October 13 (September 30, Old style) The Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Michael, the first Metropolitan of Kiev. His name is associated with the Baptism of Rus and the labors of the pastors who helped our ancestors to learn the Gospel and organize a Christian life.
Information about the saint has been preserved mainly in the church tradition. According to one of the hagiographic traditions, he was originally from Syria and came to Russia from Byzantium during the reign of St. Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles. Tradition connects his mission with Patriarch Nicholas Chrysoverg of Constantinople, who sent the archpastor to the prince in Korsun. From there, Metropolitan Mikhail came to Kiev, where he was to work on the education of the newly baptized people.
The adoption of Baptism opened up a long path of church formation for Russia. People who had recently lived according to pagan customs needed mentors who could explain the basics of faith and teach prayer. Saint Michael preached the word of God, took care of the construction of churches, and provided priests and deacons. The short lines of the life are based on everyday pastoral work: conversations with new converts, performing divine services, caring for the first Christian communities.
The changes were not easy. The story of the overthrow of pagan idols reminds us how firmly people clung to their former beliefs. The establishment of Christianity required patient guidance and personal example. Church memory has preserved the image of St. Michael as a wise and gentle archpastor who combined firmness in faith with concern for his flock. In the synodics of the Kiev and Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedrals, he is called the founder of the Russian Church.
According to his life, the saint departed to the Lord in 992 and was buried in Kiev, in the Tithe Church. Subsequently, his relics were transferred to the Antoniev Caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery, and in 1730 to the Assumption Cathedral of the Lavra. The autumn celebration of his memory is connected with the transfer of the relics. Another day of church commemoration of the saint falls on June 28 (June 15 in the old style).
The exact date of the beginning of the veneration of St. Michael is unknown. Already in the 17th century, his name was found among the saints of the Kiev Caves Monastery and in the Lavra liturgical books. From generation to generation, the Church preserves the grateful memory of the archpastor who stood at the origins of her life on Russian soil.
Remembering St. Michael, we turn to our own Christian life. Accepted Baptism calls us to grow in faith, read the Gospel, participate in church sacraments, and learn to love our neighbors. The care of the first pastors for newly baptized Russia continues today in every parish, where a person finds spiritual support and takes the first steps towards God.
Holy Father Michael, pray to God for us!