Archangel Michael

Archangel Michael

(Commemorated along with All Angels (Bodiless Hosts)
November 8 n.c. / November 21 o.c.)

The Holy Archangel Michael is one of the most celebrated of the Angels and bodiless powers; he is called the Archistrategos, or Chief Commander, of all the bodiless powers. According to Holy Scripture and Tradition, he has interceded for humanity multiple times and continues to serve as the Defender of the Faith.

The name Michael means “like unto God” or “Who is like unto God?”

Archangel Michael first appeared in the Old Testament in the book of Joshua's account of the fall of Jericho. Though Michael is not mentioned by name in the text, it is said that Joshua, “lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” (Joshua 5:13-14)

In the book of Daniel, Michael appears first to help the Archangel Gabriel defeat the Persians. (Daniel 10:13)

In a later vision it is revealed to Daniel that “at that time (the end times) Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then…” (Daniel 12:1)

Michael thus plays an important role as the protector of Israel and later of his chosen people, the Church.

The Church Fathers also ascribe to Archangel Michael the following events: During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night; the power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian Emperor Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Maccabees 3:24-26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias (Chaldean name Shadrach), Azarias (Chaldean name Abednego) and Misael (Chaldean name Meshach), thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol. (Daniel 3:22-25)

Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions' den. (Daniel 14:33-37)

The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses. (Jude 1:9)

In New Testament times, the holy Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved a young man, cast into the sea by robbers with a stone about his neck on the shores of Mt. Athos. This story is found in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of St. Neophytus of Docheiariou (November 9).
Perhaps his most famous miracle, though, is the salvation of the church at Colossae. Here a number of pagans tried to destroy this church by diverting the flow of two rivers directly into its path. However, the Archangel Michael appeared amongst the waters, and, carrying a cross, channeled the rivers underground so that the ground the church stood on would not be destroyed. The spring which came forth after this event is said to have special healing powers.

Archangel Michael also has been associated with healing in other cases, as well as his primary role as leader of the Church Militant. He has been said to appear to Emperor St. Constantine the Great (4th century) at Constantinople, to have intervened in assorted battles, and appeared, sword in hand, over the mausoleum of Hadrian, in apparent answer to the prayers of St. Gregory the Great that a plague in Rome should cease.

~A Prayer to Archangel Michael

(Excerpted from the Akathist to the Archangel)

“O Holy and Great Archangel of God Michael, who stands, as the first of the Angels, before the ineffable and super-substantial Trinity; who art placed as a watcher and keeper over the human race; who hast with thine armies crushed the head of the proud Lucifer in the heavens and brought forever to shame his wickedness and treachery on earth!

To thee we have recourse in faith, and thee we entreat with love: be thou an indestructible shield and firm rampart for the holy Church and the Orthodox Christians, guarding them by the lightning power of thy sword from all enemies visible and invisible.

Be thou a guardian Angel, a wise counsellor and companion of the Christian people, bringing them enlightenment, strength, joy, peace and consolation.

Be thou a leader and a companion in battle to those who strive for the Orthodox Faith, so that all who fight against us may know that God and His holy Angels are with us.

Forsake us not, O Archangel of God, with thy help and protection, who today glorify thy holy name: for behold, even if we have sinned greatly, nevertheless we would not perish in our misdeeds, but rather turn to the Lord and be enlivened by Him unto good works.

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