What is remembered in the Church on September 19, 2026 Michael is the chief archangel, the leader of the heavenly host, and one of the most revered angels in Orthodoxy. His name means "Who is like God," in the sense that he is a warrior for the Lord, his protector, and his avenging sword. Michael is mentioned several times in the Bible, and he is the only angel named specifically. He is also referenced in the prophecy about the Last Judgment. He appeared beside the prophet Daniel during the fall of the Babylonian kingdom. The most astonishing miracles are associated with his name. Today, we remember an event related to Michael. It took place in the 4th century in Phrygia (Asia Minor) near the city of Hierapolis. There was a temple dedicated to Archangel Michael, and next to it, a healing spring flowed. This temple was built with the money of a man who was grateful to the saint for healing his daughter from muteness. In a dream, Michael appeared to him—a pagan—and instructed him to take the child to that spring and give her water from it. When she drank the water, she spoke. After that, the whole family was baptized and built a temple. Rumors of this miracle spread quickly. People began to come to the spring, entering the temple. Not only Christians were healed, but also pagans. Most of them were subsequently baptized. In that very temple, year after year, a sacristan named Archippus served. He was a pious and just man and had lived by the temple for almost 60 years. The pagans decided to destroy him along with the temple. They diverted the courses of two mountain rivers, calculating that this way the flow of water would be directed at the temple. Seeing this, Archippus began to pray to Archangel Michael, asking him for protection for the church. He appeared in the flesh, struck the rock with his staff, opening a chasm, and commanded the water to flow from it. The pagans fled in horror, while the Christians glorified the archangel in prayers. The place where the miracle occurred was named Chona, meaning opening or chasm. **The Meaning of the Holiday** Any miracles can happen through prayers; one just needs to believe and lead a worthy life. **What Do People Pray to Archangel Michael For?** They ask for healing from illnesses and purification of the soul, for protection from injustice and evil people. Those who are about to travel ask for his help. **Folk Weather Signs** - Hoarfrost on trees means a lot of snow in winter. - Leaves lying on their backs indicate a warm winter. - The moon covered by clouds means bad weather is coming soon. - Fog in the morning indicates warming. - Birch branches are bare means an early winter and a warm spring. **What Can Be Done on September 19, 2026** - It is customary to attend a service in the temple. - A great day for a feast; the richer the treats, the more generous the year ahead will be. - One should reconcile with those they have quarreled with before. - It is customary to help those in need. - A great day for creativity. - It is customary to bake pies. **What Cannot Be Done on September 19, 2026** - One should not work. - It is not allowed to argue and quarrel. - Do not throw away uneaten food.
