Memories of the miracle of the Archangel Michael who was in Khoneh
In the city of Hierapolis there lived a man with his mute and only daughter. He was very sad that the girl could not speak. But one day he had a dream in which the Archangel Michael said that his daughter would be cured by drinking water from a healing spring. The girl actually received healing, and her father, as a sign of gratitude, erected a small temple to the Miracle of the Archangel Michael. Orthodox and pagans began to seek healing at the spring.
The miracle happened in the fourth century. In those days, the youth Archippus of Herotopus came to the temple at the age of ten and for more than sixty years he served as a sexton at the temple. He led an active life, ate sparingly, rested on rocks, wore old clothes, but converted many pagans to the faith of Christ.
For this, the city authorities hated him and repeatedly tried to kill him. But their attempts were in vain. Then the pagans decided to turn the movement of the two rivers in the direction of the source and the temple. They worked for ten days, digging a wide ditch to the temple, which was located in the lowland. Saint Archippus, seeing this, began to pray earnestly and ask for help from Archangel Michael. The unstoppable flow of two rivers from the mountains headed towards the source, and Arkhippus, without ceasing to pray, heard a voice that ordered him to leave the temple.
When the saint came out, he saw the Archangel Michael with a spear in his hand. The archangel raised his right hand and struck a large stone with his lance. A gorge formed, into which water began to flow.
Also read: Strong prayer of the Archangel Michael for every day
1700 years have passed, but the source is in the same place. Khoneh is the place where the miracle happened, which is why the icon is called “The Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh.”
The icon depicts on the left the supreme angel Michael with a spear in his hand, striking a stone, on the right Archippus in a prayer pose. In the center of the icon is a river flowing into a crevice.
The Archangel is always depicted with a spear or sword. This is the conqueror of Lucifer the dragon, the serpent, the spirit of evil and the protector of the kingdom of peace and love. He leads the angels faithful to God. Orthodoxy personifies the Archangel Michael as a fighter against arbitrariness and lawlessness on earth. The name Michael means "One God"
Divine service on the day of remembrance of the miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh
The day of remembrance of the miracle performed by the Archangel Michael was so significant that the Byzantine Church already at a very early time established a special festival for it, celebrated annually on September 6. The reading of the ancient literary monument “The Tale of the Miracle in Khoneh,” edited in the 10th century, was timed to coincide with this day in the service menaions. Simeon Metaphrastus. Currently, according to the charter, the service of this holiday is sixfold: in addition to the Menaion, the canon is read in Oktai, the Great Doxology is not sung at Matins. The menaion canon to the Archangel Michael from September 6th is also read additionally on November 8th, the day of his council; most of the stichera hymns are common to the two holidays.
The official of the highest powers, Michael, the representative of the Divine rank today, calling us to triumph, who always walked with us, and saving everyone from every devil of a situation. Come, therefore, idle lovers and lovers of Christ, holding the flowers of virtues, with pure thoughts and a good conscience, let us honor the council of the archangels. He constantly stands before God, and chanting the trisagion, prays for the salvation of our souls (sticheron for the day).
The miracle of Archangel Michael and what not to do
St. Michael's Day is September 19 and November 21. Traditions of Christians these days:
- September 19 is considered a family holiday and it is necessary to seek reconciliation with relatives. Our ancestors gathered as a large family and prepared a lot of food.
- On this day, you should light a candle in memory of the Michaelmas miracle, make requests for protection and well-being, ask for happiness and health.
- You cannot work on September 19th. If anyone breaks this rule, they will be immediately punished.
- Heavy physical work is excluded. You can do only necessary work, such as cooking. You cannot swear or use foul language, try not to conflict.
- It is forbidden to throw away leftover food; it is better to feed homeless animals.
- On Michaelmas Day, people paid attention to signs. If the day is warm, then autumn will be long. If an aspen leaf falls face down, then the winter will be cold; if it falls on the inside, then it will be warm.
- You can’t wash your hair, people say “your mind will wash away.”
- Working during Michaelmas is considered a sin.
On November 21 at 24:00 they pray to Archangel Michael for deceased relatives, calling them by name.
Also read: Prayer to Archangel Michael is a very strong protection
The meaning of the holiday for the Orthodox
Archangel Michael is the highest heavenly creature of all the ethereal forces of Paradise. He is revered as the noblest patron of the religious people. At first, the Archangel protected the ancient Jewish people, now, after their apostasy, he is the guardian of Orthodox Christianity.
Icon of Archangel Michael
Gregory the Great authoritatively notes that the Venerable Archangel comes to earth at a time when the Lord orders to demonstrate His power. Almost every important event in the history of the Bible takes place with the participation of the Archangel Michael.
On the celebration of September 19, believers hope for the arrival of the holy army of the Lord, which will save human souls from the corrupting influence of devilish passion. The Church asks people to cultivate the flowers of virtue within themselves, to purify their thoughts and conscience, every hour honoring the Almighty and His faithful servants. The celebration is glorified by the fulfillment of the Trisagion prayer for the mercy of Truth.
The Bible considers Michael to be the one who is on guard at the Gates of Heaven at the behest of the Almighty. He was the leader of the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt, as well as the commander of the heavenly forces in the fight against the devil.
The Old Testament describes many miraculous accomplishments demonstrating the great power of the Archangel Michael.
About prayer to Archangel Michael:
- Akathist to Archangel Michael
- Prayer to Archangel Michael for healing and health
Ancient prayer to Archangel Michael
This prayer was written on the porch of the Church of the Archangel Michael in Moscow, in the Kremlin, in the Chudov Monastery and is widely known among both Old Believers and New Believers, especially among monastics. It is believed that if someone, in addition to the general rule, adds a prayer to the Archangel every day, he will meet in his person an intercessor for his soul before the Throne of God in order to get rid of condemnation and enter the Kingdom of the righteous. There are several versions of this ancient prayer; the real text is given from a manuscript from the Old Believer monastery in Ulema:
Lord Jesus Christ, the Great King, the Beginningless, Invisible and Uncreated, sitting on the throne with the Father and with the Holy Spirit, glorified from the heavenly incorporeal powers, send, O Lord, Your Archangel Michael to help me, Your sinful servant (name of the rivers), to get rid of my visible enemies and invisible. Oh, great Archangel Michael, pour out myrrh of goodness on your servant (name of rivers), for you are a demon crusher and a demon driver, deliver me from the crafty snares of slander and oppression of wicked people, look upon me as your unworthy servant (name of rivers) and forbid them all make the enemy who fights me the visible like sheep, and the invisible like dust before the wind. O great holy Archangel Michael, first prince and governor of the angel and archangel, cherub and seraphim and all the heavenly forces incorporeal, be an assistant to me, your sinful servant, in troubles and sorrows and in sorrows, and at crossroads, on the seas and on rivers, and on dry land. along the way, be a quiet refuge and guide, help and strengthen and we will get rid of the charms of the devil. O great Archangel Michael, hear the voice of your servant (name of the rivers), praying to you and calling on your holy name, and hear my prayer, hasten to my help, and conquer all those who resist me and drive away from me all impurities and unclean spirits, by the power of the honorable and life-giving Cross of the Lord and the holy and three-day Resurrection, and the prayers of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and the ever-Virgin Mary, and the holy angels and archangels, the cherubim and seraphim and all the saints, always now and ever and ever. Amen.
Not far from Hierapolis, through the prayers of the holy apostles in the 1st century AD. a healing spring broke through
The history of the appearance of a healing spring near Hierapolis is amazing. Tradition says that at the end of the first century, people in these places worshiped the echidna, a mythical half-snake, half-woman. A temple was built in her honor in Iarapolis. A large poisonous snake was kept on the temple grounds, to which sacrifices were made. The Apostle John the Theologian heard about this temple and came from Ephesus to Hierapolis.
The apostles Bartholomew, Philip and Philip's sister Mariamne were already there. These holy people began to pray together for the local residents to get rid of their delusions. Through their prayers, the snake died, the temple collapsed, and the people who served idols in this place believed in Christ and were baptized. Near Hierapolis there was a place called “Herotopa”. At this place, the Apostle John pronounced a prophecy that this place would be glorified. And, indeed, this is what happened. A source broke out in this place. And everyone who came to him with faith and prayer received healing.
In honor of the Apostle Philip, a temple was built in Hierapolis; its ruins are still preserved. Photo: ic.pics.livejournal.com
Traditions and rituals of the holiday
On this strict holiday, you must follow the instructions of the church so as not to get into an absurd situation. For example, you can’t do housework on this day, especially sewing, washing and cleaning. It is better to postpone all matters at least until evening. Those who disobey may run into trouble; they also say that an unexpected “miracle” may happen, which does not mean anything good. The Bible warns that on this day everyone will be rewarded for their deeds.
In ancient times, a “gathering” was organized at Michael’s Miracle, namely, people met between whom there were quarrels and misunderstandings. It was necessary to communicate, find a solution to disputes, make peace, forgive grievances. This was followed by “fraternization” through friendly hugs. They never came to the “gathering” empty-handed; they had to bring refreshments, because afterwards they had a feast. Mikhail encourages festivities after difficult trials and everyday work. The food that remains should not go to waste: the leftovers are distributed to the poor and needy.
On the day of Michael's miracle, services are held in churches and a common candle is lit. At the icon of the Archangel Michael they pray for health, for healing from fever, for the fulfillment of a cherished desire. People believe that prayers read on September 19 have special power, and if one sincerely turns to the saint for help, he will certainly hear it. On this day, a candle is lit at the bedside of the patient and prayers for health are read, believing in his healing.
The Church warns that during St. Michael’s miracle one should not get involved in disputes, especially with relatives. Avoid any unpleasant situations, rather spend time in prayer. After this, you can start planning.
Veneration of Archangel Michael in Rus'
Since ancient times, Archangel Michael has been glorified for his miracles in Rus'. Representations for Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven were always carried out by Her appearances with the Heavenly Host under the leadership of the Archangel (Russian Chronicle).
So, according to church tradition, when Batu Khan was heading to Novgorod in 1239, St. Archangel Michael appeared to him and forbade him to enter the city. Entering Kiev, Batu saw an image of St. above the doors of one of the churches. Mikhail and, pointing to him, said to his kagans: “This one forbade me to go to Veliky Novgorod.” Before the start of decisive battles, the Russian princes most often resorted to the intercession of the initial commander of the heavenly forces and the conqueror of the crafty demons. Our ancestors created many temples in honor of the Archangel.
In Kyiv, immediately after the Baptism of Rus', the Archangel Cathedral was created, then in almost all Russian cities, princes asked for blessings in these churches at the wedding of the kingdom, at the baptism of their heirs, before their death. Images of St. The archangels were placed on princely military helmets, personal seals, coats of arms, and banners. All this was determined by a special attitude towards Archangel Michael as the defender of Russian statehood. The icon “The Blessed Host” (1550) was painted for the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin, where the holy warriors, Russian princes, are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.
