{"id":1581,"date":"2026-11-05T20:00:15","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T01:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/?post_type=akathist&#038;p=1581"},"modified":"2026-11-05T20:00:15","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T01:00:15","slug":"akathist-archangel-michael","status":"publish","type":"akathist","link":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/akathists\/akathist-archangel-michael\/","title":{"rendered":"Akathist to the Holy Archangel Michael and All the Bodiless Powers of Heaven"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"of-akathist\">\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 1<\/h3><p>Chosen by God to lead the armies of heaven, first among those who stand before the throne of glory, O Archangel Michael, we who are bound to the earth offer you a song of praise. As you hold fast in the truth of your name, \u201cWho is like God?\u201d, pray to the Lord of hosts for us, that we may be kept in His love and may cry to you with joy:<\/p>\n<p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 1<\/h3><p>The Creator of all things visible and invisible brought the angelic orders into being before the foundation of the world, as spirits of fire and ministers of His will. Among them you shine as a leader of light, and we, beholding with the eyes of faith the beauty God has given you, sing to you:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, first fruit of the creative word of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, flame kindled from the uncreated Light;<\/li><li>Rejoice, servant who delights in doing the will of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, mind wholly turned toward your Maker;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you glorify the Holy Trinity without ceasing;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your praise echoes the Thrice-Holy Hymn;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for heaven and earth are joined in your song;<\/li><li>Rejoice, joy of the angelic choirs;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 2<\/h3><p>When the morning star, swollen with pride, said in his heart, \u201cI will ascend above the stars of God and be like the Most High,\u201d you stood firm and cried out, \u201cWho is like God?\u201d The rebellious angels fell like lightning from heaven, while you and the faithful powers remained in the light, singing to God: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 2<\/h3><p>In the great war that took place in heaven, you and your angels fought against the dragon, and he was cast down with his host, as the beloved disciple saw in his Revelation. Marveling at the humility that defeated pride, we cry out to you:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for your name confesses the glory of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you stood firm when Lucifer fell;<\/li><li>Rejoice, faithful one, who never turned from the truth;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for by the power of God you cast down the dragon;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for humility armed you against arrogance;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you rejoice in the glory of another;<\/li><li>Rejoice, model of obedience for every soul;<\/li><li>Rejoice, terror of the demons;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 3<\/h3><p>The Lord set you as guardian of His chosen people, as Daniel the prophet learned when he fasted three weeks by the river Tigris. You strengthened him against the prince of Persia and revealed that in the last days you will stand up for the children of God. Knowing this, we sing with Daniel to the Lord: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 3<\/h3><p>When Joshua stood before Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and saw a man with a drawn sword, who said, \u201cI am the commander of the army of the Lord.\u201d Joshua fell on his face and loosed the sandals from his feet, for the place was holy. Remembering this, we bow before the mystery and sing:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, commander of the army of the Lord;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you went before Israel into the promised land;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the walls of Jericho fell at the word of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Joshua worshiped God on holy ground;<\/li><li>Rejoice, guardian appointed over the people of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, helper of Daniel in his long fast;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you will stand up in the time of trouble;<\/li><li>Rejoice, prince of the faithful;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 4<\/h3><p>The Apostle Jude tells how you disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, yet did not dare to bring a railing accusation, but said, \u201cThe Lord rebuke you.\u201d In this you teach us to leave all judgment to God and to fight evil with the power of His name alone, singing: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 4<\/h3><p>In the book of Tobit, God sent Raphael, one of the seven who stand before His glory, to walk with Tobias, to bind the demon and to heal the eyes of Tobit. Seeing how the angels serve the healing of mankind, we glorify God and sing to the chief of the angels:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for the holy angels walk beside the faithful;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Raphael brought healing to the house of Tobit;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Gabriel announced the conception of the Forerunner;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Gabriel brought the joy of the Annunciation;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the angels serve the salvation of men;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for all the powers bow before the Incarnate Word;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for heaven bends down to earth in mercy;<\/li><li>Rejoice, leader of the ministering spirits;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 5<\/h3><p>At the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, \u201cGlory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.\u201d The bodiless powers rejoiced to see their Master in the flesh, and with them we sing: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 5<\/h3><p>Angels ministered to the Lord in the wilderness after His fast, an angel strengthened Him in the garden of Gethsemane, and angels sat in white at the empty tomb, proclaiming, \u201cHe is not here, for He is risen.\u201d Giving thanks for this ministry of love, we cry out:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for the angels sang at the Nativity of Christ;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they served the Lord in the wilderness;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for an angel strengthened Him in His agony;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for angels rolled away the stone from the tomb;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they announced the Resurrection to the myrrh-bearers;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they stood by the Apostles at the Ascension;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they will come with Christ in glory;<\/li><li>Rejoice, herald of the Lord\u2019s victory;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 6<\/h3><p>In Phrygia, near Colossae, the pagans sought to destroy the church built in your honor and the holy spring beside it, turning two rivers against it. Archippus, the guardian of the church, prayed with tears, and at the word of God you split the rock and swallowed the waters, so that the place was called Chonae. Seeing the power of God, the faithful sang: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 6<\/h3><p>Archippus had served at your church from his youth, living in fasting and prayer and serving the sick who came for healing. When the enemies of Christ sought to drown both the church and its servant, his faith did not waver, and with him we cry to you:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for God heard the prayer of Archippus;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the rock was split at the command of the Lord;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the floodwaters were swallowed into the earth;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the holy spring still gave healing;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the plans of the ungodly came to nothing;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Chonae bears witness to the miracle;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for God guards those who trust in Him;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your church was kept from ruin;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 7<\/h3><p>The Church places the holy angels at our side from the day of our baptism, to guard our steps and to guide us on the narrow way, as the Lord said of the little ones, \u201cTheir angels always see the face of My Father in heaven.\u201d Thanking God for these unseen companions, we sing: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 7<\/h3><p>The Council of Laodicea taught that the angels are honored, not worshiped, and the Fathers reckoned nine ranks of the heavenly powers: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones, Dominions, Virtues and Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. Contemplating this holy order, we cry to their commander:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for the Seraphim burn with the love of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the Cherubim are filled with knowledge;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the Thrones bear the glory of the Most High;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Dominions, Virtues and Powers serve His will;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Principalities watch over the nations;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Archangels and Angels bring His messages;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for all the ranks glorify one God in Trinity;<\/li><li>Rejoice, leader of the ninefold choir;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 8<\/h3><p>In the Divine Liturgy, we mystically represent the Cherubim and lay aside all earthly cares, to receive the King of all, invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Standing with the bodiless powers around the holy altar, we sing to God: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 8<\/h3><p>At every Eucharist, heaven and earth sing the one hymn, \u201cHoly, holy, holy, Lord of Sabaoth,\u201d and the angels stand in awe before the Lamb of God offered for the life of the world. Rejoicing that we are called to this communion of worship, we cry out:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for the angels serve at the heavenly altar;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they sing the Thrice-Holy Hymn with us;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they veil their faces before the Lamb;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the Church on earth joins the choirs of heaven;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for our incense rises with their praise;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for heaven is opened in the Holy Mysteries;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the Cherubic Hymn unites us with you;<\/li><li>Rejoice, fellow worshiper of the faithful;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 9<\/h3><p>The Christian people have always called upon your prayers in their struggles, and the faithful of Kiev, of Novgorod and of countless cities placed their churches under your name. Trusting not in their own strength but in the power of God, they sang: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 9<\/h3><p>Eloquent orators cannot describe the spiritual warfare of the soul, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Knowing that the battle is the Lord\u2019s, we take up the armor of God and sing to you:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, example of courage in the unseen warfare;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your humility teaches us to stand;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the name of Jesus puts the demons to flight;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your cry reminds us that none is like God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you show us how to resist temptation;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the sign of the Cross is our weapon;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for prayer and fasting cast out the enemy;<\/li><li>Rejoice, standard-bearer of victory;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 10<\/h3><p>At the hour of death, when the soul leaves the body, the Church prays that the holy angels may receive it and lead it to the Lord, as they carried poor Lazarus to the bosom of Abraham. Hoping in the mercy of Christ, we sing with trust: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 10<\/h3><p>The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Looking for the day of His appearing, we prepare our lamps and cry to the leader of the hosts:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for the voice of the archangel will awaken the dead;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the trumpet of God will sound;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the angels will gather the elect;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for they carried Lazarus to Abraham\u2019s bosom;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the Church entrusts the departed to their care;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Christ will come with all His holy angels;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for the righteous will shine like the sun;<\/li><li>Rejoice, herald of the Last Day;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 11<\/h3><p>Every hymn falls short of your glory, O Archangel, for you behold the face of God and are filled with His light. We sinners, with unclean lips, dare to praise you only because you yourself, in your humility, give all glory to the Lord, and so we sing with you: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 11<\/h3><p>Your icon shows you with a sword and a spear, sometimes on horseback, trampling the dragon, and sometimes holding the scales of justice or a sphere bearing the name of Christ. Venerating your holy image, we glorify the God who made you His servant, and we sing:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for your icon reminds us of God\u2019s victory;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your sword is the word of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you trample the serpent by God\u2019s power;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you bear the name of Christ;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you uphold the justice of the Lord;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your wings are swift to obey;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you turn the eyes of all to God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, honor of the house of God;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 12<\/h3><p>The Church celebrates your synaxis in November, the ninth month counted from March, in honor of the nine ranks of the heavenly powers, and on the eighth day, pointing to the age to come. Rejoicing that heaven awaits the saints, we sing to the King of glory: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 12<\/h3><p>Singing of your great service, we praise the Lord who made His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. We praise you also, O Michael, together with Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and all the holy powers, and we cry out:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, for Gabriel stands beside you before God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for Raphael and Uriel serve with you;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for all the angels rejoice over one sinner who repents;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for heaven waits to welcome the redeemed;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you call us to the angelic life;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you teach us purity and obedience;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your feast fills the Church with joy;<\/li><li>Rejoice, faithful friend of the saints;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 13<\/h3><p>O holy Archangel Michael, great Commander of the hosts of heaven, receive this small offering of praise. Pray to Christ our God, with all the bodiless powers, that He may give us strength in the unseen warfare, courage in temptation and a peaceful end, so that, having been brought by the holy angels before His throne, we may sing with you forever: Alleluia!<\/p>\n<p class=\"ak-rubric\">This kontakion is said three times.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Ikos 1 (repeated)<\/h3><p>The Creator of all things visible and invisible brought the angelic orders into being before the foundation of the world, as spirits of fire and ministers of His will. Among them you shine as a leader of light, and we, beholding with the eyes of faith the beauty God has given you, sing to you:<\/p><ul class=\"ak-rejoice\"><li>Rejoice, first fruit of the creative word of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, flame kindled from the uncreated Light;<\/li><li>Rejoice, servant who delights in doing the will of God;<\/li><li>Rejoice, mind wholly turned toward your Maker;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for you glorify the Holy Trinity without ceasing;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for your praise echoes the Thrice-Holy Hymn;<\/li><li>Rejoice, for heaven and earth are joined in your song;<\/li><li>Rejoice, joy of the angelic choirs;<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ak-label\">Kontakion 1 (repeated)<\/h3><p>Chosen by God to lead the armies of heaven, first among those who stand before the throne of glory, O Archangel Michael, we who are bound to the earth offer you a song of praise. As you hold fast in the truth of your name, \u201cWho is like God?\u201d, pray to the Lord of hosts for us, that we may be kept in His love and may cry to you with joy:<\/p>\n<p class=\"ak-refrain\">Rejoice, Michael, great Commander of the heavenly hosts!<\/p>\n<hr class=\"ak-rule\"><h3 class=\"ak-label\">Prayer<\/h3><p>O holy Archangel Michael, Commander of the heavenly hosts, you who cried out \u201cWho is like God?\u201d and stood firm in the truth, we sinners come to you with faith. Pray to the Lord of hosts for us, that He may strengthen us in our struggle against sin and against every power of darkness.<\/p><p>Help us by your example to love humility and to flee from pride, which cast down the fallen angels. Pray that Christ our God may keep our homes, our churches and our lands in peace, may guide our children on the narrow way, and may bring us at the hour of our death into the company of the holy angels.<\/p><p>With you and with all the powers of heaven, may we glorify the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the one God whom the Seraphim praise without ceasing, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Holy Archangel Michael, Commander of the Heavenly Hosts, and all the Bodiless Powers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","liturgical_season":[],"class_list":["post-1581","akathist","type-akathist","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/akathist\/1581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/akathist"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/akathist"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/akathist\/1581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1633,"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/akathist\/1581\/revisions\/1633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"liturgical_season","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orthodox.faith\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/liturgical_season?post=1581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}