Remembrance of the miracle of Archangel Michael (19/09)

Archangel Michael — is one of the highest angels who takes the closest part in the destinies of the Church. Archangel Michael in Scripture is called «prince», «leader of the army of the Lord» and is depicted as the main fighter against the devil and all lawlessness among people. Therefore, in church terms it is called «archistratig», that is, senior warrior, leader.

The Church honors the Archangel Michael as a defender of faith and a fighter against heresies and all evil. On the icons, Michael is depicted with a fiery sword in his hand or a spear overthrowing the devil.

The miracle of the Archangel Michael occurred in the 4th century. Not far from the city of Hierapolis there is an area called Herotope, and in this area there was a temple erected in the name of the Archangel Michael. And near that temple there was a healing spring. The temple was built by one of the city residents in gratitude to Saint Michael the Archangel for healing his mute daughter with the water of a spring. Archangel Michael, appearing in a sleepy vision to the father of the mute maiden, who had not yet been enlightened by Holy Baptism, revealed to him that his daughter would receive the gift of speech by drinking water from a spring.

The girl actually received healing at the source and began to speak. After this miracle, father and daughter and his entire family were baptized, and with the diligence of the grateful father, a temple was erected in honor of the Holy Archangel Michael. Not only Christians, but also pagans began to come to the source for healing, many of whom renounced idols and turned to Christ’s faith.

In the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, a pious man named Archippus performed the ponomarian ministry for more than 60 years. By preaching about Christ and by example of his godly life, he led many pagans to faith in Christ. In their anger at Christians in general, and primarily at Archippus, who never left the temple and was an exemplary servant of Christ, the pagans decided to destroy the temple and at the same time destroy Archippus.

The pagans connected the two mountain rivers in one channel and directed their flow to the temple. Saint Archippus prayed earnestly to Archangel Michael to prevent disaster. His prayer was heard, and the Archangel Michael appeared at the temple, who, with the blow of his rod, opened a wide crevice in the mountain and ordered the waters of the seething stream to rush into it.

The temple remained intact, and the pagans fled the temple in fear and horror. Saint Archippus and the Christians gathered near the temple glorified God and thanked Saint Michael the Archangel for his help. The place where the miracle took place was called Hona, which means «hole», «russelina».

People called this holiday Michaelmas or Michaelmas Miracle.

Today Michael has his name day, a name that means «who is like God» in Hebrew.

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