Orthodox Feast of The Miracle at Colassai of Archangel Michael. September 6

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America ^

[Kolokotronis]

Apolytikion:

Fourth Tone

O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: "Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high! "

Kontakion:

Second Tone

O Michael, who standest altogether radiant before the Trinity together with all the heavenly Hosts, and with them dost cry aloud the song inspired of God: As thou dost pass throughout the earth by God's command and art made wondrous with exceedingly great marvels, cease not to intercede for us all.

Synaxarion:

The feast today in honour of the Archangel Michael commemorates the great miracle he wrought when he delivered from destruction a church and holy spring named for him. The pagans, moved by malice, sought to destroy the aforesaid church and holy spring by turning the course of two rivers against them. But the Archangel appeared and, by means of the Cross and a great earthquake that shook the entire area, diverted the waters into an underground course. Henceforth, the name of that place changed from Colossae to Chonae, which means "funnels" in Greek.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press, Northridge, CA Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA Icon courtesy of St. Isaac's Skete

[ventana]

Catholic friend bump. V's wife.

[Kolokotronis]

Archangel ping.

"Whenever we enter the church and draw near to the heavenly mysteries, we ought to approach with all humility and fear, both because of the presence of the angelic powers and out of the reverence due to the sacred oblation; for as the Angels are said to have stood by the Lord's body when it lay in the tomb, so we must believe that they are present in the celebration of the Mysteries of His most sacred Body at the time of consecration." Venerable Bede

[lightman]

Thank you!

I am quite devoted to keeping the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels on the 29th of this month but was unaware of this festival until your post.

An appropriate hymn by Richard Baxter:

Ye holy Angels bright
Richard Baxter
Tune:Darwall's 148th


Ye holy Angels bright, Which stand before God's throne, And dwell in glorious light, Praise ye the Lord each one. You there so nigh Are much more meet Than we the feet, For things so high.

You blessed souls at rest That see your Saviour's face, Whose glory, even the least, Is far above our grace; God's praises sound, As in his sight With sweet delight You do abound.

All nations of the earth, Extol the world's great King; With melody and mirth His glorious praises sing. For he still reigns; And will bring low The proudest foe That him disdains.

Sing forth Jehovah's praise, Ye saints that on him call; Magnify him always; His holy churches all In him rejoice; And there proclaim His Holy Name With sounding voice.

My soul, bear thou thy part! Triumph in God above! With a well-tuned heart Sing thou the songs of love. Thou art his own Whose precious blood, Shed for thy good, His love made known.

Though human help depart And flesh draw near to dust, Let Faith keep up my heart To love God true and just; And all my days Let no disease Cause me to cease His joyful praise.

Though sin would make me doubt, And fill my soul with fears, Though God seem to shut out My daily cries and tears, By no such frost Of sad delays Let thy sweet praise Be nipped and lost.

Away, distrustful care! I have thy promise, Lord. To banish all despair, I have thy oath and word. And therefore I Shall see thy face, And there thy grace Shall magnify.

Though sin and death conspire To rob thee of thy praise, Still towards thee I'll aspire, And thou dull hearts canst raise. Open thy door; And when grim death Shall stop this breath I'll praise thee more.

With thy triumphant flock Then I shall numbered be; Built on the eternal rock His glory we shall see. The heavens so high With praise shall ring. And all shall sing In harmony.

The sun is but a spark From the eternal light; Its brightest beams are dark To that most glorious sight. There the whole Chore With one accord Shall praise the Lord For evermore.

[NYer]

[Kolokotronis]

Maronite?

[Straight Vermonter]

Thanks for the post. I took the name Michael at my confirmation and have a special place in my heart for him.

Does anyone know why Michael, Gabriel, et al are called saints? Saints are humans in heaven and not angels. I have never figured that out.

[Kolokotronis]

"Does anyone know why Michael, Gabriel, et al are called saints? Saints are humans in heaven and not angels. I have never figured that out."

The Greek word translated as "saint" in English actually means "holy" or "holy one" and really has no particular human limitation. If I remember my Latin and French, the same is true for those languages also.

[NYer]

Of course!