Hidar 12 — November 21

The Feast of the Archangel Michael

Today is a happy feast day for the kind archangel Michael, the chief and leader of all the angels of heaven. He is gentle and loving to people, and he stands close to God's great throne, always speaking to God on our behalf, like a good friend who is always on your side.

Long ago, a brave leader named Joshua saw Michael shining bright and glorious. Michael told him not to be afraid, and promised that God would help him win and keep his people safe.

Michael was with all the saints, giving them courage and strength when things were hard. That is why, on the twelfth day of every month, we hold a happy feast to thank him and to remember him. Michael prays to God for good things for us: for the fruits of the earth to grow, for the rains to fall, and for the rivers to be full of fresh water. He asks God to take good care of every kind heart.

Salutation to thee, O merciful angel Michael whom I have feared from my youth up; hide me under thy prayers at dawn and at eve.

Dorotheus and the Surprise from the Fish

There was a good man named Dorotheus and his wife, Theopista. Every month they loved to throw a feast to thank God and honor the archangel Michael. They would invite many people and share food with everyone.

But one month they had no money left at all, not even enough to make their feast. They felt so sad that they got ready to sell their own clothes just to buy food. Then the archangel Michael appeared to Dorotheus and told him not to sell anything. Instead, Michael said to buy one little sheep, one fish, and some flour, each for only a tiny coin. And he told him not to cut open the fish until he was safe inside his house.

Dorotheus did just as Michael said. When he went to his store-room to look for wine for the feast, he found the room already filled with wine and flour. Then, when he carefully opened the fish at home, three hundred gold coins spilled out! Michael told him the gold was a gift from God, to thank Dorotheus and Theopista for always sharing with others. From that day on, they never went without anything good again. Michael had carried all their kind gifts up to God, and God had remembered them.

God hath remembered you and the alms and oblations which ye have been wont to make, and hath rewarded you for the same here in this world.— the archangel Michael

Abba Philotheus, the Kind Archbishop

We also remember a holy church father named Philotheus. He was the sixty-third archbishop of the great city of Alexandria, which means he was a leader who cared for many churches at once.

In his days, the people of Ethiopia were having a very hard time. There was not enough rain, the crops would not grow, and they had no bishop to pray with them and guide them. The king of Ethiopia was very worried, so he sent a letter asking another king, named George, to please help. King George kindly wrote to Archbishop Philotheus and begged him to send a church leader to Ethiopia.

Archbishop Philotheus listened with a caring heart. He chose a good and holy monk named Abba Daniel, a man who had given his life to quiet prayer, and sent him to Ethiopia. When Abba Daniel arrived, the people welcomed him with great joy. He prayed for them, and God brought them peace and safety once again. It was a happy ending, all because kind people helped one another and trusted God.

Remembering King Ba'eda Maryam

On this day we also remember Ba'eda Maryam, a king of Ethiopia who lived a long time ago. His name means "in the hand of Mary." We thank God for his life and ask God to remember him with love. It is good to remember the people who came before us and to pray for them.