Archangel Michael (September 19): rituals for health, protection and family

On September 19 the Orthodox Church commemorates the day when Archangel Michael is said to have saved a church from destruction. The celebration, often called the Commemoration of the Miracles of Saint Archangel Michael (popularly remembered as Michael’s miracle), is observed with particular reverence by many believers.

Ancient church tradition places one of the most famous miracles in the antique city of Hona (formerly Colossae). According to the story, pagan adversaries attempted to join two mountain rivers to flood and destroy the church dedicated to Archangel Michael.

How the miracle is told

The account says the archangel himself appeared and, with a strike of his spear, opened a deep fissure in the rock that swallowed the water and redirected the torrents into the earth, sparing the sanctuary and its people. For generations the story has served as a reminder that protection can appear even in the most desperate moments.

Religious observance on September 19 centers on powerful prayer and simple, family-centred customs. Tradition encourages attendance at church, the lighting of candles and prayers to Archangel Michael, regarded as the commander of the heavenly host and an intercessor whose help can bring health and household peace.

Customs for the day also include preparing a modest but abundant family table where relatives gather. In some regions each family member performs a small act of service or kindness toward another — these good deeds are believed to carry extra merit on this day. The occasion is also seen as suitable for reconciliation: people are urged to set aside quarrels and take the first step toward forgiveness.

There are customary prohibitions associated with the feast. Traditionally heavy physical labour is avoided: digging the earth or cutting wood was considered disrespectful to the miracle that saved the land from waters. Quarrels, gossip, lying and hostile thoughts are discouraged, and leftover food should not be thrown away but given to domestic animals or birds.

Because September 19 falls close to the autumnal turning of the year, the feast has been understood as a spiritual threshold — a time to seek inner calm, protection against misfortune and to prepare for the colder months. Whether observed as a sacred day or simply as a chance to pause, it is an opportunity to light a candle, quiet the mind and welcome a spirit of peace into the home.

Photo: press material from the event