For thousands of years, humanity has been interested in the question of whether we are alone in the Universe. Do we have brothers in intelligence or are we the only ones of all God's creations who have intelligence?
Raphael Santi – Saint Michael 1518, 268x160 Louvre, Paris
The Bible is clear that we are not alone. There are millions of angels in the world invisible to our eyes. And they not only observe the Earth, but take an active part in our lives. The Bible talks more about one angel than the others. We are talking about Archangel Michael.
date
- September 19 is the date of commemoration of the Khoneh miracle;
- November 21 - Council of the Archangel Michael and all the ethereal heavenly powers
In ancient times, this month was not the 11th, but the 9th. There are also 9 ranks of angels, and the number 8 is a reference to the future testimony of angels about people before the Lord at the Last Judgment, after which the eternal eighth day will come.
In the photo: “The Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh”, Byzantine icon, 12th century.
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In the church calendar, the date – September 19 – is a big holiday called St. Michael’s Miracle.
On this day, believers remember a miracle that happened many years ago.
Archangels are the highest angels - creatures that are closest to the Creator of the world. Archangel Michael leads the host of Heavenly Forces. It is not for nothing that he is depicted on icons and frescoes with a fiery sword in his hands.
It was the Archangel Michael, according to the biblical Old Testament story, who stood at the gates leading to heaven. This fact is indicated by the halo above the head of the angelic leader, depicted by icon painters with floral ornaments.
In addition, the main archangel is a fierce enemy of the devil and evil spirits in general. There are many icons in which you can see Michael trampling the dragon, symbolizing the king of hell, with his feet and spear. In the Christian tradition, the angelic leader is also considered in the role of a judge weighing the souls of sinners at the Last Judgment.
If we touch upon the etymology of the expression “Archangel Michael,” the following becomes clear: the first word consists of two parts – “arch” (elder) and “angel” (messenger), the second literally means “who is like God.”
The name of the Archangel is of Jewish origin and its translation traditionally implies a question mark, indicating that no one is equal to the Creator.
However, if we turn to the domestic version of the decoding, we will get the opposite interpretation: Mikhail - “who is like El (or El).” "El" traditionally means "God" in Russian.
Thus, the translation of the name of the highest archangel “Who is like God” can be considered in this context as a statement - in this case it implies endowing the highest archangel with the powers of El, that is, the Lord.
The Archangel is mentioned repeatedly in the Holy Scriptures. Thus, on the pages of the Old Testament, Michael appears as “the great prince,” “one of the first princes.” There is an episode in the New Testament where the term “Archangel” is used directly in relation to the chief of the angels of God.
Around the 4th century, according to legend, Archangel Michael saved a Christian temple from destruction. This holiday, as it turned out, has quite a lot of names - Michaelmas Day, Michaelmas, Michaelmas, Michaelmas frosts, Michaelmas matinees, Michaelmas frosts, Michael the Archangel.
Archangel Michael is one of the Christian saints who is the most revered. Among the people, he is the protector of the poor and needy. He is also considered a formidable judge, as he sees off the souls of the dead and weighs their actions on the scales.
Traditions and customs at Michael's Miracle.
Popular wisdom says that Michael is an extremely vindictive and vindictive saint. People called this day a terrible holiday, because if you break traditions and show disrespect for St. Michael, then the punishment comes on the same day.
Elderly people know that it is strictly forbidden to work at Mikhailovo Miracle. Those who do not believe in this belief and go to work on this day are in for unpleasant surprises - tools break, work goes wrong, and you can even get injured.
In Rus', there was a tradition of organizing fraternities and parties at Mikhailovo Miracle, and they certainly went to visit each other. Before the holiday itself, the women baked food from the new harvest, and the men prepared beer and mead.
In the beginning, festivities usually included meetings at which public, family and private issues were decided. This was followed by a festive meal and merry festivities. At the same time, if anyone had any disputes or quarrels, they had to make peace.
Be sure to light a common candle together in church on this day and serve a prayer service. Already in church, our ancestors each asked for their own - some for happiness and peace in the family, some for prosperity, some for health. They believed that on this day any desires and dreams could come true.
After the festive meal, it was customary not to throw away the leftovers, but to give them to the hungry. In addition, our ancestors firmly believed that if on St. Michael’s miracle you help the poor and needy all day long, then many signs have no power, for example, you can do any work.
On this holiday it was not customary to argue and swear, and all matters had to be resolved peacefully, otherwise it would not be good. Therefore, at Michael’s Miracle they tried to make compromises.
If suddenly someone had a fever in the house on Michaelmas, then caring housewives tried more diligently on this holiday. After all, according to popular belief, if you perform certain rituals, the patient will be cured.
Thus, tobacco or the last of a foal was placed at the head of the person suffering from fever, water was given to drink, which was poured over the church bell, and a bag with discarded snake skin was hung around the neck.
History of the Mikhailovo Miracle holiday.
Legends say that not far from a city called Hierapolis, located on the territory of modern Turkey, there lived one believer named Arkhip.
One day the Lord sent him a dream, where he promised that his beloved daughter would be cured of muteness, but only if she tried the water from a source that was nearby. Soon his daughter took a sip of this healing water, after which a miracle followed - she was cured of this disease. In order to thank the Lord, this believer and his family were baptized in the spring and built a temple not far from it.
The healing spring was visited by a large number of people in order to cure various diseases. Many pagans came to the source and, after healing, converted to the Christian faith.
But there were people, the so-called idolaters, who were not delighted that a relatively new faith began to quickly gain recognition among people. They planned to destroy the temple and the adjacent source, which helps people get rid of hated diseases. The solution was found quickly.
Opponents of the Christian faith decided to flood the valley in which the church was located, bringing two rivers into one, flowing near the temple. But believer Arkhip offered prayers for the protection of the temple, and his words were heard.
Archangel Michael appeared near the temple and, with a blow of his staff, made a large cleft in the mountain. A stormy stream of water rushed there. This miracle saved the temple, and those who caused the disaster ran away in horror.
Arkhip lived in this temple for 60 years and during this time he was able to convert many pagans to the Christian faith.
Signs for Michael's Miracle.
*On September 19, you cannot work on the Michael Miracle, as God will punish you;
*after the holiday you can expect the first frosts;
*if on Mikhailovo Miracle the leaves on the top of the birch are green, then this means early winter; blue clouds in the evening - this means changes in the weather;
*and the most interesting thing is that from the fallen aspen leaves, one could tell what the winter would be like. If they fall face up, this means a frosty winter, if they fall inside up, expect a warm winter, but if both are the case, then the winter will be neither cold nor warm;
*if you saw frost on the trees at Michael’s Miracle, then in winter there will most likely be a lot of snow;
*they used to believe that it was on this holiday that any miracle could happen; It was considered a bad omen to wash your hair on St. Michael’s Miracle, because otherwise you could “wash away your mind”;
*on Michael’s Miracle you could often ask any questions and they would answer you with the truth - after all, telling a lie on this holiday will have very bad consequences;
*our ancestors were afraid to pick blueberries on this day and believed that trouble would definitely follow. And children were always taught, saying “on St. Michael the Devil tramples blueberries;”
*a mild and warm winter was expected if there were
few cones;
*usually cold weather was expected after this holiday. According to legends, on this day winter begins to forge frosts;
*there was also a sign about what the weather would be like on St. Nicholas Day - if the weather is warm and clear on St. Michael’s Day, then December 19 will be the same, but if it’s cold or frosty, then on St. Nicholas Day you need to expect snow and frost. (Mikhail is paving bridges (Mikhailovsky early frosts), preparing the way for Nikola the winter).
The mystery of our salvation through the prayers of Archangel Michael.
Pray on the feast of Archangel Michael on September 19 (Miracle at Khoneh) and on November 21. his memory, i.e. on Michaelmas day, pray at 12 o’clock at night, for Archangel Michael, on his holidays, is at night on the shore of the valley of fire and lowers his right wing into fiery hell, which at this time goes out.
Pray during these nights and He will hear the prayer of the one asking, calling the deceased by name and asking Him to lead them out of hell. Remember your relatives, friends and loved ones, name them, adding their names (and relatives in the flesh up to the tribe of Adam).
Miracle of the Archangel Michael.
A sermon delivered by the worthily revered Timothy, Patriarch of Alexandria, on the feast of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael on September 19, proclaiming the great mercy bestowed on men by God:
“May the peace of God descend upon you, brothers. I will tell you what happened to me, Timothy, a servant of Jesus Christ. One day I went to the Holy Life-Giving Cross and the Holy Sepulcher and to all the holy places through which our Lord Jesus Christ passed. I went to the house of Saint Prochorus, the beloved disciple of the Evangelist John the Theologian. Here I found a book written by Prokhor. In this wonderful book I read the following great consolation of John the Theologian.
“Once I walked accompanied by an Angel of God, who revealed to me Heavenly secrets about people. And then I heard a noise like the noise of many waters falling from a great height. When the Angel and I came closer, I saw a huge lake and a terrible execution of unrepentant sinners. I asked my guide, and he explained to me what this fierce abyss was.
We saw a huge flame emanating from this underworld - with a cloud of huge smoke above it. The flame seethed and rose noisily to 300 meters in height. Vile worms, the size of vipers, crawled over the bodies of sinners in this abyssal lake. O John, friend of God, the torment that we have seen now is more terrible than all executions. This lake of fire can contain the whole world.
Its depth is endless: worms-snakes that gnaw the bodies of sinners, force them to rise upward. John wept bitterly over the destruction of human souls.
“Don’t cry, John, friend of God, don’t cry, soon you will see great joy - great favor with the Lord towards the Archangel of God Michael.”
At that time, I saw in wonderful beauty the Archangel Michael himself, who in a beautiful boat of Cherubim and Seraphim, accompanied by many Angels, saints, prophets and martyrs, was approaching the lake of fire. They were all clothed with indescribable beauty. Soon the Angels approached the sinners who were being condemned to execution. Immediately the fire went out, the abyss stopped smoking, the disgusting animals disappeared.
When everything calmed down, Archangel Michael plunged his snow-white wing into the lake - he brought out many human souls and carried them to the shore. Then he lowered the same right wing a second time - and brought even more souls out of the lake than the first time. Then the Cherubim and Seraphim prostrated themselves before him and began to ask him to submerge the wing - for the third time.
Archangel Michael directed his kindly pleading gaze to the Lord and offered up fervent heartfelt prayers for the salvation of those suffering for their sins. Then he again plunged the snow-white wing into the lake and brought out countless new souls.
Then the Angels and Saints, having received these souls with great joy, washed them with the water of Grace, anointed them with the fragrance of joy and placed them before the face of God.
At that hour a voice came from the curtain of the Lord:
“Through the intercession of Archangel Michael and My Mother, the Blessed Virgin, and all My Angels and the elect who fulfilled the will of My Father on earth, bring these souls into the Paradise of bliss, Eternity and peace. Amen". At this terrible and holy act, Saint John marveled at the compassion of Michael the Archangel.
The angel said: “Know to John, friend of God, that the miracle that you saw is repeated annually on September 6/19, in honor of the feast of his leader of the Heavenly Host - for the great victory that he won over the forces of Satan.
When the Jews mercilessly nailed the Savior to the Cross, Michael the Archangel was in such grief that heaven and earth faded, unable to bear it. When our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the tomb, it was Michael the Archangel who rolled away the stone and brought good news to the myrrh-bearing women. He kept Satan in Gehenna and took away everything he had. God gave Archangel Michael great power and authority to save those who are in torment.
The Lord named him the ranks of the heavenly forces of the incorporeal and allows him annually on September 6/19 and November 9/21, accompanied by Angels and saints, to approach souls condemned to torment.
Archangel Michael helps to save those who gave alms in his name, as well as in the name of martyrs and saints. Archangel Michael intercedes for them, for the saints endured sorrow and suffering in the name of the Lord. He forever frees from execution those for whom sacrifices and prayers are made.
Archangel Michael does not cease to do God's mercy every year on September 6/19 and on his day on November 8/21 - which will continue until the end of time.
On these significant days, he falls, kneeling before the veil of God, prostrates himself and prays for souls in the terrible torments of hell until God deigns to have mercy on those people for whom they pray especially earnestly on earth, giving generous alms for them . He also prays for everyone living on earth. On his holy holidays, all the Angels gather around Archangel Michael at the curtain of God.
With the blessing of God, Archangel Michael approaches, clothed in robes of goodness and mercy, and announces to everyone that God has once again had mercy on the world. You have now seen, John, that everyone who does a work of mercy in the name of the Archangel Michael, or who takes the trouble to rewrite this book, where this description is found, will not be forgotten by God, and will read it to others.
Or who will light a candle or light a lamp, a lamp, or burn incense, or make some kind of honest offering in the name of Archangel Michael. He will not forget the benefactor, and will reward him piously.
If someone shows mercy to the poor according to his own means, and after death because of a sinful life is cast into hell, the Lord will not forget his goodness and, through the intercession of Archangel Michael, will save him.
If anyone wishes to write down these words, then what is written should be kept at home with reverence. Neither a bullet, nor a snake, nor any enemy force can harm this person or his home. Neither a worm, nor a locust, nor any reptile force can harm a garden or vegetable garden.
This list will serve as his weapon and shield in all troubles. For the power of these words is great and wonderful. May the Lord and Archangel Michael protect you.”
This is what the holy Angel of God told me.
Then he took me to the Mount of Olives, and then left me, flying up to Heaven. I was surprised a lot and glorified God and Archangel Michael.”
I found this story in the house of Prokhor, a disciple of John the Theologian.
Having heard this revelation of Christ’s beloved disciple and evangelist John the Theologian, we must not neglect it, without ceasing to excel in prayer, vigil and almsgiving in the name of Christ. Let us give alms in the name of the Archangel Michael - so that our departed and we sinners will escape eternal torment. May all who love and honor Archangel Michael find great mercy from God. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel:
,,Lord God the Great King, Beginningless! Send, O Lord, Thy Archangel Michael to the aid of Thy servant (name), take me away from my enemies, visible and invisible. Oh, Lord Michael the Archangel! destroyer of demons: forbid all enemies who fight with me, make them like sheep and crush them like dust before the wind. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Six-winged first prince, commander of the heavenly powers Cherubim and Seraphim. Oh, beloved Archangel Michael, be my helper in all grievances, sorrows, sorrows; in deserts, at crossroads, on rivers and seas - a quiet refuge. Deliver me, Great Archangel Michael, from all the charms of the devil, when I hear my sinful servant (name) praying to you and calling on you and calling on your holy name: hasten to help me and hear my prayer. Oh, great Archangel Michael! The whole of the honest and life -giving heavenly cross of the Lord, the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Holy Apostles, the holy prophet of the God of Elijah, the Holy of Nicholas the Miracle Worker, the Holy of the Great Martyr Nikita and Eustathius, the Monk Father and the Holy of Saints and all the Holy Heavenly Heavenly Heads, . Amen.
Oh, Great Archangel Michael, help me, your sinful servant (name of the rivers), deliver me from the coward, the flood, the fire, the sword and the flattering enemy, from the storm, from the invasion and from the evil one. Deliver me, your servant (name), great Archangel Michael, always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Archangel of God Michael, if my relatives (names of the deceased...) are in the lake of fire, then lead them out of the eternal fire with your blessed wing and bring them to the Throne of God and beg our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive them their sins.”
You can also pray for all your living loved ones (children, husband, wife, parents) daily, calling their baptismal names. It is advisable to do this every morning.
Whoever reads this prayer every day will not be touched by either the devil or an evil person, and his heart will not be tempted by flattery, and he will be delivered from hell.
This prayer was written on the porch of the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael in the Chudov Monastery, in the Kremlin on August 11, 1906.
They pray to Archangel Michael for protection from enemies, evil, and for the healing of mental and physical illnesses.
Remembering the miraculous victories and intercessions of St. Archangel Michael for Christians, for our Church and Fatherland, let us pray to him to protect us with the shelter of his wings and protect us from all evil.
Archangel of God Michael, pray to God for us!
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Head of the heavenly army
Michael is the first of the 7 archangels. In Aramaic, his name means “who is like God,” “like God.” His visits to people usually precede a demonstration of divine power—a miracle. This is how he introduced himself to Joshua:
“I am the captain of the army of the Lord.”
(Joshua 5:14).
From these words it is clear that Michael helped the Israelites wage war with the Canaanites. Thus, the book of Judges says that the Jewish army easily took Jericho after the walls of the city collapsed. Obviously, this happened due to the intervention of angels.
Interesting fact
At the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists Karl Watzinger and Ernst Sellin discovered that the walls of Jericho were double. The outer wall fell outward, and the second wall fell inward. This completely confirms the message of the Bible.
On another occasion, when the Israelites fought against the five Amorite kings, the angels helped them with a hail of stones that fell from heaven on the heads of their enemies. Undoubtedly, Mikhail was in charge of this.
Michael became the archangel, that is, a terrible warrior, at the moment when he led the angelic army against his fallen brothers who had chosen the demonic path. And then he overthrew Lucifer and will do it again:
“And there was war in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought against them, but they did not stand, and no place was found for them in Heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, the ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan.”
(Rev. 12:7-9)
The Book of Daniel talks about Michael helping other angels in their confrontation with demons:
“But he said to me: “Do not be afraid, Daniel; from the first day that you set your heart to gain understanding and humble you before your God, your words were heard, and I would come according to your words.
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me twenty-one days; but behold, Michael, one of the first princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” (Dan.10:12,13)
This is one of the most interesting passages of Scripture that contain information about the activities of angels. It says here that the angels know very well what we pray to God for. And they fight battles with opposing forces on earth.
Archangel Michael. Antropov Alexey Petrovich, Vishnyakov Ivan Yakovlevich, Belsky Ivan Ivanovich School or art. center: St. Petersburg 1748–1751 Wood, oil. 131 × 62 cm
The confrontation between the forces of light and darkness continues to this day. In the heavenly palaces, Michael is responsible for ensuring that demons do not penetrate there; he does not accept evil in any of its manifestations.
On the icons the archangel appears as an armed warrior. Attached to the top of his spear is a snow-white banner (a symbol of purity and fidelity to the Creator) and a cross (as a sign of Christ’s victory over Satan). He will also often hold a steel or flaming sword while standing on top of a fallen devil.
The story of the miraculous appearance of Archangel Michael to the boy Alyosha during the Great Patriotic War
Who has a name day
On November 21, the name day is celebrated not only by Michaels, but also by boys bearing the Arkhangelsk names Gabriel and Raphael.
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Council - the day of glorification of the archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Yehudiel, Barachiel and Jeremiel.
Archangel Michael translated from Hebrew means “who is like God.” More is known about this angel than about others. It is written about him in the Old and New Testaments. Archangel Michael is called “prince”, “leader of the army of the Lord” - the main fighter against the wiles of the devil. After the uprising of the fallen angels led by Satan, the Archangel Michael was the first to enter into battle with them, and from that time on he received the title of “archangel” - senior warrior. The Church reveres Archangel Michael as a defender of the faith and a fighter against heresy and other evils. On icons, Michael is depicted with a fiery sword or spear in his hand.
Archangel Gabriel, in Hebrew, the man of God, and in Russian, the Fortress of God or the Power of God. One of the highest angels in the Old and New Testaments. Bearer of joyful tidings. According to the Bible, he is considered the guardian angel of the chosen people. On icons he is depicted with a branch of paradise, which he brought to the Blessed Virgin, or with a luminous lantern in his right hand and a jasper mirror in his left.
Archangel Raphael, from Aramaic means the Healing of God or the Healing of God. He is a healer of human ailments. On the icons, Saint Raphael is depicted holding a vessel (alavaster) with medical remedies in his left hand, and in his right hand a pod, that is, a clipped bird feather for anointing wounds.
Archangel Uriel means fire or light of God, enlightener. According to the Tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church, the Holy Archangel Uriel was appointed by God to guard Paradise after the expulsion of Adam. On the icons, Archangel Uriel is depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand against his chest, and a fiery flame in his left.
Archangel Selaphiel means God's prayer book, encouraging people to pray. On the icon, the Holy Archangel Salafiel is always depicted with his face and eyes bowed (lowered) down, and his hands pressed (folded) with a cross on his chest, as if tenderly praying.
Archangel Jehudiel means the Glorifier of God or the Praise of God. Archangel Jehudiel is considered the patron saint of monastics and, in general, of all who work for the glory of God. Archangel Jehudiel is depicted on icons holding a golden crown in his right hand, as a reward from God for useful and pious works to holy people, and in his left hand, a scourge of three black ropes with three ends, as a punishment for sinners for laziness in pious works.
Archangel Barachiel means “Blessing of God.” He conveys God's blessings for good deeds, he asks people for God's mercy. In the icon, Saint Archangel Barachiel is depicted carrying white roses on his chest and on his clothes. These white roses mean God's blessing.
Archangel Jeremiel means the Height of God or the Exaltation of God. He is sent from above from God to man in order to promote the elevation and return of man to God. Depicted on icons holding scales in his right hand.
history of the holiday
In the 4th century. Angel worshipers appeared, calling to believe that the earthly world was created not by the Creator, but by his disembodied servants. In order to prevent the spread of this idea, the Council of Laodicea was convened, where it was categorically rejected by the holy fathers as heresy.
Angels (from Hebrew - “messengers”) are inhabitants of the sky of heaven, representing individual personalities. They are legions in number, and whatever they do, they do it for the glory of God through the grace they receive from him. They have no flesh, and this allows them not to depend on physical laws and move to the right place instantly, regardless of distance. However, to meet people, wise spirits take on human form.
Among the heavenly servants there is a division into 3 spheres. The first includes 3 highest ranks: six-winged seraphim, cherubim and thrones. They are closer to the Creator than all other angels. Seraphim (translated as “flaming ones”) are painted in the form of human faces. The plumage of their wings is scarlet, which reflects the fiery love of the holy spirits for the Father, to which they encourage Christians.
Cherubim are spiritual sages with 6 (sometimes 4) azure or turquoise wings, pouring out divine enlightenment. Another name for thrones is thrones. The Lord sits on them.
The second sphere also consists of 3 ranks:
- dominions teach anointed kings to be wise rulers who are not led by emotions and sinful desires;
- powers convey to God’s saints the gift of working miracles and foreseeing the future;
- authorities help people resist the influence of the ancient tempter and gain the upper hand over sinful temptations.
Higher ranks command the lower ones, which include:
- Started. They rule over the elements, protect states and their populations, direct the actions of lower-ranking angels, and ensure that officials and leaders use their official positions not for personal gain, but for the people and the glorification of the Almighty.
- Archangels bring great news to the righteous, reveal the secrets of the future, restore crumbling faith, helping to better understand the teaching of the Gospel.
- Angels deal with people most often - they constantly guide them on the righteous path, inform them of the Father’s intentions, and help them repent. The main thing is that the person admits that he needs help and wants to accept it.
A special category are guardian angels; they quietly take care of every Orthodox Christian from his baptism to his death.
Experts in iconography explain that the presence of wings on divine messengers is a visible reflection of the speed of their movement to Earth.
The joy of the righteous in the Lord. Triptych, (central part). Murals of the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv. Artist Vasnetsov V.M. At the gates of heaven there are three main Archangels of the heavenly hierarchy (according to Dionysius the Areopagite) - Archangel Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. They occupy the center of the picture against a background of rainbow light, from which the outlines of angelic figures and their white wings emerge.
The belief that there are 7 higher angels living in the spiritual world beyond categories is based on the book of Tobit:
“I am Raphael, one of the seven holy Angels who offer the prayers of the saints and ascend before the glory of the Holy One” (Tov. 12:15).
Michaelmas Day - folk customs and traditions in Rus'
In Rus' on this day it was forbidden:
- ignore requests for help and refuse alms;
- wash your hair (otherwise prudence and prudence will be washed away);
- work (work on a holiday is fraught with punishment - you can pay off it by caring for your neighbor);
- make trouble and remember past grievances (this day should pass under the sign of peace and harmony).
It is not advisable to celebrate Michaelmas alone. It’s better to go outdoors with friends or visit your neighbors. Then in the future you won’t have to deal with problems on your own—someone will definitely help.
Interesting fact
The Archangel thwarted the machinations of Satan: he prevented the declassification of the burial place of Moses, so that the chosen people would not again fall into the sin of idolatry.
Why is it revered?
Michael is the great protector and intercessor who protected the Israelites for thousands of years. He is a reliable barrier that stands in the way of evil - both tangible and incorporeal. In Orthodoxy, he is revered as the defender of the Church and all people faithful to God, as the patron saint of soldiers and officers.
According to church tradition, the heavenly book of destinies was opened to Archangel Michael, where the sins of all people are recorded. And he begs the Lord for the souls of those who stumbled, but only those who did not forget to do good.
Celebration customs
It was customary to begin the holiday with a visit to the temple for worship. Tradition is one of the main ones. But this does not mean that there is no need to attend church on other days. The clergy went to the homes of those who could not attend the liturgy. In response, they tried to thank them with baked goods, honey, and sometimes a coin.
When the day came, it was also decided:
- go to visit and invite guests yourself;
- set a hearty table;
- bake pies.
Sometimes the onset of Michaelmas was celebrated for a whole week. This is again associated with the fact that fasting was coming soon.
In Rus', the holiday was considered the most satisfying and cheerful. By the time this day arrived, all work related to the fields had been completed. The supply of food was taken to the barns, and people could rest.
Housewives prepared a lot of delicious food for the table for the holiday. They believed that a rich festive table promised a good harvest next year. In order for prosperity, financial independence and a good life to come to the house on Michaelmas Day, people began all planned activities. They tried to invite many guests and treated them to meat dishes, including jellied meat made from beef and pork.
Beer brewing and tasting were a must for the celebration. Delicious dishes were taken to the barn to appease the brownie. They expressed gratitude to him for preserving the housing and said good words.
Miracles associated with the name of Archangel Michael
Miracle in Khoneh
One day, Saint Michael appeared to a rich but unhappy Greek and told him what needed to be done to make his dumb daughter speak. He, as ordered, took her to the miraculous spring named after the archangel. The daughter recovered, and the happy father, as a sign of gratitude, was baptized and donated money for the construction of a temple dedicated to the heavenly messenger.
Iconography: Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh Dates: XVII century. Icon painting school or art center: Yaroslavl school Material: Wood, gesso, tempera Dimensions of the icon: height 102 cm, width 94 cm Archangel Michael saves the church dedicated to him in Khoneh from destruction, blocking the waters from access to the church. Archippus of Herotopus stands praying in front of the temple. I-893. © Yaroslavl Art Museum. Literature: Icons of Yaroslavl XIII - mid-XVII centuries. M., 2009. T. 2. Cat. No. 110.
In the 4th century. the wicked city of Colossae , also known as Khona, directed the water of two mountain rivers towards this church. Blessed Archippus, who lived at the shrine, offered a prayer to the Heavenly Governor, and he immediately transported to the scene of the incident and made a cleft in the mountains with a spear. The stream rushed into her, and the trouble was over.
And the temple remained unharmed! And the pagans fled in fear...
And the place where the miracle happened was called Khona, which means “hole”, “cleft”. September 19 is the date of commemoration of the Khoneh miracle.
Miracle in Italian Siponte
The ancient city of Sipontus (it was located not far from the modern Italian city of Manfredonia). The Neapolitans were going to exterminate its inhabitants, and the local bishop began to pray for salvation. Then the Heavenly Leader appeared to him and promised to help. The next day he drove the enemy away with an unprecedented thunderstorm. The survivors recognized the power of God and became Christians.
Archangel Mikhail Borovikovsky Vladimir Lukich 1793–1794 Copper, oil. 210 × 90 cm Museum of Local Lore, Mogilev, Belarus
The Sipontians were going to build a church in honor of the angel who saved them, and during the second appearance he informed the priest about the existence of a ready-made temple in the cave.
Miracle on Athos
On Athos, the archangel saved a young shepherd from death. The young man found pagan gold on the island, but was unable to get it himself and then turned to the monks for help. However, two of them turned out to be selfish; they hung the millstone, under which the treasure lay, around the shepherd’s neck and threw him into the abyss.
Archangel Michael saved him: he transferred him from sea water to the Dohiar monastery. The abbot glorified God for the miracle and denounced the murderers, and with the permission of the young man, he spent the gold on decorating and completing the church. The shepherd took monastic vows and eventually became an abbot himself.
Miracle in Rus'
In the biographies of saints there are many miraculous deeds, among them there are those performed by the leader of the angels in Russia :
- healing of St. Petersburg clergyman Ioann Belyaev from heart disease - as a reward for his care for his neighbors;
- saving the 3-year-old son of a switchman when the baby ran out towards the locomotive (this happened at the end of the 19th century in Moscow);
- when Batu sent troops towards Novgorod, Saint Michael appeared to him, and the khan abandoned his intentions (later he recognized the archangel on a Kyiv fresco);
Some theologians attribute to the Sword of the Lord Michael the miracle of the pillar of fire during the exodus of the Jews from Egypt and the drowning of Pharaoh's chariots in the waters of the Red Sea.
“The Appearance of Michael to Jesus Navvinus”, miniature from the “Menologies of Basil II”
Prayer
Oh, holy Michael the Archangel, have mercy on us sinners who require your intercession, save us, servant of God (names), from all visible and invisible enemies, and moreover, strengthen us from the horror of death and from the embarrassment of devils Olskago and vouchsafe us to present ourselves shamelessly to our Creator at the hour His terrible and righteous Judgment.
O all-holy, great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise us, sinners, who pray to you for your help and intercession in this world and in the future, but grant us together with you to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. The biblical account and the tradition of angels show that the heavenly sons of God are very concerned about the present and future of people. Archangels are not just high authorities over spiritual creatures. They are great workers. Michael protects Christians from evil and devilish temptations. His main task is to save as many people as possible.
What do they pray to Archangel Michael for?
People believe that archangels help them in the battle against evil and troubles. When addressing a prayer to Archangel Michael, or to other archangels, you can be sure that it will be heard if your words come from a pure heart. Archangel Michael is considered the patron and protector of warriors. He is the protector of Christians from various evils and the actions of evil spirits. Prayers to the Archangel promote healing from illnesses; they pray to him during the construction and consecration of a house. Archangel Michael is a reliable protector in a dream, and also protects the souls of the dead on the way to the Throne.
Also, you can pray to Archangel Michael in absolutely all everyday issues, if the prayer is sincere, help will definitely come.
