Archangel Michael Akathist: text and sacred meaning

The meaning of the akathist to Archangel Michael

The akathist chant is a special prayer built according to a certain principle. Translated, the word means “who proclaims while standing.” The prayer consists of 25 songs, of which 13 kontakia (contain a biography and information about the exploits of the one to whom the Akathist is dedicated) and 12 ikos (which develop the theme of kontakia). Akathist is a solemn glorifying chant; this prayer ensures full spiritual communication with the Lord.

Rules for reading the Akathist

Usually the Akathist is read in front of the iconographic image of the Archangel Michael, naturally, while standing. Exceptions are possible only for very elderly or sick people.

According to the prayer rules, before reading the Akathist at home, you must first read:

Glory to Thee, O God;
Prayer to the Holy Spirit;
Trisagion;
Our Father;
Psalm 50;
Symbol of faith.

After this, the Akathist is read. After completion, the Lord's Prayer is said.

During church services, Akathists are included in the evening services.

Akathists are prohibited from reading during Lent.

Why is it read on Mondays?

Each of the seven archangels is dedicated to a specific day. Archangel Michael's Day is Monday. Therefore, it is customary to read the Akathist on Mondays. In addition, the Akathist to Archangel Michael is also read on his holidays: September 6 and November 21.

How does the Akathist help Archangel Michael?

Archangel Michael is the chief of the Heavenly Host. Therefore, mothers whose sons are in military service turn to him. In addition, you can ask the Archangel for any protection from troubles, adversity, from deception, from illness. The main thing is that the person asking is sincere and has pure intentions.

The akathist can also be read before important life events, when a person especially needs support and protection. People turn to Archangel Michael when they are in danger

Text of the hymn to the Archangel in Russian

Akathist to Archangel Michael

Kontakion 2

Kontakion 13 is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.

We also invite you to listen and watch the Akathist to St. Archangel Michael on video:

Source

Akathist to the Archangel of God Michael

Mentions of the Archangel are found in the Old and New Testaments. It was Michael who defeated the rebel angel Lucifer. The Archangel patronizes warriors and those who guard order. He is an uncompromising fighter against dark forces, against lawlessness, violence and evil.

It was Archangel Michael who assisted Joshua in the conquest of the Promised Land. He appeared to Daniel when the kingdom of Babylon fell and the construction of the Messianic kingdom began.

Archangel Michael is credited with participating in many significant biblical events in which his name is not mentioned. For example, many church fathers are confident that it was the archangel who was the pillar of fire who led the chosen people during their flight from Egypt. He is also credited with victory over the army besieging Jerusalem during the time of the prophet Isaiah.

And finally, it is the Archangel who will lead the Heavenly Host during the Battle of the Apocalypse.

In the Akathist to Archangel Michael, the exploits of the archangel are glorified. By turning to the Archangel, a person receives protection not only from earthly hardships and suffering, but also from the machinations of the evil spirit, temptations and temptations.

Many people testified to miracles that occurred after turning to Archangel Michael. He granted victories to the soldiers and helped them find a way out of the most confusing and difficult situations, and sent long-awaited help.

History of appearance

The basis for the creation of akathists addressed to angels and saints was the akathist dedicated to the Mother of God. A century later, similar texts appeared dedicated to other representatives of the heavenly powers. Archangel Michael is considered the main archangel, the leader of the army. Associated with its purpose is a recognized misconception about the role of angels in heaven. Many people forget that angels are warriors, led by a wise leader, mistaking them for dumb creatures. Warriors are called upon to protect people from the forces of evil. Michael was appointed by the Lord God to the post of leaders from the very beginning of the creation of the world.

The first mention of the hymn in honor of Michael dates back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries. The canon of Kirill Belozersky, found at the turn of the century, contains translated texts of akathists dedicated to Archangel Michael, St. Nicholas and some saints.

Since then, the performance of ikos and kontakia became mandatory for monks and became part of daily or weekly chants in many monasteries.

The appearance of the hymn in honor of the Archangel Michael cannot be called accidental. He is credited with rare virtuous qualities and endowed with special powers and power.

Meaning in Orthodoxy

For Orthodox believers, the meaning of the name and rank of Archangel Michael is deeply symbolic. The prefix "arch" denotes seniority among the angels. The name given in the Holy Scriptures is interpreted differently. Many are inclined to believe that Michael is “nobody like God.” But there is a version that Michael means “equal to God.” Both versions testify to Michael’s special closeness to God. This is reflected in the text of the akathist, where Michael exclaims: “Who is like God?”, calling on the angels and reminding them of their main purpose - to serve people.

Michael is called the archangel, that is, the commander-in-chief. He is credited with several important steps taken in honor of the victory of good over evil:

Michael defeated Satan by piercing him with the legendary spear. This story is fundamental. Dennitsa was close to God, but over time he stopped serving people and changed, then Michael overthrew Dennitsa from heaven, at the same time driving out evil spirits and demons.
The Archangel became a judge at the Last Judgment, who weighed the souls of sinners and passed sentences. This quality of the archangel is mentioned in the akathist when they ask him to intercede before the face of God at the Last Judgment.
God gave Michael the role of a trumpeter who should announce the beginning of the day of judgment. According to many sources, it is the chief among the archangels who must blow the trumpet to call souls to judgment.

The akathist, which is addressed to Mikhail, talks about the events taking place with his participation.

Full text with accents

Chosen by the Heavenly powers of the governor and the human race, the intercessor of you who delivers us from the sorrowful, we offer a song of thanksgiving: 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.

1

Like the angelic fiery faces of the primate, with angelic tongues it is fitting to praise you, Michael: but until we admonish the disembodied with the verb, Michael, hear, even from people sheep, both grateful lips, calico:

Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice in the light of the golden truth.

Rejoice, first ray of uncreated light in the angelic faces of the successor; Rejoice, chief of the Angels and Archangels, rejoice.

Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; Rejoice, because the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings are beautiful, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice, with all the Heavenly powers.

2

Foreseeing with the toes of faith the greatness of spiritual beauty and the power of your lightning-fast right hand, Archangel of God, we, like earthlings, are clothed in flesh, with wonder, with thanksgiving to the Creator of all things fulfilled We call with all the heavenly powers: Alleluia.

The mind is pure, free from passions, ask us, most wonderful Michael, for the chief of the heavenly ranks, so that, having ascended in thought from the earthly to the heavenly, we will sing a song of praise to thy face :

Rejoice, you who are closest to the viewer of God’s indescribable beauty and kindness; Rejoice, rejoice at the all-good advice of the Most Holy Trinity, most sincere Mystery.

Rejoice, faithful executor of the eternal destinies of the Trinity; Rejoice, for the hosts of Heaven marvel with love.

Rejoice, rejoice, who is glorified by the earthly creatures with faith; Even the powers of hell tremble, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

3

Revealing the power of irresistible zeal for the glory of God in yourself, you became at the head of the choirs of angels, Michael, against the one who breathes malice, the proud star of the day, even with his dark minions from on high the demons cast down into the underworld, the armies of Heaven, most gloriously led by you, with joy, as with one mouth, shouting before the Throne of God: Alleluia.

May you, Archangel Michael, give the whole Christian race a great intercessor, a wondrous helper in battle with the adversaries: for this reason, for the sake of your wonderful protection, be granted the desire, on the day of triumph We cry to your face:

Rejoice, for Satan, like lightning, was cast down from Heaven; Rejoice, for the protected human race ascends to Heaven, rejoice.

Rejoice, all-bright, wonderful adornment of the world; Rejoice in the fallen world of this glorious intercession, rejoice.

Rejoice, no longer defeated by the forces of evil; Rejoice with all the Angels of God in the truth of righteousness, established forever by the grace of God, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

4

Deliver us from the storms of temptations like troubles, O angels, First Throne Michael, who celebrate your bright triumph with love and joy: for you are Michael’s great helper in troubles and at the hour of death guardian from evil spirits, apostate of all those who cry to your Master, God: Alleluia.

Seeing your boldness against the hordes of Satan, Michael, all the ranks of angels with joy followed you to battle for the name and glory of their Master, crying out: who is like God? ́g? We, who lead Satan under your feet, are defeated, we call to you, as the winner:

Rejoice, where peace and silence have settled in Heaven; Rejoice from the misfortune of spiritual malice, even when you have stooped to hell, rejoice.

Rejoice, thou who direct the armies of angels and the forces of the invisible world to destroy evil; Rejoice, you have tamed and visibly invisibly tamed the disturbance of the elements of the world, rejoice.

Rejoice, wondrous supporter of those who raise war against the spiritual wickedness in high places; Rejoice to those who are exhausted in the temptations and misfortunes of this age, mighty helper, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

5

The God-flowing source of great miracles appeared in your temple, also in Khoneh; not exactly because the great and terrible serpent, who abided in that place, was consumed by your power, but the streams of water, healing every bodily ailment, opened up and glorified everything to the Lord Ang The trees are called with faith: Alleluia.

Hearing and leading you, like the great luminary Michael, 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 light and yours to all of us who cry out to the tit:

Rejoice, leader and guardian of God’s chosen people in the desert; Rejoice, O high mediator of the law, who was given at Sinai by the hand of Moses, rejoice.

Rejoice, from whom the judges and leaders of Israel found strength and protection; Rejoice, through the prophets and high priests of Judaism, the gift of knowledge from the omniscient God, rejoice.

Rejoice, thou who providest God-fearing lawgivers with secret wisdom; Rejoice, judge the truth of those who do goodness in their hearts.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

6

When Manoah once saw the herald of God’s destinies, he was filled with bewilderment and fear, I thought no one could live on earth; Having been taught from his wife about the goodness of showing the meekness of your words, in joy because of your son Sampson, who was born according to your words, cry out with gratitude to God: Alleluia.

You shone with wonderful glory, Michael, when in the form of man you became before Joshua, the verb: Take off the boot from your foot: I am the Archangel of the power of the Lord days. Marveling at this appearance of yours, we cry out to you with love:

Rejoice, vigilant guardian of the divinely crowned heads; Rejoice at those who resist the authorities, for those who resist God’s command are speedy to the overthrower.

Rejoice, pacifier of popular unrest; Rejoice, invisible one, abolisher 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.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

7

Although the Lord of all things shows that the lot of the sons of men is not a matter of chance, yet in His right hand He holds Himself to give an intercessor to the kingdoms of the earth, and to the nations of the nations for the eternal You are preparing the Kingdom of God; Therefore, those who know about your great service for human salvation, gratefully call to God: Alleluia.

New miracles show us, Archangel, you on earth of all miracles, when the temple, created in your name, from drowning by river waters, you wonderfully saved you, streams of stream into the bowels of the earth I commanded to rush: even seeing blessed Archippus with his spiritual children, cry 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, even at His command the elements repent; Rejoice because all evil plans are crushed.

Rejoice, you who bring joy from the Throne of the Almighty to the faithful; Rejoice, you who lead the unbelievers onto the path of righteousness and truth.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

8

A strange miracle of your power, Archangel of God, was carried away by Habakkuk, who, by the mania of God, took it away and brought it quickly from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the world I concluded from the lion: therefore, being amazed at the great effect of your power, you cried out in faith: Alleluia .

You are all in the highest, Michael, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, and you are not far from the lower ones, fighting with the enemies of human salvation: also, all the longed for Heavenly Fatherland until those who want to reach you are calling:

Rejoice, master of the Trisagion of angelic singing; Rejoice at the earth-born, ever ready representative and guardian.

Rejoice, proud Pharaoh and the infidel Egyptians, striking in strange ways; Rejoice, faithful Jews, guide in the desert, rejoice most gloriously.

Rejoice, whereby the fire of the cave of Babylon was extinguished; Rejoice, having been put to shame by the wiles of the demons, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

9

All the monks of the Holy Mount Athos came to the joyful trembling, seeing how the God-fearing youth, furiously from the wicked gold lovers, was thrown into the depths of the sea with a stone, saved You are: therefore, the one who has received his abode, admiring your name, gratefully cries out to the Lord: Alleluia.

The ancient verbs of any kind are not sufficient to express your power, Michael, as in one night you smote a hundred and eighty and five thousand from the warriors of the king of Assyria, Sennacheri. Ma, let others be punished, do not blaspheme the name of the Lord: but we, honoring your holy zeal for the glory of the True God, with joy we call you sitsa:

Rejoice, invincible commander of the Orthodox armies, rejoice, fear and overthrow of the evil armies.

Rejoice, rejoice for the right faith and worship of God; Rejoice at the destroyer of soul-harming heresies and schisms, rejoice.

Rejoice, you who strengthened the pious Maccabees many times on the battlefield; Rejoice at the wicked leader Antiochov Iliodor, striking in the temple itself.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

10

For those who want to be saved, be your steadfast helper, the Archangel of God, Michael, who saves us from troubles, especially from the evil habits of our sins, yes, thriving in faith, hope, love, Christ Ove, with joy about your previous intercession, to the Lady of the Angels we call with gratitude: Alleluia.

You are the wall of a believing person, Archangel of God, a pillar of strength in battles with visible enemies: for this reason from the snares of demons we deliver you, with a grateful heart we call your lips with itse:

Rejoice, invincible opponent of faith, the enemy of the Holy Church; Rejoice as a humble proclaimer of the Gospel, tireless and hasty.

Rejoice, Michael, in the darkness of evil, enlighten those who sit with the light of the faith of Christ; Rejoice, instruct those who have been fooled into the path of truth by false wisdom, rejoice.

Rejoice, terrible avenger who swears the name of God in vain; Rejoice, lightning-fast punisher of those who madly scoff at the mysteries of the holy faith, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

11

All singing of praise is overcome by the multitude of your miracles, Archangel of God, which you have accomplished not exactly in Heaven on earth, but in the dark halls of the underworld, where the deepest serpent is. I have bound you with the bonds of the power of the Lord, so that the Lord of the Heavens of earth may be blessed by those who are delivered from his malice, calling: Alleluia .

Light-bringing servant of the truth, Michael, for the purity of the worship of God you appeared, the Archangel, when, foreseeing the machinations of the spirit of darkness, you forbade him in the name of God, so that the secrets should not be bold present the body of the deceased leader of Israel Moses for deification by the sensual sons of Israel: for this reason, honoring your blessed council today , we cry out to you with gratitude:

Rejoice, thou who preserved the purity of the knowledge of God among the Jews in the days of the Old Testament; Rejoice, rejoice, having many times eradicated the tares of error in the days of New Grace.

Rejoice, destroyer of pagan soothsayers and idols; Rejoice, Christian ascetics, passion-bearers, strengthener, rejoice.

Rejoice, filling those who are weak in spirit with the power of God’s grace; Rejoice, clothe those who are weak in the flesh with the whole armor of faith.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

12

Request grace from God from Heaven for us, who sing to the glory of your all-honorable name, Michael, so that, through your intercession, we will live in all piety and purity until we are free from death from From the flesh, let us be worthy to appear before the fiery Throne of the King of Glory with the faces of angels crying out: Alleluia.

Singing your manifold miracles, Michael, done for our salvation, we pray to the Lord and the Lord of all, that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God, which is in you, will become less scarce in us who call you sitse:

Rejoice, thou who in times of need have placed faithful servants of God to the heights of power; Rejoice, rejoice, invisibly cast down the daring unworthy from the heights of power and glory.

Rejoice, on the last day you have gathered together those chosen from the four ends of the earth; Rejoice because sinners are like tares, according to the voice of God they will be dedicated to the eternal fire, rejoice.

Rejoice, even as Satan and his angels are cast into the lake of fire forever; Rejoice that righteousness will be more glorious in the abodes of the Heavenly Father, rejoice.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, rejoice with all the Heavenly powers.

13

O most 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 being raised to you today, and as you are filled with the power of God O living one, cover us with your immaterial wing from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that he who is glorified by you and who has glorified you We call to the Lord: Alleluia.

Like the fiery angelic faces of the primate, with angelic blood and tongues it is fitting to praise you, Michael: but until we admonish you to teach the disembodied with the verb, hear, even from man checheskih, both grateful lips, sitsevaya:

Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice in the light of truth and golden righteousness.

Rejoice, first ray of uncreated light in the angelic faces of the successor; Rejoice, chief of the Angels and Archangels.

Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; Rejoice in the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Repetition of Kontakion 13

Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice in the light of the golden truth.

Rejoice, first ray of uncreated light in the angelic faces of the successor; Rejoice, Chief of the Archangels.

Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; The cathedrals of all incorporeal beings are there.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

O most 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 being raised to you today, as you are filled with the power of God Living, cover us with your immaterial wing from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that the one glorified by you, who has glorified you, will take away the Lord we call: Alleluia.

Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice in the light of the golden truth.

Rejoice, first ray of uncreated light in the angelic faces of the successor; The angels and archangels are in charge.

Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; The cathedrals of all incorporeal beings are there.

Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Prayer

Holy, great Archangel of God Michael, the inscrutable, pre-essential Trinity, the first in the Primate Angel, the guardian of the human race, crushing the head of the prego from the army O Lord of Dennitsa in Heaven, put to shame the malice of his deceit on earth! We resort to you with faith, we pray to you with love: be an indestructible shield, firmly defending the Holy Church to our Orthodox Fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from everyone enemy, visible and invisible. Do not forsake, O Archangel of God, the help of your intercession for us, who today glorify your holy name: behold, even though we are many sinners, we do not want to perish in our iniquities, but rather press toward the Lord and be quickened by Him to do good deeds. Illuminate our mind, Michael, with the light of the face of God, which shines on your lightning-like brow, so that we may understand that God’s will for us is good and perfect, and guide all What it is fitting for us to create and what it is fitting for us to despise and abandon. Strengthen our weak will with the grace of the Lord, our weak will, so that, having been established in the law of the Lord, we will cease to be dominated by earthly thoughts, the lust of the flesh, being carried away, according to the likeness of senseless children, the perishing beauties of this world, as if for the sake of the perishable, it is crazy to forget the eternal heavenly. Over all of these, ask us from Above for the spirit of true repentance, unfeigned sadness for God, contrition for our sins, so that the number of days remaining for us in our temporary life will not please us. Emotion of feelings to the work of our passions, but in blotting out the evils committed by us, with tears of faith and contrition of heart , feats of purity and holy deeds of mercy. When the hour of our end, liberation from the bonds of this mortal body approaches, do not leave us, Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of malice in the heavens, which are the usual barriers to the human soul. It is an honor to ascend to the mountain, and, guarded by you, we will reach those glorious villages of paradise without stumbling, where there is no sorrow , not sighing, but endless life, and, being honored to behold the bright face of our All-Good Lord and Master, falling with tears at His feet, we exclaim in joy and tenderness: glory to Thee, Dearest to our Redeemer, for Your great love for us, unworthy, Thou hast deigned to send Thy angels to serve our salvation! Amen.