MICHAELMAS (SEPTEMBER 29TH)

St. Michael the Archangel, Defender of Christians Against the Forces of Evil

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

O Saint Michael, Archangel of God, we do thee reverence as the mighty protector of Holy Church and the vigilant guardian of our souls. Inspire us, we beseech thee, with thy lowliness, valor, and strength, that we may eschew sin and make perfect our love for our Heavenly Father.

By thy might and humility, smite the malice and pride within our hearts, that naught may hinder us from the love of God.

O Saint Michael, Archangel, pray that we may receive of God His bountiful grace, and with fervent zeal live our lives according to the holy teachings of Christ.

Thou, O Prince of the angelic host, art chief among the heavenly ministers; yet in all thy glory, thou didst acknowledge God to be sovereign and thyself His humble servant. Unlike Lucifer, thou wast not overcome by pride, but didst stand fast in humility. Pray for us, that we also may be clothed in this same humility.

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of Almighty God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

St. Michael and the Angels Defeat Satan and His Minions On the Last Day

ANCIENT SEQUENCE HYMN FOR MICHAELMAS

Michael, Archangel of the King of Kings, 

Incline thine ear unto our cries. 

We confess thee, Prince of the citizens of heaven: 

At thy prayer doth God send His angels unto men, 

That the foe with his craft and guile prevaileth not 

To bring the harm he seeketh 

To the wearied sons of Adam. 

Yea, thou hast the dominion of the eternal Paradise, 

And the holy angels do ever honor thee. 

Thou wert beheld in the Temple of God, 

A golden censer in thine hands, 

And the sweet-smelling smoke thereof 

Did rise unto the Throne of God. 

Thou, with mighty hand, didst smite the cruel dragon, 

And many souls thou didst pluck from his ravening maw. 

Then there was a great silence in heaven, 

And a thousand thousand voices sang, “Glory to the Lord our King.” 

Hearken unto us, O Michael, 

Chief among angels, 

Descend a little 

From thy lofty seat, 

To bring unto us the strength of God, 

And the lightening of His mercy. 

And thou, Gabriel, 

Confound our foes, 

And thou, Raphael, 

Heal our sickness, 

Purge us of disease, and lighten our pain, 

That we may have share 

In the blessed joys of the saints. 

(St. Alcuin, Sequence for Saint Michael, translated by Helen Waddell, Medieval Latin Lyrics, pp. 91-3)

An Ancient Latin Book of Hours Illustration of St. Michael Defeating the Dragon

PRAYER OF COMMEMORATION 

O Saint Michael, Archangel of God, mighty protector of the Church and guardian of our souls, inspire us with thy humility, valor, and strength. By thy power, smite the malice and pride in our hearts, that we may love God purely. As Prince of the heavenly host, thou didst stand firm in humility, unlike Lucifer. Defend us in battle, cast down Satan, and bring us God’s strength and mercy.

FINAL COLLECT 

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast ordained and constituted in a wondrous order the ministries of Angels and men, mercifully grant that as thy holy angels ever serve thee in heaven, so, by thy command, they may succor and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Edited by Bp. Joseph Boyd 

(Ancient Church of the West)

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