Akathist to Archangel Michael: text and sacral meaning

Among all the genres of church hymns, it is necessary to note the akathists. The fact is that this is one of the most solemn and significant kinds of anthem. Even the fact that you can not sit while doing it shows this. However, the word "Akathist" has not one but two meanings.

First, this is how the solemn Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is directly called, which is performed on the fifth Sabbath of the Great Lent. The second meaning is a special genre of church hymns, in which the Lord and the archangels are chanted. Among these works is the Akathist Archangel Michael. Consider this genre in more detail.

Akathist to Archangel Michael: evolution of laudatory hymns

At the end of V-VI art. N. E. A new genre of hymnalism appeared - kontakion. It is a multi-stringed hymn that contains 18-30 icons (or stanzas), which are very similar in rhythm and number of poems.

Considering the akathist to the archangel Michael, at the very beginning one can see the introductory stanza - cucumulus. It is distinguished by the melody of the text, but it is similar to the icosahedron by the refrain. In the last stanza is a prayer appeal to the one to whom the akathist is intended. Thus, the akathist to the archangel Michael contains the chanting of the latter just in the final stanza. The whole work is structured in such a way that stanzas and cousins are sung by a soloist, while the rest is a people or a chorus of choristers.

Why and why is the Akathist to the Archangel Michael performed?

The text of the work speaks for itself. Since Michael is the supreme archistocrat of the host of heaven, he is also the patron of all soldiers and soldiers. This Akathist is recommended to perform to the mothers of those who are in the service. Also, the archangel can be asked about any kind of protection. The only limitation is that you must be pure in heart, doing the right thing and not going against the divine providence. Only in this case, the great commander of the angelic army will help you.

But the akathist to Archangel Michael is not the only way of communicating with the great divine essence. Since Michael was precisely the archangel who overthrew Lucifer in Hell, he defaults on the side of all those who are unjustly offended, deceived and abandoned, besides, one can and should be treated in extreme stress and dangerous situations. To do this, it is enough to mentally summon the archangel with all faith and ask for help in his own words. Of course, we can say that cases of miraculous disposal of problems are a mere coincidence. But, as is known, there are no atheists in the trenches and in the falling plane. Therefore, the akathist to the archangel Michael can be performed before important events.

Archangel Michael: an alternative view

According to the theory of the universal Hierarchy, Archangel Michael is responsible for the first ray of Will and Power, embodying the sign of the zodiac "Aries," a fierce battle and perseverance in achieving the goal. Again, this view does not contradict the generally accepted one, because even in this alternative version the archangel acts as a defender and a fighter for justice. Therefore, even if you are closer to the second, non-Christian version, you can and should perform the Akathist to Michael. In any case, you decide when and how to praise or ask for help from the archangel.