A Homily on the Glorious Feast of St. #Michael the Archangel
Beloved brethren who strive to walk in the path of truth and righteousness, it is meet and right to give glory to God and to honor His mighty servants, among whom is the illustrious St. Michael the Archangel, whose feast fills our hearts with awe and reverence. Let us draw near to this sacred topic with diligence and humility, delving deeply into the marvels and mysteries surrounding this chief of angels, as transmitted by our fathers and confirmed through countless generations.
The Meaning of St. Michael’s Name
The very name of Michael is a revelation in itself, bearing testimony to the greatness of God. In the Hebrew tongue, his name is composed thus:
"Mi" – Menu (Who)
"Ka" – Keme (is like)
"El" – God
Together, his name resounds as a question and a proclamation: "Who is like God?" This name is not merely a title but a declaration of divine truth, a defiance of the arrogance of the fallen angels and a call for all creation to bow before the Almighty. It is a name that encapsulates his mission: to champion the glory of God and to defend His holy kingdom.
Michael, Chief of the Archangels
In the divine vision of St. John the Evangelist, it is revealed, "I saw the seven angels standing before God" (Revelation 8:2). Among these celestial beings, St. Michael was chosen by God to be their chief. His station is not a mere honor but a position of service, vigilance, and might. St. Michael stands as the protector of the faithful, the defender of the Church, and the adversary of Satan and his hosts.
The Miracles and Intercessions of St. Michael
The history of St. Michael is adorned with countless miracles, his interventions shining as stars in the spiritual firmament. Our forefathers, in their wisdom and devotion, preserved these accounts, witnessing his glory and power in their lives. From the writings of Saint Yared, Aba Giorgis of Gasecha, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Eustathius of Antioch, and Saint Macarius, we learn of his manifold acts of guardianship and intercession.
The Institution of St. Michael’s Feast
The feast of St. Michael was established in the days of Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria (312–326). At that time, the city was home to a temple dedicated to the idol Saturn, a remnant of paganism. Inspired by divine wisdom, the patriarch sought to replace this abomination with the veneration of the true and living God. Through his teachings, he led the people to forsake idolatry. On the very day once devoted to Saturn, he consecrated the temple to St. Michael, transforming it into a church. Thus, the feast was established, and churches in honor of St. Michael began to spread, marking this day as a time of spiritual triumph.
The Miracle of Durataos and Tewablet
Among the many testimonies of St. Michael’s care, the story of Durataos and his wife, Tewablet, is especially remarkable. This pious couple faithfully celebrated the feast of St. Michael, even in times of prosperity. Yet, when adversity struck and they were impoverished, they lamented their inability to honor the archangel properly. In their desperation, Durataos sought to sell their remaining possessions. But St. Michael, ever vigilant, appeared to him in the guise of a great officer and instructed him to take a sheep, a fish, and wheat on credit, promising divine provision.
Upon returning home, Durataos found his household miraculously filled with blessings. Not only did this provision restore their ability to celebrate the feast, but it also allowed them to feed the hungry and glorify God abundantly. Later, when the archangel appeared again, he instructed Durataos to open the belly of the fish, where he discovered a dinar. With this, their debts were paid, and their needs met. St. Michael assured them, "I am Michael, the archangel who saved you from all your troubles. I will not cause you to be deprived of good things in this world."
About the #EOTC #Church
👉 Question: Blessed Day, I am seeking clarity on the Constitution of EOTC. Is there one for all or is there a different one for the West and Ethiopia? Do individual churches have the ability to amend the Constitution to adapt to their respective community? Where can one access the Constitution? Glory be to God.
Answer፦ Blessed day to you, beloved in Christ! Thank you for your question, and may the grace of God guide us as we seek understanding.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) does not operate under a "constitution" in the way that secular organizations do. Instead, the Church is governed by the Holy Scriptures, Apostolic Tradition, the Canons of the Church, and the writings of the Church Fathers. These form the unchanging foundation of our faith and practices, handed down from Christ through His Apostles and preserved by the Church throughout the centuries.
From your question, it seems you are asking whether individual churches or communities can adapt or amend these foundational principles to meet specific local needs. The answer is no. The EOTC's teachings, liturgical practices, and sacred traditions are universal and cannot be altered to suit particular communities or contexts. The Church is "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic," and this unity of faith and practice must remain unbroken.
However, the Church does have pastoral flexibility in addressing the practical needs of its faithful. For instance, local parishes, under the guidance of their bishop or priest, may provide tailored spiritual care, educational programs, or community support. This is not a change in the Church’s core teachings but a reflection of the Church's love and pastoral care for her children.
If you are asking where to access the guiding principles of the EOTC, I would encourage you to look into:
1. The Holy Scriptures: These are the foundation of all our teachings.
2. The Canons of the Church: These are the rules and guidelines established by the early councils and saints.
3. The Teachings of the Church Fathers: Such as those found in the writings of St. Dioscorus, St. Cyril, and others.
Your local Ethiopian Orthodox parish or diocese can also be a valuable resource. Clergy and learned laity are always ready to guide and instruct those who seek to deepen their understanding.
Let me ask you this: as you learn more about the unchanging faith of the Church, how will you allow these eternal truths to shape your spiritual journey and draw closer to the life of repentance and holiness in Christ?
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
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