Kontakion 1
Chosen Commander of the heavenly hosts and defender of mankind, we who are delivered from affliction offer this hymn of thanksgiving. We implore you, O Michael standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, to set us free from all distress that we may cry to you with faith and love:
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with the hosts of Heaven.
Ikos 1
Since you are the leader of the choirs of angels, it is right to praise you with angelic tongue, Archangel Michael, but until, taught by you, we have become used to the speech of the bodiless powers, hear our praises from thankful lips though they be those of mortal beings:
Hail, first-formed star of the world.
Hail, candle of truth and justice, shining like gold.
Hail, first receiver in the choirs of angels, of the rays of the uncreated light.
Hail, head of angels and archangels.
Hail, you in whom the creative glory of the Right Hand shines.
Hail, you by whom the assembly of all bodiless creatures is made beautiful.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 2
We behold the splendor of your spiritual beauty and the strength of your right hand which is like a flash of lightning. Although we are wrapped in the mortal flesh of this earth, yet we are filled with joy and thankfulness before the Creator and cry aloud, Archangel of God, with all the hosts of Heaven: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Wonderful Saint Michael, leader of the heavenly hosts, entreat for us a clear understanding and a release from passions. Thereby lifted in thought from earthly to heavenly things, we may sing a hymn of praise to you:
Hail, nearest beholder of the ineffable beauty and goodness of God.
Hail, close participator in the mysteries of the all-good counsels of the Most Holy Trinity.
Hail, faithful fulfiller of the pre-eternal judgments of the Trinity.
Hail, you at whom the heavenly hosts, with love, stand amazed.
Hail, you to whom those born on earth give glory.
Hail, you before whom the hosts of Heaven tremble.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 3
Archangel Michael, you show within yourself unconquerable zeal for service and dedication to the glory of our God. As the head of the choirs of angels, you withstood the arrogant daystar Satan — who was exceedingly proud and breathing out evil when he and his dark servants had been cast down into the nethermost parts of the world. Whereas the heavenly hosts, led by you in your glory, shouted as with one voice for joy before the Throne of God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
All Christian people have you, Archangel of God, as a mighty defender and helper in battle against the adversary. Wishing to be granted your marvelous protection, we call to you on the day of your solemn feast in this way:
Hail, you by whom Satan was cast down like lightning from Heaven.
Hail, you by whom humanity-preserved rises up to Heaven.
Hail, splendid adornment of the most radiant world on high.
Hail, most glorious defender of the fallen world here below.
Hail, never-defeated by the forces of evil.
Hail, forever-established by divine grace in truth and righteousness with all of God’s angels.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 4
Supreme ruler of the angels, deliver us, who keep your radiant feast with joy, from all the storms of temptation and trouble. Be our mighty helper in every affliction and our preserver and defender in the hour of death, so that we may cry aloud to our Lord and our Lady: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Seeing your boldness against the regiments of Satan, all the ranks of angels followed after you with joy into the fight for the Name and glory of their Master, crying aloud, “Who is like unto God?” In the same manner, seeing Satan cast down beneath your feet, we cry to you as victor:
Hail, you by whom peace and quiet returned to Heaven.
Hail, you by whom the spirit of evil was laid low even unto hell.
Hail, for you direct the angelic armies and the hosts of the invisible world to the destruction of evil.
Hail, unseen leader, for you calm the agitation and fighting of the elements of the unseen world.
Hail, wonderful defender of those waging war against the spirits of evil.
Hail, strong helper of those on earth grown weak through the temptations and assaults of the world.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 5
Archangel Michael, you appeared in the Church of Khony as a divinely flowing fountain of great miracles. Not only was a large and fearful serpent dwelling there destroyed by your strength, but a stream of pure water was revealed there healing all bodily ailments. Accordingly, we give glory to You, O Lord God of the angels, and all cry out to You with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Hearing you and knowing you as a great light shining among the choirs of angels, after God and His holy Mother, we run to you, most wonderful Saint Michael. You graciously receive us and, with the rays of your light, you illuminate all of us that we might sing to you in this manner:
Hail, mediator of the Law given by the hand of Moses on Mount Sinai.
Hail, you by whom the judges and leaders of Israel found strength and protection.
Hail, you through whom the prophets and high priests of the Jews received the gift of knowledge from the all-knowing God.
Hail, for you provide with secret wisdom the God-fearing givers of the Law.
Hail, for you put kindness and mercy into the hearts of those who administer justice and truth.
Hail, for you aid the faithful to overcome the wickedness of adversaries.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 6
You have announced beforehand the judgments of God when, in former times, at the sight of you, Mannah was filled with fear and perplexity, thinking that he would no longer live. However, taught by his wife of the goodness of the vision, and the gentleness of your words, at the joy of having a son, Samson, who was about to be born, he cried out to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone forth wonderfully, Archangel Michael, when in the form of a man you stood before Joshua, son of Nun, saying, “Take off your shoes, for I am the Supreme Commander of the hosts of the Lord.” Marveling at this, we sing to you:
Hail, untiring guardian of leaders, rulers and governments.
Hail, for you are swift to overthrow those standing with authority as they oppose the command of God.
Hail, for you repel the mighty wave of popular tumult.
Hail, invisible destroyer of vile customs.
Hail, for you enlighten those in doubt in the hour of great perplexity.
Hail, for you save all those tried by soul-destroying and false attacks.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to show that the fortunes of men are not dependent upon themselves, but are always held in His divine hand, the Maker of all has given you to the kingdoms of the earth as defender and keeper, that you may prepare all the tribes and peoples for the Kingdom of God in eternity. Beholding your great service for the salvation of mankind, we rightfully cry to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator and Master of all miracles has shown us a new miracle on earth through you, Chief Angel, when you miraculously saved the church built in honor of your name from being flooded with the waters of the river. You commanded the rising stream to turn back into the bosom of the earth, at the sight of which the blessed Archipus together with his spiritual children cried to you in thanksgiving:
Hail, indestructible rampart of the Holy Church of God.
Hail, glorious Commander in service to God’s people.
Hail, you at whose behest the elements are subdued.
Hail, you by whom all evil intents are brought to nothing.
Hail, from the Throne of the Almighty God, you bring joy to all the faithful.
Hail, for you lead unbelievers to the path of justice and truth.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 8
Habakkuk the Prophet saw in his very self a strange wonder of your power, O Supreme Commander of God’s armies. When carried off at the divine command, he was quickly taken from Judah to Babylon to give food to Daniel, a prisoner in the den of lions. Amazed at the mighty effect of your strength, he cried out with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Standing before the Throne of God, O Archangel Michael, you are entirely in the heights and yet you are not far from men and women below on the earth. You ever fight against the enemies of mankind’s salvation. It is fitting, for all who wish to reach the long-desired homeland of Heaven, to call on you with one accord:
Hail, leader of the thrice-holy hymn of the angels.
Hail, ever-ready advocate and guardian of those on earth.
Hail, mighty defender of those who speak truth and live by mercy.
Hail, for in a strange manner, you struck down Pharaoh with his faithless Egyptians in their ponderous pride.
Hail, for you gloriously led the Jews in their wandering through the wilderness.
Hail, for you quenched the flame of the fiery furnace of Babylon for the three youths.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 9
Joyful trembling seized the monks of holy Mount Athos when they saw how you saved the God-fearing child who was thrown into the depths of the sea, with a stone around his neck, by money-grubbing men. The monastery that received him was adorned by your name, Archangel Michael, and cries to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Speakers, eloquent in words and who love clever thoughts, have not sufficient strength to declare your mighty power, glorious Michael — how in one night you destroyed the one hundred and eighty-five thousand warriors of King Sennacherih of Assyria, as a warning to him not to blaspheme the Name of the Lord in the future. Honoring your zeal for the glory of the truth of God, we cry out to you with gladness:
Hail, unconquerable leader of the armies of Orthodoxy.
Hail, very fear and defeat of armies whose beliefs are evil.
Hail, planter of the Orthodox faith and worship.
Hail, uprooter of heresies and schisms that harm the soul.
Hail, for you strengthened the pious Maccabees on the field of battle.
Hail, for you struck down in the temple itself Heliodorus, the captain of the evil King Antiochus.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 10
Saint Michael, be for us who wish to be saved, a firm helper. Deliver and preserve us from distress and mishap, and even more so from our own evil habits and sins. Thereby progressing in faith, hope, and love of Christ, we may thankfully cry out with joy to the Master of angels and mankind for your strong defense: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Archangel of God, you are a secure wall for all who believe and a sturdy pillar in the struggle with visible and invisible enemies. With thankful hearts and voices we dutifully cry out to you:
Hail, unconquerable opponent of the enemies of the Faith and the adversaries of the Holy Church.
Hail, untiring helper of those who humbly announce the good news.
Hail, for you enlighten with the light of faith those sitting in the land of darkness.
Hail, for you direct along the path of truth and repentance those made foolish through false wisdom.
Hail, terrible avenger of those who call in vain on the Name of the Lord.
Hail, chastiser-bearing lightning for those who foolishly mock the mysteries of the Holy Faith.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 11
Archangel Michael, every song of praise falls short because of the multitude of miracles performed by you not only in Heaven and on earth, but also in the dark shadows of the depths of the netherworld. You have chained the serpent with the bonds of power of the Lord, that those delivered from the evil one’s wickedness might bless the Master of Heaven and earth, crying: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Supreme Commander, you appeared as a light-bearing servant of truth and the purity of divine worship when you foresaw the snares of the spirit of darkness. You forbad him in the Name of the Lord that he dare not show the hidden body of the Prophet Moses to the sensual children of Israel lest they deify him. We therefore honor today your divinely bright feast and we cry to you:
Hail, for you kept the purity of knowledge of God among the Jews in the days of the Old Testament.
Hail, for you have many times uprooted the weeds of error in the days of the New Testament.
Hail, destroyer of heathen prophets and idols.
Hail, fortifier of Christians who struggle and suffer.
Hail, for you fill the weak in spirit with the strength of the grace of God.
Hail, for you clothe in the armor of faith those who fail in the flesh.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 12
Implore grace for us from God in Heaven as we sing to the glory of your honorable name, O holy Michael. In the shadow of your protection may we live in all piety and purity until set loose from the bonds of flesh and death. Then, may we be granted to stand before the flaming Throne of the King of Glory and sing with all the choirs of angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing the praises of your many different miracles performed for our salvation, we pray the Lord and Master of all, Archangel Michael, that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God that is within you fail not in us who sing to you with these hymns of praise:
Hail, for you divinely lift up into the heights of power the servants of God in time of need.
Hail, for you invisibly bring down from the heights of strength and glory those who are unworthy and insolent.
Hail, for on the last day, you shall gather the chosen from the four ends of the earth.
Hail, you by whom at the voice of God sinners shall be committed like tares to the eternal fire.
Hail, you by whom Satan and his angels shall be cast into the lake of fire.
Hail, you by whom the righteous shall gloriously be made to settle in the mansion of our Heavenly Father.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
Kontakion 13
Most wonderful leader of archangels and angels, because of your most marvelous service for the salvation of mankind, accept from us the song of praise and thanksgiving now offered to you. Since you are filled with the strength of God, protect us with your immaterial wings from all visible and invisible enemies, so that we may cry unceasingly to the Lord glorified by you and Who glorified you: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(Repeat Kontakion 13 three times.)
Kontakion 1 (repeated)
Chosen Commander of the heavenly hosts and defender of mankind, we who are delivered from affliction offer this hymn of thanksgiving. We implore you, O Michael standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, to set us free from all distress that we may cry to you with faith and love:
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with the hosts of Heaven.
Ikos 1 (repeated)
Since you are the leader of the choirs of angels, it is right to praise you with angelic tongue, Archangel Michael, but until, taught by you, we have become used to the speech of the bodiless powers, hear our praises from thankful lips though they be those of mortal beings:
Hail, first-formed star of the world.
Hail, candle of truth and justice, shining like gold.
Hail, first receiver in the choirs of angels, of the rays of the uncreated light.
Hail, head of angels and archangels.
Hail, you in whom the creative glory of the Right Hand shines.
Hail, you by whom the assembly of all bodiless creatures is made beautiful.
Hail, Michael, Supreme Commander with all the hosts of Heaven.
A Prayer
Archangel Michael, we are attacked day and night by the evil enemy of God, by that arrogant liar and vile destroyer of souls, by that serpent which through falsehood and foolishness desires to rob the Holy Church of Her faithful. We come to you, O leader of the archangels and angels, in our need for defense against unbelief and for enlightenment over doubt. Grant us shelter beneath your strong and glorious wings, that we may discern and overcome all temptations and attacks. Help us to live in fidelity to our Mother the Church and to our Father in Heaven. Amen.
AKATHIST HYMNS, RECONSTRUCTED 