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Holy Martyr and Confessor Michael and Theodore, Wonderworkers of Chernigov · Saints and Scripture

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  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Saints in Scripture Podcast.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today is Sunday, september twentieth, twenty twenty six.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today we remember the holy martyr and confessor Michael, Prince of Chernagov and his counselor Theodore.
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  SPEAKER_00: They are honored as wonder workers of Chernagov for their steadfast faith and courage.
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  SPEAKER_00: Prince Michael was born in either eleven seventy nine or eleven ninety five, the son of Visevalod Olgovitch Cherny.
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  SPEAKER_00: From his youth he was known for his piety and meekness.
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  SPEAKER_00: Although he suffered from poor health in eleven eighty six, he sought the prayers of Saint Nikitas, the stylite of Pereaslavl.
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  SPEAKER_00: After receiving a wooden staff from the saint, Michael was healed immediately.
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  SPEAKER_00: Michael became Prince of Chernigov after his uncle died in battle in twelve twenty three.
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  SPEAKER_00: He also served briefly as Prince of Novgorod, where his just and compassionate rule earned the love of the people.
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  SPEAKER_00: He worked to build peace and friendship between cities and resolve disputes among princes.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the 1230s and 1240s, the Mongol Tatars invaded the lands of Rus.
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  SPEAKER_00: Cities were destroyed and many lives lost.
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  SPEAKER_00: When the Mongols demanded submission, Prince Michael refused to worship their pagan gods.
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  SPEAKER_00: He traveled to the horde with his faithful companion Theodore to confirm his right to rule under the Khan's authority.
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  SPEAKER_00: At the Horde, the Mongol priests demanded that Michael and Theodore participate in pagan rituals, including walking through fire and worshiping the sun and fire.
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  SPEAKER_00: Prince Michael responded firmly, saying, A Christian worships God alone, the creator of the world, and not creatures.
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  SPEAKER_00: Despite threats and beatings, Michael remained steadfast in his faith.
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  SPEAKER_00: He told the Khan's attendants that he was willing to submit to the Khan's rule but could not worship idols.
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  SPEAKER_00: Encouraged by the words of Christ about losing one's life for his sake, Michael and Theodore prepared for martyrdom.
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  SPEAKER_00: They received holy communion from their spiritual father before their execution.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Tatars beat Prince Michael until he bled and then beheaded him.
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  SPEAKER_00: Theodore was promised honor if he would comply with the pagan rituals, but he refused and was also beheaded after severe torture.
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  SPEAKER_00: Their bodies were left to be eaten by dogs, but God preserved them until faithful Christians could bury them with reverence.
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  SPEAKER_00: The courage of Saints Michael and Theodore amazed even their executioners.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Tatars stopped forcing Russians to perform pagan rituals, though the struggle against the Mongol yoke continued for many years.
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  SPEAKER_00: Their relics were transferred to Moscow in 1578, and later kept in the Holy Archangel's Cathedral in the Kremlin.
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  SPEAKER_00: Their lives in service were recorded by Saint Zenobios of Otonsk in the sixteenth century.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Michael's family continued his Christian witness, including his daughter, Saint Euphrasine of Suzdal, and his grandson Saint Oleg of Bryansk.
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  SPEAKER_00: We commemorate Saints Michael and Theodore on September twentieth, the day of their martyrdom, as well as on February 14th and the Sunday before August 26th.
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  SPEAKER_00: May their example of faith and courage inspire us to remain true to Christ in all circumstances.
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  SPEAKER_00: Let us pray.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord, grant us strength to stand firm in our faith like Saints Michael and Theodore.
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  SPEAKER_00: Help us to trust in your mercy and to follow you with courage.
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  SPEAKER_00: Keep us faithful to the end.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God.
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  SPEAKER_00: Amen.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord, grant us strength to stand firm in our faith like Saints Michael and Theodore.
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  SPEAKER_00: Help us to trust in your mercy and to follow you with courage.
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  SPEAKER_00: Keep us faithful to the end.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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  SPEAKER_00: One God, Amen.