Holy Michael the Warrior Commemorated on November 22 Holy Michael the
Warrior, among the first Christians of Bulgaria, lived in the city of Potok
during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Michael III P'yanos ("the
Fat") (855-867). He was descended from an old Bulgarian line. While still
an infant they had called him a "saintly child". From his youth he led
an immaculate life, possessed the fear of God, fasted, generously distributed
alms to the poor and visited the sick, and was meek and humble. At 24 years of
age Saint Michael was made head of a troop of soldiers. The Turks were warring
against Christians. Saint Michael inspired all his troop by his bravery in
battle. When the allies of the Bulgarians, the Greeks, fled from the field of
battle, he fell to the earth and prayed with tears for the saving of
Christians. Then he led his own soldiers against the enemy. Rushing at the
centre of the enemy formation, he put it into disarray and himself remained
unharmed. © 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. |
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