do not leave us.
Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of wickedness in heaven, accustomed to block the souls of mankind from rising to heaven, yes, protected by you, we will reach those glorious villages of paradise without stumbling, where there is no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life, and, being honored to see the bright face of the All-Blessed Lord and Master ours, falling with tears at His feet, let us exclaim in joy and tenderness:
Glory to Thee, our dearest Redeemer, Who for Thy great love for us, unworthy, deigned to send Thy angels to serve our salvation!
Amen.
Send this prayer to your loved ones
Send this prayer to your loved ones
Send this prayer to your loved ones
About health
Those who suffer from various kinds of diseases also cry out for the help of the Archangel. Patients with neuroses, migraines, and “cardiovascular” pathologies often improve their health status by praying to Archangel Michael. But if a person is overcome by serious illnesses, then not only he himself, but also his loved ones should ask for healing.
You should turn to an angel for help in front of his icon. In cases where the patient cannot walk independently, he can pray while holding the image of the Archangel in his hands.
It is very important to fast (on Wednesdays and Fridays). But if for health reasons it is contraindicated for a person to limit himself in food, then this rule does not apply to him. The Archangel also helps to heal from alcohol abuse and drug addiction.
About the deceased
Believers venerate the Saint annually on September 19 and November 21. According to church canons, these days he kneels before God and prays for the souls of the departed, who on Earth led a far unrighteous lifestyle and for this are forced to endure torment until the Lord has mercy on them. On these days, services are held in the name of Archangel Michael and parishioners turn to him so that he can give peace to souls who are doomed to hellish torment.
Holy Scripture indicates that on September 19 (the miracle of the Archangel Michael at Khoneh) and November 21 (Michael's Day) the saint can rescue the souls of the departed from hell. He approaches the very edge of the “kingdom of Lucifer”, lowers his right wing and the “Fiery Hyena” calms down for a while, after which the Archangel frees the dead from the Underworld.
According to the apocryphal books Archangel Michael:
- “washes” the souls of the dead before they enter the Heavenly Kingdom;
- entrusts the souls of people who tried not to sin in earthly life to Jesus Christ to transport them to the Heavenly Kingdom;
- “accompanies” the Virgin Mary in the Underworld and explains to her the origins of human sin (the apocryphal “Walk of the Virgin Mary through torment”).
The writings of Greek clergy indicate that the Archangel is present at the moment when a person takes his last breath. Also, representatives of the clergy claim that Michael, fulfilling God’s will, separates the “pious” from sinners. Moreover, the Archangel can transfer a person who could not resist the temptations of Satan, but did a good deed on Earth, towards the righteous.
The main mission of the Archangel is the extermination of the forces of Darkness. The fight against the Devil began immediately after the creation of the world, and Michael managed to expel the dark forces from the Kingdom of Heaven. When life on Earth becomes impossible, Michael will lead the departed souls to the Last Judgment. And between the beginning and the end of human existence, the angel will wage a tireless struggle with Satan.
My prayer “My story, I pray and rejoice”
“I have a prayer book at home, and in it are whatever prayers and songs you want: akathist, troparion, kontakion. You could read it as soon as difficulties arose or even on any day when everything was fine. This is help that you can get for free. My story began several years ago, when a dark streak came in my life. It all happened at once: my husband left, there were problems with the children at school, a friend set me up at work... The list could take a long time. Then I, a believer, followed my grandmother, which in itself is already a sin.
Veronica, 39 years old, Orel:
I drank special charmed water and performed rituals, but it only got worse. This is how I fought the damage. One day, out of despair, I went into church to light a candle, and I had never done this before, even though I considered myself a believer. It’s interesting that I felt better in the temple, but it should have been the other way around (if there had been damage). I wondered why this was so, and then I approached the priest. He told me that I had wandered far from God, so he created all the conditions for my return to the ranks of believers.
Father told me what to do. It turned out that everything was much simpler than the healer told me. I just need to strengthen my faith - accept the trials given from above, not grumble, and do everything in my power. And it’s also important to read prayers, maybe to God, or to the Saints or the Archangel. For some reason I chose the last option. Considering that I had left the Almighty, I decided to ask for the help of a heavenly angel to return to him.
I read a prayer every day in the morning and evening for 1 month. I visited the temple periodically. I bought a small icon for home prayer. And my soul immediately became lighter when I accepted my new position. I would say that at first I was happy about everything, despite the problems. Gradually, life began to get better, but now I’m so used to daily prayer that I continue to read it.”
Why doesn't everyone receive protection from Artistratig?
A person who turns to Archangel Michael counts on his help. But it comes only to those who know how to pray correctly. There are postscripts to some versions of the “sacred letter”, the authors of which claim that the written document has the power of a talisman. They say that whoever finds and reads the prayer will gain protection from evil forces and will be happy not only on Earth, but also in the Kingdom of Heaven. Such an instruction means that there is no need to lead a righteous lifestyle and observe the Ten Commandments - you just need to turn to the Archangel Michael every day and a person will automatically go to heaven. But it is precisely such prayers that the Saint does not respond to. A believer can ask for something if his words are sincere, his thoughts are pure, and he is not alien to self-abasement and repentance.
It is important to remember that Archangel Michael can protect from any troubles that befall a person. He will always come to the aid of those who find themselves in difficult life situations.
Be sure to save it to your computer - All prayers
Who else can you pray to?
It is recommended to read the petition to the saint every day in the morning - this is a very strong protection for a sincere believer. With the right prayer, neither illness nor the evil eye, nor a curse will be able to cling to you.
The Archangel is considered a powerful protector from negativity - in the Kingdom of Heaven, Michael was given the title of supreme angel, who leads the army of the Lord God. He is an archstrategist and many centuries ago led his army to a great battle with dark forces. In the days before the birth of Christ, the archangel gave strength to the Jews to fight against the pagans.
The chronicles of the history of Christianity indicate the entire list of the Archangel’s merits and his assistance in human affairs. The icon of the Archangel is considered a powerful protection for believers; it is recommended to keep it at home and read a prayer service to the Archangel when his help is needed.
Several specific saints can protect against illnesses; each person himself has the right to choose the one in whose power he believes most and read a prayer to him:
- Michael the Archangel;
- Mother of God;
- Jesus Christ;
- St. George the Victorious;
- Matrona.
