Commemoration of the Archangel Michael (Abib 12/July 19)
On Sunday, July 19, the church celebrates the commemoration of the honorable Archangel Michael, the perpetual intercessor of the human race before God the Pantocrator.
Scripture and Tradition
The name Michael means "like unto God" or "Who is like unto God?"
Michael first appears 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 "looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand." When the still unaware Joshua asks which side of the fight the Archangel is on, Michael responds, "neither…but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come" (Joshua 5:13-14)1.
In the book of Daniel, Michael appears first to help the Archangel Gabriel defeat the Persians (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…" (Ch. 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 Michael the following events: The power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib (4/2 Kings 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Macc. 3: 24-26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan 3:22-25). Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions’ den (Dan. 14:33-37). The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9).
Rites for the Commemoration of the Archangel Michael
Raisings of Incense
- The congregation chants the Doxology to Archangel Michael.
- A glorification may be celebrated after the priest raises his cross with three lit candles and prays, "God have mercy upon us…"
Divine Liturgy
- The congregation chants the verse for the Archangel in the intercessions hymn, Hiten ni`precbia.
- The congregation adds the verse for the Archangel in the Praxis Response, <ere ne Maria.
- After the reading of the Synexarium, the congregation chants the Paralexis for the Archangel, Va nitenh.
- The congregation may chant the Aspasmos Adam for the archangels, angels, and heavenly hosts.