Today, 6 September, marks the miracle of the Archangel Michael in the Orthodox calendar. This day is popularly called the Michael’s Miracle. The Feast of the Archangel Michael is a non-transitional holiday, celebrated on 6 September according to the new calendar adopted in Ukraine. Previously, the holiday was celebrated on 19 September, Komersant ukrainskyi
reports
Archangel Michael has long been revered by Ukrainians, as he is considered the patron saint of our capital, Kyiv. Archangel Michael is depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Kyiv.
According to biblical legend, the archangel Michael is the head of God’s army of angels and archangels. He is considered a protector, healer and guardian.
On icons, Michael is depicted as a winged young man in armour with a sword or spear – with his help, he overthrows the devil.
History of the Feast of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael
The Miracle of St Michael is celebrated in honour of the archangel’s salvation of the Christian church built in his honour in the town of Kolosy. According to legend, a man had a dream about a healing spring whose water would save his daughter. It happened, and then the man built a church on the site of the spring in honour of the archangel Michael, who had appeared to him in a dream.
The pagans wanted to destroy the church, but the archangel heard the prayers and protected it, and the church remained intact. These events are called the Michael’s Miracle.
Traditions of the holiday
On St Michael’s Day, churches hold a service and light a common candle.
Near the icon of the Archangel, people pray for health, healing from fever, fulfilment of a cherished wish, protection from injustice, evil and unworthy people, and strengthening of spiritual strength.
He is also considered to be the patron saint of ships and regiments, so the Archangel is prayed to for protection during a long journey.
It is believed that prayers have a special power on 6 September, and if you sincerely ask Michael for help, he will definitely hear.
On this day, it is good to make peace with those who have a long-standing grudge and give alms. It is also customary to bake pies and sit down to a meal with family and neighbours on Michael’s Day.
The people treated the archangel Michael with great respect; on Michael’s miracle, they refused to do any work. They tried to postpone work in the field and around the house to another day, because to ignore this prohibition meant to bring trouble on oneself.
What is forbidden
On this date, you can’t swear or gossip. You also need to postpone work in the garden. You can’t bake or do hard work, even housework.
Believers believe that those who work on this day will face trouble.
After a festive lunch or dinner, you shouldn’t throw away leftovers, but share them with those who need them.
You should not do needlework: sew, embroider, knit, etc.
It is considered a sin to sow, plough and dig up vegetables, chop wood, bake bread and pies on Michaelmas.
It is not recommended to abuse alcoholic beverages.
It is forbidden to lie, because otherwise disaster will come. You should also not swear, curse, or quarrel.