Commemoration of the Miracle Performed at Colossus in Chone by the Archangel Michael; Holy Martyr Eudoxius and His Companions (284- 305); Our Venerable Father Archipus
2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2; Mark 4:24-34
2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today we commemorate an interesting minor feast of the Archangel Michael. He was sent to appear in a dream to a man, who’s daughter was suffering as a mute, instructing him to take his daughter to a spring and have her drink from the water. The man obeyed the instruction and his daughter recovered. Upon receiving this great gift of healing his whole family converted to Christ and were baptized. In gratitude he build a Church dedicated to the Archangel Michael over the spring. As the news spread many Christians and pagans visited the spring for healing. Many received physical healing and countless pagans turned to Christ.
A pious man by the name of Archippus served for sixty years as church custodian and helped instruct many pagans in the faith. The surrounding pagan leaders grew in their hatred and malice for Archippus and the church since so many were abandoning paganism. They began to plot to destroy both the custodian and the church.
The pagan rulers made a confluence of the Lykokaperos and Kufos Rivers and directed its combined flow against the church. Since the church was close to the river the rising water would destroy the church. Archippus began to pray fervently to the patron of the church for protection from the raging river. The Archangel Michael appeared in the temple and with the blow of his staff the rock outside of the church split open. The water was directed to flow into the split rock and away from the church, which then remained unharmed. Upon seeing this miracle the pagans retreated with great terror. The spot where the rock was split is called ‘chone’, which means plunging.
We may think that this event is something of the past and that the Lord does not bring people to faith in unexpected and miraculous ways, but even today this continues throughout the world. People in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and else where, are encountering Christ in powerful ways. Many who have never even heard of the name of Jesus, are coming to faith—sometimes even at the expense of their own personal safety. The Gospel spreads, the Kingdom grows, miracles occur daily. If only we just open our eyes, hearts and ears. The Lord is active in the world and is calling us to participate in the growth of the Kingdom. Through the prayers of the Archangel Michael may we become receptive to the voice of the Lord and become participants in this great movement of salvation.